New Steering Wheel...now a problem

[Tim65GT]

I installed my new steering wheel yesterday and today when I drive it feels like the shaft bearing is bad. the wheel moves up and down and side to side about 1/4" inch.

I think I know what happened. When I removed the old wheel, there was a spring on the shaft. I didn't re-instal it, cause the instuctions said nothing about it. I now think it keeps pressure on the bearing so it doesn't come out of the pocket.

Can anyone confirm this?

I just hope I can get the new hub back off. I cranked it kinda tight and I don't have a wheel puller. The old wheel came right off no problem.

 

[66stangmeister]

the spring may be the problem. i remember i 'thought' i had tightened the big nut on the shaft, but i apparently didnt' and it moved around alittle bit and slipped.. I retightened and everything was peachy.

as for the wheel puller it was fairly easy for myself to make one. If you look at the design of a real simple one u'll see it's possible. and i'm not really that handy when it comes to metal work and stuff like that haha

what kinda wheel is it?

 

[Tim65GT]

Grant Signature Series model 774:

I thought the stock wheel was 15"

So I ordered a 14" one. As it turns out I think the stock wheel is more like 16"

Anyway I like the additional room between the seat and the bottom of the wheel for getting in and out. I put '88 Stang GT seats in it a while back and lost about an inch. Now I have it back.

The smaller diameter requires more effort, but it provides more feel and it has a much better grip.

 

[silverbluebp]

The spring is what holds the bearing in place.

 

[Tim65GT]

Yeah, that's what I thought. I'll see if I can get the hub off tonight.

Thanks

 

[Tim65GT]

Just as I thought, the hub wouldn't come off with out a puller.

I peiced together parts from my power steering pulley puller and my bearing slide puller, but I neede to run to the store to get 3 - 2" x 1/4-28 bolts to thread into the hub.

Once I got it off the spring pushed the bearing right back into position!

Woo Hoo!