Steering Wheel Install - What did I do wrong?

Dave O

Dave O

Member
After installing the new steering wheel, the light switch turns with the wheel. is there a washer under the light switch handle that I have left out?
 
Most repo light switch rods are slightly thicker than originals, so that little brass collar that fits so nicely on original rods will not usually fit on new ones. I have found that if I just take 80 grit sandpaper and sand all round the area on the aluminum light switch rod where comes into contact against the steering shaft and steering wheel hub, the tightness is eased and the switch won't turn when the steering wheel does. Finish with 220, then 400 grit or finer. You may also want to take a rattail file and clean up the last 1/2" inside of the steering shaft. It can get distorted when removing the steering wheel or from heavy-handed hammer use with a "knocker". If you can move the rod up and down in the area contacting the shaft and wheel hub without it catching (before putting on the steering wheel), you should be o.k. Be sure to put some oil or grease on the last inch or two of the steering shaft.
Marshall
 
Thanks for the replies. I'm pretty sure I installed the bushing but I will double check. The horn rod is the orignal rod so there should not be any fitment issues. I may have found the culprit. The light switch fits inside a recess in the steering wheel. The recess is not concentric with the switch and appears to be catching the switch on one side. You might be able to see a gap in the lower left quadrant of the switch in the photo, but not on the other side. A little work with the Dremel sanding drum should do the trick.
 

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You have found your problem and thanks for reporting back with the results. FWIW I had this same issue years ago with a repro wheel and just opened up the area where the light rod seats in the wheel.
 
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