what is this connected to steering shaft??

[vbstng]

my steering wheel moves a lot up and down, the steering shaft connects to this shaft, goes into the firewall and into this black tube, where i circled in this pic has a lot of play, can i replace this or do i have to get a whole new column??
View attachment 248724

 

[Rick 91GT]

That is the intermediate shaft the just slides into the column, its is a loose press fit.

Usually if the wheel moves that much it is up at the wheel, I have never seen a column with a intermediate shaft loose, they can be quite a PIA to get to move. Make sure all the column support brackets are tight.

 

[Vinnietbird]

I had to remove the multifunction head light switch and tighten the two bolts there.They tighten the column where the wheel is mounted.

 

[vbstng]

my headlight switch it to the left of my gauge cluster, its nowhere near my steering wheel. could it be from a shot steering shaft maybe?? the whole intermediate shaft moves up and down a good inch or more, i cant find any loose bolts or nuts anywhere..

 

[vbstng]

heres another pic, theres a metal ring just sitting there and that little black ring right by the hole in the shaft just spins and spins??
View attachment 248712

 

[lincoln+ford]

im not sure but i think that metal ring is suppose to be in that black tube.?

 

[vbstng]

i tried to push it up, it dont go in there

 

[Mustang5L5]

Something doesn't look right there. Looks like the shaft is sliding out of the column???