66 Chrysler steering wheel splines

[66VC]

Hi folks,
Can I get some advice on fitting a steering wheel on my 66 Chrysler valiant.
I have pulled the wheel off and restored it. But I’m having trouble getting it back on. I can get it about halfway down the splines and I can’t get it any further. I’ve tried lubricating it and trying to wriggle it on. Some of the splines look a little worn but I don’t see any obvious obstructions.
I’ve never done this before are there any techniques I could use to get it on.
Thanks

 

[kerrynzl]

The steering wheel is keyed and will only go on one way [there is one double width spline]

You cannot clock the wheel to straighten it etc , this needs to be done by an alignment shop

 

[lilredex]

They only go on one way so the cancellation of your turn signals operate properly. On my old Dodge vans the steering had idler arms on either side connected by a single rod to the steering box. That rod could be lengthened or shortened to center the wheel. Doubt yours is like that.

Welcome to the site...think about adding your location.

 

[VC455]

Wonderful that you were able to help,
and (kinda makes sense.
I am not the OP with the issue, I'm just cotinuing my education i. These things. The Reply says
'keyed and will only go on one way [there is one double width spline]'.
Then, how does it go on halfway?
Halfway double spline??

 

[bcschief]

Called a master spline so the steering wheel only goes back in the same position also take a look at the turn signal canceling cam activator on the underside of the steering wheel, you could be hitting on something with that.

 

[66VC]

Thanks so much for your replies.

I have the master spline lined up. I believe the splines may be damaged.

when I bought the car the steering wheel never sat straight, so I’m wondering if someone before me has forced something to hard. Or maybe I’m not forcing it enough... I was hoping to get it on without a hammer

 

[66VC]

Thanks so much for your replies.

I have the master spline lined up. I believe the splines may be damaged.

when I bought the car the steering wheel never sat straight, so I’m wondering if someone before me has forced something to hard.

The steering wheel is keyed and will only go on one way [there is one double width spline]

You cannot clock the wheel to straighten it etc , this needs to be done by an alignment shop

I am going to take it to a wheel alignment specialist, but was hoping to get the wheel on. I do have the master spline lined up

 

[gahrajmahal]

If the master spline is identified and lined up just put a washer and the nut on and draw it down. You will need to use a puller to get it back off. If there are not any threaded holes on either side of the splined hole you might consider adding them now while the wheel is off for attaching the puller. The splined hub of many steering wheels is often made of some soft steel or pot metal.

My 62 Imperial “square wheel” modified to fit an Ididit tilt column.

 

[66VC]

If the master spline is identified and lined up just put a washer and the nut on and draw it down. You will need to use a puller to get it back off. If there are not any threaded holes on either side of the splined hole you might consider adding them now while the wheel is off for attaching the puller. The splined hub of many steering wheels is often made of some soft steel or pot metal.

My 62 Imperial “square wheel” modified to fit an Ididit tilt column.

Thanks so much for your reply.. I got the wheel on a couple of days ago. Once a I got a magnifying glass and had a closer look, the master spline in the wheel had a chunk of metal that I filed off and gave the whole lot a light sand. Hit it all with wd40 and persisted to get it on..

 

[mv213]

If the master spline is identified and lined up just put a washer and the nut on and draw it down. You will need to use a puller to get it back off. If there are not any threaded holes on either side of the splined hole you might consider adding them now while the wheel is off for attaching the puller. The splined hub of many steering wheels is often made of some soft steel or pot metal.

My 62 Imperial “square wheel” modified to fit an Ididit tilt column.

What a gorgeous wheel!

 

[gahrajmahal]

What a gorgeous wheel!

Well, what can I say to that! Thanks! I figure the steering wheel is the part I look at the most so I should enjoy looking at it. The original wheel was round and featured a single bar in the middle. That bar is now part of the imperial wheel, a severely cracked purchase off eBay. I could never get the rectangular push buttons to operate as horn buttons but they covered the center of the imperial wheel where the misshapen foam wedge was. I made metal plates top and bottom that were covered with black pearl drum wrap (Ringo’s drum set pattern). A funky coil spring and limit switch mechanism had to be fabricated for the Imperial horn ring to work as the horn. I must say the square wheel is one of the most enjoyed aspects of driving my car. It is pearl and metalflake black on top and white on bottom. I added chevy impala chrome separators to the rim in an attempt to keep the rim from cracking. It was repaired again this year using JB Weld. I’ll see how long it holds up this time.