Is it possible to slide the steering coupler up all the way off the splined worm shaft without pulling the column? I can pull it up off the lower splined section and it's held up on the second section. But perhaps the coupler won't move that far up the column?

It seems to me this was possible back in the day to quickly center the steering wheel, etc.

Somehow the coupler was put on at least past the first splined section without aligning the coupler center tick mark with the missing spline on the shaft, so the coupler is now stuck on halfway and I'm hoping to avoid column removal.

 

AS to centering the steering wheel you should check the alignment first before try a Micky Mouse repair. Normally the spline will only go one way unless forced. Other possibility is the steering box has been replaced and the new spline cut in the wrong place

 

Without getting bogged down in the "why", the steering column was removed and reinstalled during a repaint several years ago, so that's how it got where it is. No problems with the alignment or steering box.

Still looking to find out if it is possible to slide the coupler up off the splines with both the steering box and column in place.

 

Did you remove the roll pin?????? yes it can be removed without removing the steering column...there is a blind spline on the box and coupler..it only will go on one way....Bill

 

Instead of fighting it ? Spend 15 minutes work and take the column out and check the splines For prying it I usually used my pickle fork
YOU MUST align the splines to get it off

 

Indeed, the roller pin is out and as you can see from the attached pic, the coupler is stuck at the higher section of splines. I can't seem to rotate the coupler midway, and as you can see from the pic the deleted spline is on top but the tick mark on the coupler is about 90 degrees to the left - around the side.

 

Tap it back down so the lower splines are at the top of the coupler & have someone turn the steering wheel to align the index marks. Then pry up on the coupler

 

Pickle Fork - excellent idea - worked like a charm with very little effort! Nothing I tried before that would work. THANK YOU!!!

Now, I can spin the column and line up the key mark correctly, and push it back down over the first set of splines. But as you can see from this close-up pic, I have issues with the lower set of splines. I'm trying to think of the easiest way to correct them enough to get the couple to slide on properly.

 

Mark both of them with a magic marker Line it up as best you can. Don't pound on the top. Maybe an old push rod/punch on the edge of the roll pin hole

 

Looks like it wasnt lined up for the roll pin and someone pounded it in anyway..Just line it up and tap it into place install the roll pin and go...Are you just trying to center the steering wheel????Bill

 

Took your and TVLynn's suggestions and tapped it down with a punch. Slowly but surely, it is now in place with tickmarks aligned on top, wheels straight, and tension roller pin installed. Solid!

Now, my rimblow steering wheel still needs to be centered. It's about 180 degrees off from were it needs to be. Is there an easy way to do that? I assume I gotta pull the wheel, which I've done before, but can't remember if that's the way to center it...

Thanks again - big help so far!

BTW - the steering is straight and solid from the box to the wheels with all components in good shape. This all started when the column was out during a repaint a while back.

 

Alot of the steering wheels have a blind spline I am not sure of what year your working on?? My 72 Duster did not have one so in that case it is easy and scary at the same time...The reason I say that is because,,, the way I do it may not be real safe but you decide...I pull the steering wheel with the puller and place it back on with no nut drive it down a straight road slowly (no traffic) as the car is driving straight pull the wheel off and place it back on straight...Put the nut on and tighten it up... (all done) Ive done it all different ways that is the easiest way to do it...If it has a blind spline and is 180* out it is in the coupler and the shoe part has to be filpped 180* and reassembled...Lets hope it doesnt have a blind spline...Bill

 

I'm pretty sure it doesn't, as I remember adjusting it somewhat by pulling the steering wheel many years ago. It is a 1971 e-body. I think I'll give that a try again...

Thanks

 

Cue the Three Stooges theme music!

 

No it is Laural and Hardey...Or Mr. Magoo...It is the easiest way and that why I said what I said......There s been many time I wish I had a quick disconnect steering wheel in my daily driver so when my wife starts telling me how to drive I could pull the steering wheel off and hand it to her and say then you drive....Bill

 

 

LOLOLOL that is the best idea i have heard for getting the wife off someones back while driving now im going to go and have to find one so i can do that to her next time we are out cruzzzzing and im haveing fun with my lead foot