2001 XJ Sport, auto, tilt wheel

I'm on the reassembly phase of a heater core replacement. I thought things were going well, but I can't seem to get the steering column back onto the mounting studs.

On the bracket, there's two horizontal studs that come from the front and two vertical studs that come from above. I can get the column slid back onto the horizontal studs, but I can't seem to adjust the column in any way that lets me get the holes to line up with the vertical studs. I'm about 1/2" shy, no matter what.

I'm racking my brain on this issue - the column came out of there, so there has to be a way to get it back in. I just can't for the life of me see how. Can any of you tell me how it's done?

 

You didint pull the steering shaft apart did you?

 

I'm currently dealing with the same thing on my 98. Dropped the column off the bracket during heater core job, now can't get it to align with the studs. What a PITA way to end a tough job. Should have been done last night . . . but oh no! Between having to go out and buy a new core (the omix-ada I ordered did not fit right) and this, I've been holding up my uncle's garage going on three days now. I need this done today.

Wintersjm- how did you resolve this? Anyone, i'd appreciate some help here.

Thanks

 

I got it. For those who might run across the same problem, you just have to use more force. The spring on the tilt steering bracket needs to be pushed toward the firewall. I used the but of hammer to do this while simultaneously lifting the steering wheel on to the studs. Boom . . . done.

 

I've got a 99 Cherokee with the same exact issue - I'm on the back side of a heater core replacement. So - all you did was to use the brute force method?