So I went and bought a steering column from the bone yard and installed it. My problem now is it won't turn back to the left. When I installed it the wheels were turned to the right and I didn't think it would matter at the time.

If I loosen up the bolt where the shaft went in can I turn the wheels by hand and not have the steering wheel turn? Or do I need to pull it out and start over?

 

What year we talking about here?

 

Sorry bout that 1989 Cherokee 4.0. All stock

 

Did you install just the column and wheel or did you do the shaft and the gear box also?

 

The Column and Wheel is all I replaced and were in one piece together and free spinning in each direction before installation, the steering worked just fine also. I replaced the column because the tilt on my old one fell apart and I didn't want to deal with another tilt column. Should I have centered my wheels before I installed it? And why won't it turn back to the left?? The lock mechanism isn't stuck or anything cause when the key comes out the wheel won't turn at all.

 

Did you use the ignition from your Cherokee, or the one that was on the new column?
Can you disconnect the column from the shaft and then turn the steering wheel?
I think that your problem is maybe in your column lock, but anytime you are installing a new steering wheel center the tires, that way you can get the steering wheel centered.

 

I used the ignition that was in the part from the bone yard. Yes, if I pull it back out I can spin the wheel, ignition turned or not. A friend did mention the column lock but I don't really understand how to fix that problem. I am going to pull it all apart again jack it up and center the tires and drop it back in on Sunday. Is there anything you can tell me about the column lock or help me find a link to something. I don't really have a manual or anything. Kinda flying blind and it's not all that much fun.

 

I had a problem many years ago with a column change, and had to pull it apart and get the lock and the switch lined up before it would work. I can not remember just what worked but I couldn't turn the wheel so I kept messing with it until it would. Can you start the engine and turn the shaft with a wrench until the wheels are straight?

 

It does fire up, but I have not tried to turn the shaft with a wrench. I will give that a try in the morning. It's dark and chilly in Colorado and no garage to play in. Thanks for the tips and I'll post my progress tomorrow.