Steering wheel center nut loose (Page 1/1)
Monkeybean007 SEP 04, 05:20 PM
So the 22mm (I think) nut that is underneath the steering wheel keeps completely coming loose which then makes the steering wheel spin freely meaning no steering at all. I've tightened the hell out of it to no avail. Please help don't want it coming loose while driving.
theogre SEP 04, 06:31 PM
S-wheel should have splines to shaft to keep it from rotating. So nut should not come loose.
Plus GM also uses a clip to lock the nut on the shaft so can't come off.

Cation: Many column parts Are Not Metric. Make sure you use correct tools etc for whatever part.

------------------
Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 09-04-2020).]

Patrick SEP 04, 07:06 PM

Let's see a picture of the problem.

There must be something exceptionally messed up with your steering wheel assembly for the wheel to get loose.
dremu SEP 04, 08:41 PM
Yeah, pix, and is it an aftermarket wheel with an adapter hub or something, or is it OEM?

-- A
Monkeybean007 SEP 06, 04:32 PM

Here's the Pic I could get
OldGuyinaGT SEP 07, 12:27 AM
From the picture it looks like you're not using a Fiero steering wheel, or any GM wheel. Looks like a Grant steering wheel adapter, or similar. But the adapter behind the part visible in the photo should engage the splines, and then the three screws should tie the wheel to the adapter should keep it from spinning unless the adapter backs completely off the splines. I'm talking about this piece:



I wonder if the adapter behind what's visible here has damaged splines - I've used Grant wheels before (not on a Fiero), and they work well, but the adapter is much softer than the GM steering column shaft. It's possible the splines in this piece are damaged/stripped if it was not pressed on sufficiently to fully engage the splines the first time. Also, the manual steering of the Fiero at low speed puts more stress on this part.

To fix the problem, I suggest replacing the adapter kit to get a replacement for this part, make sure it is fully engaged with the shaft - maybe put a bit of blue Loctite on the splines (this might make later removal difficult, however) - reassemble, and torque the nut down. Definitely put Loctite on the threads there, and get a replacement for the clip Ogre mentioned and install it. Unless the adapter is just too soft for the Fiero's manual steering (doubtful), you should be fine.
IMSA GT SEP 07, 10:44 AM
I agree with the above post. That is a Grant adapter and the plate has "teeth" that grab on to the splines of the factory column. If they are stripped out not aligned, it becomes deadly.

[This message has been edited by IMSA GT (edited 09-07-2020).]

theogre SEP 07, 11:31 AM
I don't recognized the setup. If you can't get right adapter to replace the dead one...

Locktite will be bad idea when you have to fix anything in the column later. Worse if use Red Locktite.
Or Very Bad, may not work for long for locking wheel to column splines then get loose w/o warning on the highway.

So If has Aftermarket S-wheel "bad" for any reason then Better and Safer to use a GM OE S-wheel.
Grab any S-wheel for any old GM Round style S-column (Pre Airbag column setup and w/o "luxury car" options in the S-wheel) from any junk yard. Likely have wrong logo but should fit otherwise.

Take wrench etc and S-wheel puller to junk yard. Take all parts including the "Triangle" shape clip locking it.
Many GM cars have the clip so should be easy to find but many fools including "pro's" don't put it back after any work.

Clip can be remove w/ smallish screw driver because where and type it is. Supposed to need external snap ring "pliers" to remove. Clip isn't hard to remove or install. Even fall off the screwdriver won't cause a problem trying to reinstall. 3/16 inch Craftsman screwdriver used here has tapered sides is likely easier. IE 3/16" at very tip then gets wider.
(Just did that today w/ one hand and taking pictures...)
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