I just replaced my steering box for the second time (a whole different thread but suffice to say a junk rebuilt part from Rock Auto was the cause).

My steering wheel, WITHOUT THE STEERING BOX ATTACHED, is not as free to turn as it had been. I had taken the wheel off several times (also part of the original saga). Is there a way I could have "jammed" or preloaded a bearing on the steering shaft itself that has caused it to be a bit stiffer than it was before the whole process began?

Would a tap from the end of the shaft in the engine compartment with a plastic mallet or a deadblow hammer be a bad idea?

Thoughts, recommendations?

 

Sounds like you ruined the clockspring... This is why you do NOT want to turn the steering wheel without the box attached...

Whenever you take your steering shaft off always tie down your steering wheel so it does not spin.

 

Yeah, know that now. No clicking or anything, all functions that worked before, work now. So, do I need to replace it or just leave it?

 

Umm well, if I were you? I would

Do you HAVE to? No

 

For $35, I might as well.

 

Yup! I'd hate to put it all back together and not do it to find our your truck drive like crap