Steering column to intermediate shaft re-assembly

[MapleMax]

Hi, Having removed the steering column from the car to renew all of the bushes I have been unable to re-connect the column to the intermediate shaft. Any tips? The pinch bolt came out easily as did the column from the shaft but just can't get it back on - is it a two-man job? The wheels have not been moved and I'm aware that there is no flat on the column shaft so am at a loss!
The column itself works beautifully with the new bushes!

[mole42]

I have done it on my own a couple of times but I remember it's not easy. I think I spread the clamp on the intermediate to allow it to slide together more easily.

Richard

[MapleMax]

Thanks Richard, I’ve tried spreading the clamp with a large screwdriver but No luck

[sujitroy]

I've done this a few times with two people. I normally loosen bolts at each end of the intermediate shaft and slide. Did u drop the column on the splines

[wilf]

I have done it on my own a couple of times but I remember it's not easy. I think I spread the clamp on the intermediate to allow it to slide together more easily.

Richard

Ditto, and for the life of me I can't recall how I did it - I think I got the intermediate shaft held in position with some bent wire coat hanger bits, then slid the column into it from inside the car. Having ensured that the intermediate shaft would actually slide onto the bottom of the steering column first!