GM column shift suddenly loose and sloppy

[roadmonster]

My early GM tilt-tele column has gotten very loose with little detent feel and loose gear selection. Small balls have fallen out and a metal and rubber collar near the floorboard has come loose. I don't think this is a serious issue but I do need a workaround solution to save this otherwise awesome column. It is a very early GM t-t, probably '65 if that helps. I don't want to replace it, I just need a patch-up. Tapping the collar back in place helps a little but I need something to restore that positive P-R-N-D-2-1 feel.

 

[putz]

Here is an article on rebuilding these columns.
http://www.carcraft.com/howto/56459/index.html

 

[Dirt-T]

Those small balls are the bearing for the column. Go to a GM parts guy and they have a kit to fix it.
Then follow putz's thread.

 

[roadmonster]

Those small balls are the bearing for the column. Go to a GM parts guy and they have a kit to fix it.
Then follow putz's thread.

Thanks for the replies. It turned out to be something else entirely! The nut on the selector lever at the transmission (TH350) had almost come off from vibration and the lever was slipping. This made the column lever feel very loose and mushy, but it still worked. Finally, it started in reverse and I realized the column was telling the NSS it was in neutral, but the lever on the trans was in reverse! Quick tighten-up and it's good as new. The lower bearing will need replacement, but it's not urgent as the column is well supported by the Corvair box. I will remove the box this winter and replace the bearing through the firewall.

Keep an eye on that nut even if you can't see it behind the master cylinder. Starting in gear is not safe!