Steering column

So after a little checking around to locate the issue I find that the steering column mount that fixes with two bolts is loose. This is allowing the column to move horizontally left and right. 
Where the column goes through the dash recess there is a small gap either side of it. The recess is creating a ‘stop’ either side on movement. 

Unfortunately not too well at the moment so giving instructions to my son. He needs to locate the two bolts, loctite and tighten them up. 

a ‘How to do this’ would be extremely helpful. 

Anyone?

Grateful thanks

Kenny

Sorry I for one haven't had this problem so I haven't had to do anything about it, and I've not heard of any one else having loose steering column bolts either.
If you've not already done so you can download a copy of the workshop manual for free from the library section of this site. That may well enlighten you as to what's required.

This is the area/mechanism where the issue is, I feel. 

Will search YouTube for help

many thanks

Kenny 

They look to be captive nuts illistrated in the line drawing hopefully they are still captive and  have not  broken free, if the have broken free it might explain why they're loose, some idiot previous owner may have used bolts with the wrong thread and seized them it to the captive nuts breaking the nuts free and they wont now do up!
I hope for your sake that isn't the case and they're just loose!
I do have a spare steering column stashed away somewhere I should see if can find it, and see it that sheads some illumination on the subject

I've had a look and it seems to be hiding with some other stuff I cant find since the move, it'll be there but where I've no idea last time I moved I found stuff I hadn't seen since the move before  🤣 I'm convinced there are forgotten Japanese soldiers still hiding in there that don't know the war is over,  left over from World War 2!!!! Poor old buggers won't be much of a danger any more, their weapons will be rusty and they'll be moving too slow to do much damage!

Are you saying that the bolts wont fully tighten due to the captive nuts above failing or that the bolts are tightened and either the column assembly itself somehow has movement ?

Is yours an adjustable or a fixed column?

Unlike Cobber I have no worries about combatants still hiding after the “Hostilities”, Australia is much bigger than my garage, with fewer hiding places.
I’ve a Mk1 f column, I’ll look later.
The illustration is of a later, adjustable offering from a later car than yours, if your car has the drop leaver to adjust the hight, that implies a retro fit & if done poorly, that could be the root of your problem. Get it looked at immediately!
There are two ways to change from fixed to adjustable; removing the original fixing points & welding in new, or a correctly engineered adapter plate, using high tensile bolts. I have taken the second method & find it satisfactory, mind you it was a lot of work & the amended position is little different from standard.
M

Oh my giddy aunt. 

yes my car is 1999 and it does have the adjust
lever mechanism. 

I am not driving at the moment due to illness. My son is going to have a look at the car for
me. Are/is everything accessible or does he need to dismantle the dash?

I didn’t get chance to go a hunting & as it has transpired it wouldn’t have been enlightening after your recent information.
If you split the cowling around the auxiliary stalks/ignition key (three screws, side clips & a struggle) you should, having contorted yourself into a position normally only available to the double jointed, you & amongst the jungle of wire, will see the mounts.
I’ll leave it for you to assess, however if you wish to photograph what you have & post them on here I’ll take a look.
Where abouts are you?
M

Progress, I think. 
later (MY) column fitted to my 1999. 
Located the two 10mm bolts fastening the column to the dash. Both were tight but for completeness slackened off and retightened. 
On re investigation the side to side movement seems to be in the mechanism itself. 
Clamp lever pushed up as far as it will go. Mount bold very tight. Column moves side to side within the up/down mechanism. 

is this mechanism dismantle-able or is a replacement needed.

happy days

kenny
 

If you look at the illustration you put up earlier you will see two square items, which could be mistaken for captive nuts; they are not.
These devices are die cast “clips” held onto the shaft bracketry by nylon pegs. These are designed to shear if the steering column collapses during an accident; they are a loose fit in the mounting bracket if these nylon pegs are absent or sheared for some reason.
I would be taking the column out to inspect it on the bench. The contortionist is better placed to undertake this job or a grand child.
As with many jobs on our cars the age diaspora, here present, mitigates against doing jobs on a quick turnaround basis.
Does anyone else recognise these comments in there mechanical transactions?
M

I wanna know who the smart bastard who keeps moving the ground further away, every time I have to bend down!