Steering column spline won't re-assemble

Dear Ferrari Gurus:

The refurbishment of the 512TR dash is nearing completion, and after weeks of restoring the hacked wiring harness and a full day adjusting the glovebox door to perfection, I have met an impasse with the steering column. I can't get the splined end to feed back into the column. It slid out easy enough. Is there a secret trick to reassembly of which I am unaware? I thought this would be a no-brainer. HELP, please...
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Some cars (other brands) have a keyed spline, where it will only go back together one way. Try rotating the spline one notch at a time to see if it will slide together. Another thing you can try is take a small file an lightly file each edje of the spline (both male and female sides) You may have a small burr that is holding you up. Good Luck

 

Thanks. I tried that yesterday, but I will give it another go with a cooler head.

 

Likely there is only one correct answer to this problem. There is probably one spline that is different than the others.

The good news, if it came apart obviously it will fit back together.

 

Dear Ferraristi,

Jimbo....looking very nice !

So....how come it's taken you this long?


The only thing I can think of....assuming the U joint is in place in on the steering rack, the joint is just not in position or at the proper angle to slide down. Before you have it in place, can you take the off the lower spline and test fit it in the column on the bench....or is that hung up too.

If it's hung up on the bench, perhaps a one spline at a time fitting. I've seen where if it doesn't go ( the logical position ) a 180 Degree twist usually lines things up.

I know you really know your stuff....just thinking off the top of my head.


Shamile

Freeze....Miami Vice !

 

Randy in the technical thread had the correct answer.

There is a compression collar on the end of the steering column (female splined end). All splines are identical. It took two modest taps with a dead-blow hammer to overcome the resistance and the splines slid right in. The compression collar allows the splines to slide in and out easily until it reaches the end of travel (almost out), where it meets resistance, so it can't just slide out.

Take that, devious Ferrari engineers! Another one of your annoying secrets is revealed for all of FerrariChat to read. hahahaha! And, to make this humble victory even sweeter, all electrical connections and the rewired dash pod seem to be functioning perfectly. The old girl even started up on the first crank after what... 6 or 7 weeks?

Oh yes, my friends, life is good. I believe I will stop here for the day and raise a frosty mug of Michelob in toast to my FerrariChat friends. You are the best. Salut!

...Jim

 

Cheers my friend.. To Victory..

R

 

Dooooon't anger the Ferrari gods!

They may strike without warning at the most inopportune time.

....like not letting your TR start in front of a bunch of pretty girls in front of a trendy restaurant.


BTW,

Great Tip....thanks for posting the answer.



Shamile

Freeze...Miami Vice !

 

HA! The Ferrari gods can kiss my Tubi. They owe me big time after all the agony and frustration they have put me through. I scoff at their feeble attempts to thwart my DIY projects and dare them to bring it on if they're not chicken. They may have the power, but I have an even greater force - FERRARICHAT. May the force be with you, too, Shamile.

 

GREAT to hear you got it sorted Jim!!

And yes, life is good my friend!