Tilt steering question

[Gerry]

I think I found the cause of a click/catch in my column. The noise comes from very close to the steering wheel. After looking around I found that the little 3 inch "tilt" shaft is loose in its bearing. I would like the remove the entire tilting section to inspect it better but I can't figure out how to remove it. It pivots on hollow threaded sleeves???I attached a picture to help describe it. Thanks for any help! Also if this is something that shouldn't be messed with by newbie please let me know.

[Gerry]

I finally found out that the tilt pivots on "pivot pins" and a "pivot pin puller" is required to remove them. Snap-on sells it for $16. I found a fine thread machine screw that fits the threads so I think I can make one. I Just wanted to post this update incase anyone else needs to do this.

[venomizd93]

Thanks for the info....it was driving me crazy.....my steering wheel had a little play in it left to right and top to bottom...and I couldn't figure out where it was. Is this what you were experiencing??? or anyone else for that matter??? What size is the "fine thread" machine screw you have used??

[Gerry]

After taking mine apart I found the bearings to be in good shape just a little looseness between them and the shaft which appeared to be normal. The pop I later found to be coming from much farther down the shaft. Very deceiving.
Anyway I would say if you have allot of play look at everything from broken welds on the wheel itself, to loose column under the dash before you remove those pins. They were easy to get out but hard to get back in. The allen bolts I used mics at .161 dia. "close to 5/32" is fine thread and 1 1/4 inch long. I put a thick "strong" washer on it and put that through a socket and threaded it into the pivot pins about 6 turns. Add washers when needed to get your dept right. As you crank on the allen bolt it will pull out the pin. Do not bottom out the allen bolt it the pin. After you feel it start to bottom out back it out and add washers to the allen bolt and start again "6 threads deep".The pins are about 1 inch long. I did remove the tilt spring first "compressed with pliers" before I removed the pins. It was hard to get back in after I put everything back together but I compressed it at the top with a flat head screw driver and slid it in. Getting the pins back in was harder. You have to thread 2 allen bolts into the pins and press them in BOTH at the same time with a long C clamp. You can start the pins with out the allen bolts but add them soon because they most likely wont sink at the same time and the allen bolts will keep you from clamping down on the tilt housing after the pins counter sink. Do not clamp on the tilt housing! It is cast and will crack if squeezed. If you use short allen bolts make sure the heads don't sink in the housing and bur it. Aslo don't forget to take the C-clip that is in front of the first bearing off the shaft so that you can remove the tilt mech after the pins are out.
I am in no way an expert on anything. I just messed with my steering and this is how I did it. I'm sure someone else can find a better and proper way to do it.
Good luck,
Gerry