I took the steering shaft coupler off on my car in sig for my longtube header install and I am having a hard time getting it back on. Any tips or advice on how to get this darn thing connected again?

 

Try compressing it all the way in, slide it over the rack & pinion shaft (it can only be bolted to the shart one way, the bolt won't go thru the other way), put the bolt in to retain it to the R & P shaft, then extend the coupler back over the steering shaft side. It should slide over the shaft with little effort, but if not try tapping on it softly with a hammer or use a pry bar. Mine went back on without a fight (the ONLY thing that hasn't fought me!!!). Good Luck!

 

yea give it more than 5 minutes (thats how long i gave it before i got angry) -- then i went back, and it took 10 seconds.....like the 2 minute deal never happened

 

The upper portion of the coupler collapses but they tend to "freeze" in place. Spray some penitrating oil in it and tap it with a hammer. Also take caution not to rotate your steering wheel more than a half turn or so and make sure to line it back up straight. If you don't you'll break the clock spring harness in the steering column and get an airbag failure.

 

if i turn my wheel it automatically lines back up......i honestly cant remember if i turned it all the way around though......i may have.

 

I had a hard time getting it started back on when I did my header install so I took my grinder to the opening in the swivel joint and opened it up a little. once I got it back on it was easy to tap it back into place.