Steering column reassembly

[PDDart]

71 Dart auto, power steering column. During reassembly, I cannot get the ball bearing and housing installed far enough down the shaft to put the snap ring back on. It's almost like the entire assembly needs to be pressed on. Any advice on this?

 

[dodge71demon]

The shaft is two pieces that is designed to collapse did you by chance pull it out a little making it longer that's the only thing I can think of that would cause this unless some way you have the housing assembled wrong

 

[RedFish]

That upper bearing is slip fit. Of course the shaft must be burr free. The shaft always slides down away from me a hair too. I can put the nut on the top, Pull up some there while holding down on the bearing, Snap ring sets.

 

[PDDart]

Thanks, although it didn't seem to have any burrs, I went ahead and took some emery cloth to my shaft...the steering shaft that is. Several taps with a hammer and random bolt, seated the bearing just enough to get the snap ring on. Thanks again!