Quick ? On installing steering wheel..?

[k30Dually]

Replaced turn signal switch, now have a gap between lock plate and wheel? Do I just need to impact/tighten this suckered down more?

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[RustyPile]

Did you leave any parts out?? Particularly the spring under the lock plate that provides preload for the column bearings.

On another note.. Clean out all that gunk on the hub.. This area provides the ground path for the horn circuit.

 

[k30Dually]

Spring is in there, cancel cam, lock plate snap ring...not to worried about horn as I'm missing a couple components. Should I just grab an old socket and smack it with a dead blow?

 

[RustyPile]

Looks like someone has already been "smacking" on the shaft. That's a good way to damage threads and also knock something out of alignment or adjustment. To remove the steering wheel, use a proper wheel/gear puller. It's never a good idea to pound a piece into place.. Just screw the nut on and tighten it with a 1/2" drive socket and ratchet...

 

[bucket]

There should also be a plastic trim cover over the lock plate, so it's not as visible with the wheel installed.

 

[DoubleDingo]

It's not that bad of a gap. Tighten it with a 1/2 inch drive ratchet, and be done with it. If you haven't already run it down with the nut, that may be causing the minutely bigger gap.

 

[DoubleDingo]

Just looking at it again, it has at least 1/16 to 1/8 inch to go, and simply tightening it will bring it home

 

[k30Dually]

Tried tightening it with no luck, it tightens just doesnt move the wheel any. When I took it apart the column splines were flush with the wheel. Now there maybe a 1/4 way down. Might take it back apart I don't know?

 

[DoubleDingo]

If it won't go back the way it was before you took it apart, you have to take it apart again to find out what is causing the problem. It's also a good learning experience so you don't do it the next time you have go in there, or in to another vehicle's column.

 

[85K304SPD]

It will be easier the second time.

 

[k30Dually]

Is the green stem for the horn spring supposed to protrude through the steering wheel hole? Looks like it's keeping the wheel from sliding back more.

 

[SquareRoot]

If you have to force it you put it together wrong. Fix it or Fuuuhck it, choice is yours.

 

[k30Dually]

Great advice

 

[k30Dually]

I think as Bucket stated I'm missing the plastic "dust cover" so maybe that's why it looks like a large gap. This truck has all kind of mysteries/missing parts

 

[RustyPile]

Is the green stem for the horn spring supposed to protrude through the steering wheel hole? Looks like it's keeping the wheel from sliding back more.

The "stem" doesn't stick out at the top, but yes, it goes through a hole in the lock plate and into the wheel's hub. When the wheel is down the proper amount on the shaft, the top of the splines are down about 1/8" or thereabout.