Steering column

My 1972 steering column shaft has about a 1/2 inch of travel up and down through the column. I installed an aftermarket steering WHEEL, and the cone shape part of it rubs the outer steering column tube and squeeks as I turn. Other than adding a glob of grease, Is there anything I can do to make the steering column shaft ride up in the tube so those parts do not rub?. Or am I missing a part?

 

Isn't there a stiff spring in there to keep a little pressure on it. Is this a non tilte setup?

 

Just like your 74. I don't know. Is there a spring?

 

The problem is the aftermarket column. Without knowing what it is and how it is assembled it will be hard to answer your question. Posting a picture could help. A stock setup will have a spring under the wheel preloading the column bearings.

 

THAT is why no one wants to help! MY MISTAKE! I meant I installed an aftermarket wheel not column. (Post edited).
Thank you for pointing that out.

 

Did you put the spring back? Nothing should change just changing the wheel.