Today I followed you guys instructions and I installed a new steering wheel in new condition into my 93 F150. Everything went great until I got a stupid idea. I used a 3/4" socket and a 2lb hammer and made sure the steering wheel was seated properly. When I put the wheel back together, now I have a ton of up and down and in and out slop in the steering wheel. I took it back off and decompressed the spring that I thought was the problem and put it back on. Its still slop. What did I do and how do I fix it?

 

Anyone else have a problem with their steering column?

 

Is the slack between the steering wheel and column? Are you sure the steering wheel is the right size? Or is it the steering column itself?

 

Is it a tilt column? Sounds like some serious damage has gone on inside the column. I would say it's probably time to remove the column and look for damage to the bearings/bushings.

Steering column + large hammer = no bueno.

 

Yeah. That is what I am afraid of. I bought a used ford steering wheel to replace the one that was bad. I should have known that all I needed to do was put it on but I am so used to using force to get anything on a shaft. I was hoping I could loosen something to fix it. I did read that there are 2 settings for the clip that holds the spring on and that if you are not on the second setting it will not be tight enough. I know for a fact I did not see a second setting for the clip but I am going to look for it tomorrow.

 

I talked to a specialist on the internet and he suspects I damaged the bearings in the upper part of the column. He wants to sell me a bearing replacement kit with instructions. Do you guys think this will fix the slop problem?

 

It probably will fix the problem but if you can't drive it this way then why not take it apart first to see what broke?

I guess you now know that all you needed to do is put the wheel on the shaft and tighten the nut.

 

Yes, now I do. Make me feel like I want to spank myself you do.

 

You ain't getting diddly squat this year...

 

Ok so I got the new parts for the steering column, bearing and sleeve and spring. So I am trying to get the bearing out and I am not having any luck. What is the tool I need to get this thing out. I am thinking a packing hook but I am not going to over do this this time. What do I used to get that bearing out? Thanks

 

Well, without being able to see the parts, you might need to borrow or rent an internal bearing puller from your local auto parts shop.