MTFCA Forum

So my steering wheel key seemed to be loose. It looks like it is tapered like a wedge. so I ordered anew one and it won't fit when the wheel is on the pinion.
New on the left old on the right You can see the small gap on the pinion with the old key. Once I tighten the big steering wheel nut with the old key the wheel is seems like a good fit. Without the nut in place it seems loose when I move the wheel from side to side.

Should I sand down the new key? I already tried to hit the steering wheel with a hard rubber mallet to force it on a bit.

Nope... steering wheel ‘key’ not tapered. Try inserting into keyway alternating all 4 sides. Steering spider with a rubber mallet OK - just don’t hit the acorn nut with the rubber mallet. Don’t ask me how I know this

Neither of those keys you have pictured looks like the actual key you should be using. The key should be straight, square, and a perfect fit in the slot. When you place the key in the center shaft post, you should be able to tap the cover into place without any heavy blows or other drama.

I can place the key in the slot on the shaft (pinion) but the I try to put the wheel on it won't fit. I can also place the key on the spider and it will fit. The pinion is new so it could be that the spider is messed up.

The correct key is 1/4" x 1/4" - should be a light press/tap fit into both pinion & wheel hub - you DO NOT want it (the steering wheel) to just slide on !

Steve, on our Canadian sourced cars the key is more like 1/8 x 1/8. Our rear axles keys are 1/4" square.
This is a perfect application for Loctite Qickmetal to take up any slack/wear in either component or the key.

Allan from down under.

You will need to fit the key a little. Nothing ever is plug and play with this stuff. You don’t want a press fit.

You are quite correct Allan - brain fart !

That didnt sound right, So i checked stock. Key is .1875" square X .90 +- long. Takes a tapping to seat it in steering shaft.

The tap fit is good. If the wheel is a bit loose, then the loctite product I mentioned will help. It may require a hot hair dryer on the hub whenever you need to take the wheel off again.
Allan from down under.

So I called Steve at Lang's (he is always helpful). He said I had the correct size key. He also suggested that I tap the key into the pinion slot. When i tried it before I was just pressing it in with my fingers. I also think you are correct when you say nothing fits perfect. Ha! I should know better (new pinion shaft, New key, and old spider). I'll give it another go.