steering connection problem

When the snap ring is in the groove, should be all good.
And for others following along here... The combination of steering wheel diameter and forces transferred to such a small diameter snap ring will generate a burr on the shaft at that groove.
The hammer tap is not the way past this. Instead, try to get just a tiny gap between snap ring and bearing race before removing the snap ring. If the shaft does move up through that bearing race you'll know it isn't frozen to the shaft. Next step, remove the snap ring. Next step, use a small hobby/jewelers file to remove said burr from ring groove. Next step, polishing/emery cloth will clean all of shaft surface. Bearing should slide on and off effortlessly whether brand new or 100 years old. This never was a press fit .