Question: Steering wheel moving side to side

[N-Wing]

Every once in a while I noticed my steering wheel had a slight 'click' to it. Never really understood why and never could re-create it....until the other day. I finally figured out what or where the movement was. If I grab the wheel I can move the wheel left and right by about 1/4" (No not turn it... I mean laterally move it left or right). See video below. Thoughts on what might cause this? I did change out this steering wheel (obviously you can see the CF) a few years ago. I don't recall there being much too it but maybe I didn't secure something? Does anyone else have the ability to move the wheel? I don't recall this in my previous NSX and my buddy checked his 02. It's ridiculously cold in CT right now so I'm not going to do any exploration until spring, but maybe someone is familiar with this 'phenomenon'? NOTE: The little unit on top of the steering column at the base is just a microphone for my bluetooth setup (Parrot MKi9200).

https://youtu.be/alCrUCeDgMw

Any help appreciated...

 

[Kaz-kzukNA1]

Very common issue especially if you tend to grab the steering wheel while getting in and out of the cabin.

Even those who claimed that they never touched the wheel while getting out of the car were surprised to find themselves doing it unconsciously when
asked to demonstrate how they got in and out of the cabin in front of me.


There are two possibilities for the cause but both are related to the same parts.

For the protection of driver's chest under huge impact, the entire steering column will move forward and then drop down if enough inline force was applied.

The baseball homebase like metal/plastic parts is the one to look at (blue circule).

You will need to lie on the back and look at the steering column where the dash gauge unit sits.

If you are lucky and didn't damage the two homebase pieces, you just need to minimise the gap as indicated in these photos.



However, if these parts were damaged (the slit of the homebase piece where the column holder is sandwiched at the V-shaped channel) and worn/cracked the plastic section,
then I'm afraid you need different method to fix the side way movement.

The homebase piece is not available from Honda/Acura as a separate parts and it's part of the entire steering column.

Please do not try tightening the nut further in a hope to reduce the side way movement.

If you study the structure, it won't do anything.

In fact, I know several owners seared off the bolt and got into even worse situation.

Can be fixed but not ideal.



Kaz