I'm repairing the horn slip ring assembly in the steering column of my 3.8. I removed the felt bushings at the top and bottom of the outer column, and upon reassembly the inner shaft is very hard to turn. I've isolated the issue to the top felt bushing being very tight on the shaft, even with liberal amounts of grease applied. I can't figure out why it would get tighter just from removing and reinstalling it.

Any suggestions as to how I can adjust the fit to loosen up the top felt bushing? I know most people have the opposite problem with these felt bits.

Thanks.

 

Mine was really tight after rebuild as well. After putting the wheel back on it was manageable and I expect it to be perfect a few miles down the road. We're talking about rag on steel here, oil it and be happy

 

I oiled it with graphite lock oil, and it seems a bit looser. I just don't want to put the whole thing back together and find that I need to take it apart again because the felt is screwed up somehow.

Thanks.