I got something that keeps me puzzled, and ask for some input.
Backstory: when I started to take apart the interior, I had in a couple of occasions to move the car without airbag, sometimes in a rush fitting a steering wheel as it was. When I finally started to put together the interior, I've noticed that turning the wheel there would be a "crunching" noise coming from the steering wheel, and I assumed I've ruined the clockspring that was not aligned to the wheel itself.
As the car runs fine, I left it for other time ...
Fast forward one year and a half to today :)) and finally I got sorted another clockspring to replace, I took the shrouds off, and so on, fit the wheel and turn slight, and start to hear the same 'crunch' ... took wheel off and I realize comparing with photos online that my wheel is missing that little button that is supposed to "push" the contact with unlocks the spring - I do not know how to explain in other words.
I will go now down to the garage to see if my other spare wheel has it, otherwise I will need to look for it.
This is okay, but ->
But I got another problem, which keeps me puzzled: if I fit the clockspring in its tabs in the steering column, and then I put it in the position that is "locked" to accept the steering wheel, is moved to one side like 30 degrees, in the sense the steering would be out of center
If I push it manually, then is misaligned and I fear the moment the wheel goes in, will break it again.
When I stopped the car this was not an issue, and I have not taken it to align or any messing with the steering linkages.
What could have happen? What am I doing wrong?
I do not mind having the steering "out of center" and take the car to align, as long as I can get rid of the crunching clockspring, but what do you guys think could have happened?
Thanks for bearing with me ...