ok so i am in the process of replacing my steering column and im almost done i need to know the trick to getting the lower steering shaft on to the column every time i try and beat it on with a straight screw driver and hammer the joint takes the movement instead of it moving onto the shaft iv got the column all bolted on inside the car is there a special tool to put it on? i plan on working on it tomorrow if you guys respond if not im headed to my local jy to fix my pathfinder that broke yesterday (bushings in the rear arms went )

 

Sometimes the rag gets bolted with a bit to much tourqe to the bottom of the column causing the rag joint shaft's end to become a bit too small to accept the column easily.


4 things;

Be sure there are no dings, dents or burs in the end of the column that might impeed the shaft from sliding over it. Use a wire wheel to get all debris/rust off the end of the column, or better yet,.... sand it a little.

You can file the inside edge of the rag joint shaft's connector a little to help it clear the lower column shaft.

You could also use a little grease on the end of the column to help the rag shaft to slide over the column shaft.

I've also used a torch to heat up the rag shaft's 'open' end to help it to pass over shaft @ the bottom of the column.

Try all 4 things at the same time (light sanding, file, grease, then heat ) and you shouldn't have any more problems,.... Good Luck !

 

Thanks an ill do all but heat as i dont have a torch to heat it

 

I just went through the same thing about a month ago. I just kept beating on it lightly with a hammer and long handle screwdriver until it finally went on. Seriously took about 3 hours to get that thing on. It would have been a lot easier if I would have had another person to help.

 

Yeah i spent 5hrs Saturday about 30mins on wiring and bolting it in then the rest trying to getget the shaft on with no luck