2004 Maxima steering column problem

[parrotheads4]

With my hands on top of the steering wheel (12 O'clock) my wheel can now be moved -tilted- about 1/4 inch forward. It moves up and slightly to 1 O'clock. It does not seem to affect its function and is otherwise secured. The mechanic at my Nissan dealer said (without looking at the vehicle) "those columns are all internal. Your gonna need to replace it. It's $1,100 plus 3 hrs labor." It telescopes, and can be adjusted electronicly the same as the day I bought it. Do I really need to replace it?

[allensteiner]

dealership = stealership for a reason. i'd leave it alone unless the tilt became loose...but that's what we here and the fsm are for

[NutriaforBreakfast]

Will it pass safety inspection?

Be careful not to set off the airbag. The FSM will show youthe details. Might require special tools? I do not have handson with this.

[ZGadson]

http://www.car-part.com is a good source for used/salvaged parts for just about any car ever made. If you're really wanting it fixed, you might try buying a whole steering column assembly from their site and seeing if a private shop can install it for you.

You could even take it a step further and take the car to the dealer for a real estimate. Have them tell you the name and part number of the broken part, then go home and order it from the website. A private shop can install anything at a far more reasonable price than any dealer.

As long as you specify that you'd only like an estimate, the dealer is not legally allowed to charge you one cent.