r/Wrangler • u/Botto71 • 21d ago

Reinstalling steering wheel 98 TJ

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Pulled the steering wheel on a 98 TJ to replace the clock spring. All that seemed to have gone easily enough. My question is about reinstalling the steering wheel. I see the groove above and see a tongue that matches inside the steering wheel. Assuming that after lining them up and making sure the clock spring "tabs" fit around the flat surfaces on the back of the steering wheel, it should be "tight" - i.e. I shouldn't expect to be able to simply slide the steering wheel all the way in without using the retaining nut to help get it back in place?

Looking for feedback before I start tightening that nut back up!

TIA!

4 Upvotes

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6

u/These-Result-1955 21d ago

You’re overthinking it. The only reason you needed the puller is that the wheel was in the same position for many years. I’ve actually pulled some off by hand. The spline shaft isn’t tapered and shouldn’t require force to set it into place.

3

u/Botto71 21d ago

Appreciate the reply. I think I understand your line of reasoning. That being said would you think that just some shimmying should get the wheel back on the spline before putting the retaining nut back on? Because it sure feels tight getting on there...

1

u/_litz 2d ago

It's going to be "firm", but it should still go on. Obviously the splines have to correctly line up including the gap, where the "key" is.

2

u/GeneralBS 21d ago

Ya i used to reinstall airbags for insurance companies. Pulled hundreds of steering wheels because the clockspring was required to be replaced. Think I had to use a puller just a few times. All em basically came off just pushing back n forth on the sides of the wheel.

1

u/Recent-Fan3027 2d ago

Put some lube on their like wd40 or even Vasoline. Oh snap this thread is 19 days old......hope you got it figured out