I did the same thing this last weekend Paul. When I put the black plastic
spacer back on the steering shaft, I noticed that I could push the shaft
away from the parts you are talking about. I had to tap on the plastic
spacer while I was supporting the bottom end of the steering shaft so the
spacer would slide fully onto the shaft and the bottom end would be flush
where you say there is a 1/4" space. You may need to go back and pull the
steering wheel off, turn signal stalk and access the spacer and press it
further down onto the steering shaft while supporting the bottom end of the
shaft. Mine is a '91 Westy so I don't know if it is the same as your '83.
Bob Stevens

Happy is he who bears a god within.
-- Louis Pasteur
http://communities.msn.com/BobsPhotoShare

Recently when replacing the ignition switch in my 83 wbx westie, I
noticed that the steering column was not mating fully flush with the
"lower column" according to Bently language.  There is about 1/4" of
space between the flange with the two rubber grommets/holes of the
upper column, and the two shafts of the lower column which are supposed
to fill those rubber holes.  My Bently manual shows the upper column
mating flush with the lower column.

This seems like a safety hazard to me - it seems like the upper
steering column could easily disengage with the lower  during a bump or
hard turn etc.  What could be the cause of this?  What is the remedy.
Could it be related to the manual steering rack, which was recently
replaced with a used part?  Its it safe to drive?

thanks,
Paul

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