[Healeys] steering idler

[mail.maineguide.com]

Amongst many other projects, I decided to rebuild the steering idler on my 
BJ8. Ordered new seals and bushings from Moss, got the old bushings 
out,lubed and pressed new ones in, identical to the old ones or so it seems. 
Problem now is I cannot re-insert idler shaft unless using VERY big hammer, 
also reamed ends of bushings slightly with dremel tool to take care of any 
mushrooming. any ideas?? Thanks.
Brad Holden