Steering Column Repair: 1994 deville ignition lock cylinder replaced, lock cylinder, spring compressor

Question
After replacing the lock cylinder which I have done many times in the past, I can't get the locking plate set far enough down on the shaft to place the locking ring. The shaft seems to have moved or lost its alignment any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Answer

upper race retainer (c Hi Roger:

This is fairly common.  The shaft has slipped down a little.  First make sure the race retainer (I call it a 'crown') has not collapsed.  Make sure it still slides ove the shaft properly.  If it has collapsed, gently bend the edges out until it is reshaped to slide over the shaft and hold the inner race in place.
Then you will need to physically pull the shaft up into place with one hand, slide and seat the upper inner race, race retainer and spring into place with the other hand.  Then while still holding the shaft (upward pressure) put the horn cam and lock plate and snap ring into place.  Still holding the shaft from sliding, now mount your spring compressor into place until it relieves you of holding the shaft.  Then, and only then, will the plate seat properly.

Good luck
Doug