Fixing A Loose Steering Column In A Jeep

Below the dust cover is a metal lock plate that is held in place by a snap-ring. The first step in removing that snap-ring is to use a special tool (a tool which you can easily make out of some flat stock) to press the lock plate inwards, onto the very stiff spring behind it. The tool is basically a squared C-shape with a hole in the middle. You slip it over the steering shaft and cinch it down using the steering wheel nut. Once you tighten it enough that the snap-ring is fully exposed, you can remove the clip.