97 outback steering column binding

Had to remove my steering wheel to change out the signal lever assy. As I did not have a steering wheel puller I initially tried pulling on the wheel while tapping on the steering shaft with a brass drift. I couldn't make any headway so went out and bought a puller and got the job done.

In any case when it came time to putting everything back together, I notice two things. First is the steering shaft covers(trim), upper and lower now bind on the back of the steering wheel although slightly.

Secondly, even with the steering shaft covers off and not binding, the steering wheel has tightened up noticeably turning left and right from neutral. Not significantly, but noticably.

I suspect that the steering shaft has moved in(forward) a bit and is causing my problems. Without know what is involved in the shaft installation I dont know if it is something I can reposition, or if I may have compressed something on the shaft between the wheel and the universal.

Any ideas??

Thanks

Doug