GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 1998 🢒 Century 🢒 Steering 🢒 Steering Wheel and Column - Tilt 🢒 Loose Steering Wheel

Problem

Action

The bearing preload spring is missing or broken.
  1. Inspect the bearing preload spring.
  2. Replace the spring as needed. Refer to Steering Shaft, Lower Bearing, and Jacket - Disassemble - Off Vehicle or Steering Shaft, Lower Bearing, and Jacket - Disassemble - Off Vehicle or Steering Column Housing - Disassemble (Floor Shift) or Steering Column Housing - Disassemble (Column Shift).

The anti-lash spring in the spheres are damaged or missing.
  1. Inspect the anti-lash spring in the spheres.
  2. Replace the spring as needed. Refer to Steering Column Housing - Disassemble (Floor Shift) or Steering Column Housing - Disassemble (Column Shift).

The clearance between the holes in the support or housing and the pivot pin diameters is excessive.
  1. Clean the components.
  2. Inspect the components.
  3. Replace the components. Refer to Steering Column Housing - Disassemble (Floor Shift) or Steering Column Housing - Disassemble (Column Shift).

The support screws are loose.

Tighten the screws to specifications. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .

The upper bearing inner race seat is missing.

Install the seat. Refer to Steering Column Housing - Disassemble (Floor Shift) or Steering Column Housing - Disassemble (Column Shift).

The upper bearing is not seated in the housing.
  1. Inspect the upper bearing.
  2. Use the correct special tools in order to seat the bearing in the housing. Refer to Steering Column Housing - Disassemble (Floor Shift) or Steering Column Housing - Disassemble (Column Shift).

The fit between the shoe and the pivot pins is loose.
  1. Clean the components.
  2. Inspect the components.
  3. Replace the components as needed. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement or Steering Column Housing - Disassemble (Floor Shift) or Steering Column Housing - Disassemble (Column Shift).

The shoe is not free in the slot.
  1. Inspect the components.
  2. Service the components as needed. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement or Steering Column Housing - Disassemble (Floor Shift) or Steering Column Housing - Disassemble (Column Shift).