Keep the Steering Column Up!

[DeloreanJoshQ]

Does anyone know a way to keep the steering wheel/column from lowering itself with use? I like to keep my steering wheel high enough so I can see the dash lights, but no matter how hard I tighten that damned knob under the dash, the steering wheel inevitably drops back down after driving a while, blocking visibility to the turn signal lights until I lift it back up again.

I have the same problem and preference as you.

[Rich]

Make sure all of the parts are there and assembled in the correct order. Snugged up (not overtightened) it should not drop.
David Teitelbaum

+1

Here is how the parts are lined up on a D with no such column-locking problems.

IMG_2432.jpg IMG_2433.jpg IMG_2435.jpg

[ramblinmike]

How's your bushing? Before I replaced mine, I had the same problem you did, and it virtually went away after the new bushing was in.

If that doesn't work for you, eat more Spinach.

+1

[Soundkillr]

+1

Here is how the parts are lined up on a D with no such column-locking problems.

IMG_2432.jpg IMG_2433.jpg IMG_2435.jpg

Looking at these pics, I would assume (for a quick temp fix) you could adjust it all the way to the top, and slide a smaller bolt below it, into the tracked area with a nut on the other side. This would keep it from sliding down. This would simply close the adjustable area, so it essentially has one setting. Up high.

[Bill Robertson's Sock Puppet #1]

Looking at these pics, I would assume (for a quick temp fix) you could adjust it all the way to the top, and slide a smaller bolt below it, into the tracked area with a nut on the other side. This would keep it from sliding down. This would simply close the adjustable area, so it essentially has one setting. Up high.

See Post #4:

Put a stubby 3/8" bolt through the adjusting slot underneath the steering column mechanism. Threads fit so tight you really don't need a nut on the other side.

[Soundkillr]

Uh ok? Maybe a +1 woulda been better?

[David T]

Most owners have the column up all the way and the steering wheel all the way in. Most common position. That lock not only keeps the column up it also locks it so it won't move in or out. By jamming a screw in the slot to keep the column up you are not locking the column from moving in and out. Get the hardware put together correctly and it will work fine. By overtightening the knob you could strip it.
David Teitelbaum

[Bill Robertson's Sock Puppet #1]

Threading the bolt in (turning it) would probably work better than jamming. Clockwise to install, counter clockwise to remove (right hand threads).

[BTTF-1]

Jesus! I have had the same problem for years.

It's become a real pain in the ass.

It's bad enough everything on me is drooopping without the steering wheel doing the same.
It seems to be a race to see who can touch the ground first.

Ed

[outatym2001]

Does anyone know a way to keep the steering wheel/column from lowering itself with use?

Same exact thing is happening to my Steering Column. It has gotten worse. When I drive slow and turn the wheel into a parking space sometimes the steering column drops a little. Then I have to loosen the knob and raise the column back up and tighten the knob.
It's acting like the friction between the metal parts is no longer there and are now completely smooth thus allowing the column to fall no matter how much the knob is tightened.
When exiting the DeLorean I never ever use the steering wheel as leverage to get out I always use my left fore arm and push down on the body where the inner door seal is.
I seem to remember somebody on the old dmctalk.com forum having this same problem. Or perhaps they had stripped the black painted nut where the knob is inserted to and the knob may have become impossible to tighten.

Make sure all of the parts are there and assembled in the correct order. Snugged up (not overtightened) it should not drop.
David Teitelbaum

Thanks Captain Obvious.

Most owners have the column up all the way and the steering wheel all the way in. Most common position. That lock not only keeps the column up it also locks it so it won't move in or out. By jamming a screw in the slot to keep the column up you are not locking the column from moving in and out. Get the hardware put together correctly and it will work fine. By overtightening the knob you could strip it.
David Teitelbaum

Thanks again Captain Obvious.

I don't have mine all the way up since it's more difficult to reach the wheel all the way up and it looks dorky (tacky, stupid or awkward). And I don't have it all the way down since it makes it more difficult to get in / out. I have it right in the middle so I can reach it and still see the speedometer.

How's your bushing? Before I replaced mine, I had the same problem you did, and it virtually went away after the new bushing was in.

Cory W. you may be onto something there. Someday I'm going to unthread the knob and clean up the thirty one year old grease I found in there and see if I can keep it from working its way loose.