Hello Moparts community,

I attempted to install a stock steering wheel back onto the steering column. I had the keyed slot lined up but there seemed to be some resistance. All of the splines are in good shape.

My question is: how much (if any) is the steering column shaft nut relied upon as to drawing the steering wheel onto the shaft? How much force? Torque? I don't want to jam on that nut forcing the wheel on only to find out that there was an error and causing damage to the threads.

I sure have removed a few steering wheels in the past 5 years or so, but never re-installing over that span. And as a steering wheel puller is required to remove one, I was just wondering if the same force is required to put it back on.

The application in question is a 1968 B Body steering column auto on the floor.

Thanks in advance.

if everything is copacetic/square with a visual I would start to draw it on with the nut & see how it goes but I'd sure think it would go on at least partway as is. close up look see for any burrs/nicks etc.

They should mostly seat without the nut.....if you're having to force it something is not right.....getting them off is sometimes a task but I've never had a problem putting one back on. Its a tapered spline w a master spline, it should just go on if everything is right.

Wire brush shaft end and a smidgen of anti seize should help.

Rick is right, it should slide right on there.

Robert, Rick & srt thanks for your tips.

I cleaned it up some using a small triangle shaped file on the grooves at the keyed area and a few to each side of the key. There seemed to be a very slight burr but nothing major. Afterwards it did go on but not fully seated w/o using the nut to draw it in more. I still think there's a slight hangup and will look into it further.

However your tips and insights help from not going at it with the wrong approach.

Thanks again.