Steering Column Problem with Tilt & Telescoping In & Out

[DeeeePIMPact]

Hello, ALL

I have a problem with my steering wheel not going up or down nor in or out!

I took it to the dealership and they told me they wouldn't fix the problem, that it would not be worth it because the parts and labor would be more than the value of the car and to just deal with it!

I would really like to fix this problem, but from what I have read from other people on this forum, it is a big hassle and you kind of have to know what you are doing...

I did read in a thread it could be as simple as a gear.. but a hassle to get to and replace...

I saw a replacement steering column and was thinking about trying to find someone to replace it for me..

Do you guys think this a good idea? Some suggestions please... maybe if anyone knows anybody in the Sanford/Orlando/Central Florida area that would want to take on this challange... Was even thinking of taking it to Reinhart Performance Engineering... but don't know if they would do it.

Plus, I have a couple of other problems I wouldn't mind getting looked at or suggestions... I guess I need to find a good mechanic that is familiar with Mark VIII's...

The more suggestions the better!!
Thanks!!!

 

[torquemonkey]

Howdy!

Start with this; http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/tech/lincoln-mark-viii/tilt-steering/index.htm

and

this; http://www.lincolnsonline.com/tech/tech.html

and

Follow up with this;http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/search.php?

That will give you a good start in trouble shooting your car's issues and what to ask and possibly who to ask next.

 

[DeeeePIMPact]

Double posted sorry!

 

[DeeeePIMPact]

Thank you for the great advice... very helpful! It would probably help me with the steering wheel going in & out and up & down.

Maybe I should have been more clear...... besides the steering wheel not going in & out, the whole steering column just moves wherever it wants! It seems like something is broken or loose inside. Sorry for not being more clear... any suggestions?

Would really like for someone to look at this or pay someone to do this.. not to handy in the garage... but if all else fails wouldn't trying to do myself if i had great tutorials like the ones above!

Just not sure that would fix the looseness of the steering wheel... (with steering wheel in hand you can move it around in a circle)

Thanks again...

 

[torquemonkey]

No worries... you are on the right course to have a mechanic or a friend who is Mech. inclined to look at it. From what I have read, it looks like you may need a "new" column as parts may be obsolete or difficult to locate. I haven't taken a Mark VIII column apart (yet) to know if there is a piece that may be able to "popped" back into place to make it right.

Something to consider, check out Ebay, online auto recyclers and your local salvage yard to get an idea on pricing. For that matter, a set of tools and a copy of a tech article in hand, try taking apart a junk yard column to get the practice before taking on yours.

 

[97markviii]

I had the same problem with my 97 base. Luckily, it was still under warranty at the dealer that I bought it from and they took care of it. I would get it looked at soon, because I was told here that the columns can collapse because of that problem. I forgot who the person was that told me. At my dealer, the invoice said it was about $500 for the fix. You problem sound very similar to mine. Anyway, good luck, and hope it isn't as expensive.