How to remove steering wheel

[surfncnow]

hey everyone,

I have a destroyer wheel that I'm trying to remove. I removed the nut and washer.....but it want come off. I sprayed some WD40 to try to loosen it up. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Ron

[Capt. Fred]

I have had the same problem. Try heating the part of the wheel that the shaft passes through. Be careful with the torch as there's lots of stuff around the helm you don't want to get too hot. Put the nut back on the shaft so the face of the nut is flush with the end of the shaft and then tap on the shaft while you are applying pressure to pull the wheel off. This is easier with two people. You may need to get a wheel puller but I've gotten them off by using the above method. Make sure you don't booger up the threads on the end of the shaft. Good luck. It can be a real PITA.

[surfncnow]

thanks Fred! Unfortunately, that is the news I thought I would get in return. The shaft is pretty rusty below the wheel. You would think the shaft would be stainless. Either way, I will give your suggestion a try.

thanks again.....Ron

[fishfighter]

As above,but use a block of wood or a piece of brass.What type of helm?If it is Hyd helm,heat will screw up the seals.Good luck.

[Capt. Fred]

Yup that's what I meant by don't get it too hot. I actually laid a piece of tin foil between the wheel and helm but be careful with the heat. Also, some heating and cooling cycles with some penetrating oil may help to draw the oil in. Remember to grease it before you put it back on too. Mine is a tapered shaft so once it moves at all it comes right off.

[Kern O]

I've run into the same problem and have a crude trick that usually works. Loosen the nut a couple turns, but don't remove it. Then take a 2 x 4 or something similar and use it to pry upward on the wheel. Then give the shaft a sharp tap with a punch. It needs to be a quick, clean hit, not a dull blow. If you are worried about the threads, back the nut off until it covers the end of the threads. Inertial is your friend here. The wheel is held in place by the wood and the shaft has enough play in the pump that it can move a bit. If all else fails, get a gear puller. Heat can help, but I am always afraid of heat around fiberglass and seals.

[Garett]

Back when I was in school I worked a couple of summers working in a scrap ward. Here was the method we used which Never failed.

Keep in mind this is cars/ trucks I am talking about, but I know the principal is exactly the same.

Loosen off the nut holding the steering wheel on, but don't remove it. Only back it off until it is flush will the end of the steering column. Then get two large ball-pein hammers, then sit in the driver's seat, then slide forward so you can both your knees/ lower thighs to the back side of the steering wheel (like at the 9 o'clock and the 3 o'clock position) and apply a strong pressure with both your knees/ thighs. Then rest one of the ball-pein hammers on the end of the steering shaft w/ nut and with your one hand, then pound that hammer's ball end with the other hammer. Really stubborn ones will take two three good solid wacks; no steering wheel will refuse this persuasion!

[surfncnow]

Looks like a Tela-flex? steering system. I still can't get the wheel off. I'm hoping on Saturday I can get the wheel off though. The reason I want the wheel off is so I can cut a whole for my new stereo. My friend said he would lend me his torch.

[Garett]

So how'd you make out with that steering wheel? What method did you end up using to remove it?

[welder]

Rub some Bacon fat on it and loose the Polar Bear's , Aye Garett.