replacingXantia steering wheel

[harryp]

Hi all,
Removed dash to correct sticky speedo which worked ok . Then decided to remove steering wheel to tighten up the mounting screws for the control bracket. Could not fathom out how to separate the steering wheel cable connectors/plugs without applying undue force and maybe damaging the cables . Anyhow, MOT due so thought I would put all back together and do later, but... the steering wheel is very reluctant to go back on. It and the centering gubbings appears to be correctly lined up and the splines enter OK, but the wheel stops before the lower end has engaged the well it sits in -( hope this makes sense). I am very reluctant to use a large percussive adjuster as when released, it came off easily and I do not want to damage anything. What am I missing?... obviously quite a lot . Why does this car always leave me feeling I know absolutely nothing? . Can anyone help please?
Regards

[elma]

I think it sounds like you just need another go at it now you've had a break, usually these things just need a rest.

[Stickyfinger]

Take a few pics Harry, it would help see if all is lined up ok at the base/slip connector.

[xantia_v6]

To remove the steering wheel connectors behind the air bag:

The orange air bag connector (assuming it doesn't have a spring clip around it) just pulls off, but they are usually tight and can be levered offf with a wide-bladed screwdriver (careful no the strain the cable).

The black connector for the radio controls has a catch that needs a very fine screwdriver of blade pressed into a slot at the back, when the catch is release, it pulls out easily with little force.

Your steering wheel is either catching on the cable shroud for the rotary connector, or the rotary connector has started to come apart. It should be obvious when you remove the steering wheel.

If the rotary connector has come apart and you can see the coils of ribbon cable, be very gentle with it and you may be able to save it, but it becomes very difficult to save if the internal ribbon gets kinked.

[harryp]

Thanks guys for replies. Will have another try tomorrow... Had to dash over to Loughborough early today , won't get back till this evening. Take care

[harryp]

To close, everything back together and working OK. Being tired, I was looking for the column to protude to take the securing nut . Slipped back a few decades . Don't like to admit it, but the clear light of day obviously clearer than the torchlight and brain-fog reduced.

[Xantidote]

clear light of day obviously clearer than the torchlight

I've found from experience that you can't beat good daylight for working on cars, especially as one's eyesight requires better light levels as one gets older

Made the odd mistake in the past trying to finish a job in the dark with artificial light

[CitroJim]

clear light of day obviously clearer than the torchlight

I've found from experience that you can't beat good daylight for working on cars, especially as one's eyesight requires better light levels as one gets older

Yes, absolutely...

I've found the intense light available from the latest generation of LED work lights and floodlights go a long way to assisting in making things better...

Also, when I refurbished my workshop a lot of fluorescent lighting went in with bright white tubes...

[Xantidote]

when I refurbished my workshop a lot of fluorescent lighting went in with bright white tubes...

I tnink the secret here is the more the merrier, which helps cut down on the dark shadows

[myglaren]

The cutable LED strips are a pretty good light at a low cost and low consumption.

[harryp]

'twas not the light or lack of, more the lask of brain and '70/80's time warp

[Xantidote]

more the lask of brain and '70/80's time warp

Alas, happens to us all, from time to time