Replacing lower steering shaft and its fighting me a bit. First my steering wheel won't lock. Second if I'm totally centered out on steering wheel I absolutely cannot get the e socket on the lower bolt. Since I can't lock steering wheel can I turn wheel to access the lower bolt to remove. Than turn wheel back to center before removing upper bolt and shaft completely? While having a helper hold wheel in center position?

 

You can go as far as removing the bolt fully and then centre the wheel before taking off the shaft. The sockets at each end are keyed, so they only fit one way.

 

thank you! I did just that . The bottom bolt took me 2 days of soaking and working in and out but finally got it. This was the first time I've touched the wife's rover. Never have I worked on any rover newer than 1970.. these are much different. I appreciate you taking the time