Today while driving I noticed my steering wheel felt loose and I can move the steering wheel up and down. Im wondering if this a common problem with these camaros. Is the steering column loose? What should I do? Major problem?

 

I am assuming that it is a common problem. The steering wheel being loose isnt but the entire thing dropping down and to the left is. Mine does it and I have been looking for a junkyard column and every one that I have come across has done the same thing.

 

Its not actually the steering wheel thats loose its for sure the whole column. If its a common problem then that means there are plenty of ways people have fixed it but im not really sure where to begin.

 

Mine does the same thing, any solutions?

 

OP: Are you saying the column height adjuster is slipping? Mine has done that holding the wheel tightly during a corner, and the wheel adjusts down -- very annoying and potential dangerous. I believe there is a spring that needs to be replaced to fix this issue, but I haven't investigated it enough yet...

 

Yeah it caught me off guard while i was driving. So it seems to be a very common problem with these camaros. I think I might check for a recall. If I find one I will let you guys know so everyone can take care of the problem.

 

mine just pushes down to the left

 

Mine 99 does this same exact thing, pulls down and to the left. I think mine is this way because the previous owner was pulling their body into the seat by holding on to the steering wheel when getting into the car and adjusting their body in the seat. I guess over time it just gets worse.

 

Ok, to reiterate, I had two Steering Wheel issues:
1. The position lever did NOT hold position when I would brace on the wheel during a turn or pushing down on it from the bottom when parked, and it would bump down into another lock position.
2. I could also push down and to the left with the whole wheel itself -- yes, a separate type of issue.

My RS is in the shop, and they said they are replacing the Steering Column Lock Bowl Mechanism -- I believe there are also loose bolts. After searching online, it looks like this writeup (different GM car) has hints as to the problem/solution -- or at least part of it.

G-Body Loose Tilt Steering Column Repair...Fix it right the first time - El Camino Central Forum : Chevrolet El Camino Forums

Hope this helps someone else.

Here's what the bowl looks like (supposedly there's more to it -- gears that aren't visible in this pic):

 

I have the same issue in my 96. I just have not had the time to fix it. I always assumed it was the 4 bolts at the base of the tilt that just need tighen. This was a very comon is back in the 80s. About a month ago I did a friends 91 pickup.