Gap between Steering wheel and column

[kaseyp]

I am replacing the aftermarket wheel that came with my 72 standard with an OEM wheel. Pulled off the old one and put the OEM one on and there is a gap between the wheel and column. Is this normal or could there be an adapter I need to remove? There is a plastic tab in the column side of the OEM wheel that creates the gap. Any ideas or suggestions? Thanks!!

[VW_Jimbo]

Suppose to be around 1/8 inch gap. It is adjustable. But what is the adapter mentioned? Pictures?
_________________
Jimbo

There is never enough time to do it right the first time, but all the time necessary the second time!

[andk5591]

Cant remember for sure whats in a 72, but take a look underneath the dash and you should have 2 hex bolts or 2 allen heads that can be loosened and the outer column should be able to be slide forward or back maybe 1/4" or more.
_________________
D-Dubya Manx clone - 63 Short pan,1914.
Rosie 65 bug - My mostly stock daily driver.
Woodie 69 VW woodie (Hot VWs 7/12).
"John's car" 64 VW woodie - The first ever
Maxine 61 Cal-look bug - Cindy's daily driver.
Max - 73 standard Beetle hearse project - For sale
66 bug project - Real patina & Suby conversion
There's more, but not keeping them...

[vamram]

The '72 has a single hex bolt underneath for this adjustment.

_________________
Eventually, "we are what we pretend to be.’”
Give peace a chance - Stop Russian-Soviet Aggression!!

'74 Super 9/16 - present, in refurb process.
'73 Super - 6/18 - Present - Daily Driver!
'75 Super Le Grande...waiting it's turn in line behind '74.
Click to view image
Save the Supers!!

[Patrick_S]

How big is the gap? The gap must be 2-4mm according to Bentley. Make sure it is not too tight or the steering wheel slides against the steering column. You will ruin multiple components of the steering column/wheel this way. Experience.

And there should be a metal circlip that holds the steering wheel at a set distance on the steering shaft. Right behind the grooves onto which the steering wheel slides is an indentation into which the circlip should sit. Make sure it is there.

After that there are two hex bolts along the steering shaft somewhere under the dashboard that allows the column tube+steering column to slide up and down. Use that to set the correct gap.

After all this is done. Turn around the steering wheel a few times, make sure that it doesn't touch the steering column at any point. But do make sure that the steering wheel touches the flexible copper plate on the steering column, or you will have no horn.