Reinstalling steering wheel lock plate retainers

[169yenko]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/scholar.gif Educate me...
I know this may be a simple question, but does anyone have a suggestion for reinstalling the lock plate retainer? Just installed a new standard wheel and cannot get the retainer back in. Its like the lock plate will not go down far enough now to fully uncover the groove the retainer goes in. Of course that with me just pushing it with my thumbs and then trying to snap the ring in. I have actually done it this way before but this one seems tough. I did install a new cancel cam. Guess I need a bigger hammer.

[LastOne]

I have done many by simply pushing the retainer and plate down as one unit using two large blade screwdrivers unit it snaps in place. Most auto parts stores will have a steering wheel puller kit that includes a special u-shaped press that will work as well. Sounds like you are on the right track.

[Belair62]

The shaft may have dropped a bit and you may need to prop it up.

[Unreal]

I installed one once by installing big washers as spacers over the shaft and tightening down on the nut until the retainer snaps in.

The tool is much, much easier!!

[elcamino72]

I agree, rent the tool, it'll make like much easier!

[VintageMusclecar]

Lock plate retainer compressor tool (http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?MfrCode=APO&MfrPartNumber=T7376 2&CategoryCode=3497)

(no idea why it's listed as a steering wheel puller? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif )

Eric

[njsteve]

Here is what it looks like, posed elegently mext to my vintage NOS Lufkin foldable wooden yardstick:

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i30/nk15268a/PA310003.jpg

You could probably make something like it out of a bent peice of steel. The center "bolt" is actually a hollow, internally threaded, sleeve that screws onto the steering post and then you use the nut to tighten down and depress the locking plate via the two "legs" of the device.

By the way, I hope you're kidding about using a bigger hammer. NEVER EVER hit a steering shaft with a hammer, especially the GM shafts. The shafts are actually made of two or three sliding/collapsable sections that are held together with clear/yellow plastic shear-pins that are designed to shatter upon the impact of your face on the wheel. (Ouch!) They are non-repairable if you have hit the shaft and it has collapsed in any way.

[169yenko]

Just kidding on the hammer. Thanks for the info and picture.

[ssl78]

The autozone by me sells them for 9.99. Did you use the same horn contact ring there are different hieght ones if its to high you cant get the snap ring in.

[Unreal]

When I say rent one, you actually borrow it. Auto Zone and others charge you for the retail price, and refund in full upon return.