Steering Issues

[WankelsRevenge]

So in trying to remove my steering wheel I had an odd thing occur. I got all the bolts off that hold it on, and then went I went to pull the wheel off the steering shaft pulled back about an inch or so.

Now since this has happened Ive noticed that just in everyday driving I can regularly move the steering wheel towards/away from me with no problems. Is this something normal, something that happens when using an aftermarket wheel, or something I should worry about? Ive never had this happen to me on another car before so Im really completely clueless.