I've been following the instructions from the tech section about how to fix the steering column tilt. They're pretty straightforward. However, I can't seem to get the outer shell or collar off -- there was barely enough give in the wires to get the plastic turn signal assembly over the shaft, and there isn't anything close to enough slack to get the collar over it.

If you've done this, you know all the wires run along the underside of the steering column. I've traced those back, and they mostly (all?) go to a wide black connector. That connector is more or less up against the plastic channel at the bottom of the steering column, and the collar has only moved about 1 1/4" from where it is normally mounted. It probably needs another 2" at least before it would clear the threaded shaft at the center of the steering column.

What am I missing?

The instructions say to "stretch" the wires which I found a bit silly, since wires don't stretch...

 

You just gotta pull on them hard until it clears its a real tight squeeze but doable.

 

I think it should be possible to fold that connector real snug alongside the wires, enabling it to be passed into the channel (if that's what's holding you back).

 

I'll have a look at that. The channel is pretty tight, but that's definitely an interesting idea I hadn't considered, thanks.

 

I did this fix last summer, i coverd the connector with tape so it didnt get ****ed up, you just gotta flip it sideways and push from behind till you can grab it and pull it out, tough, but can be accomplished.