Steering Wheel Removal

[rodstored-72]

i am going to try to swap out my steering wheel today & was hoping that some of you guys could tell me how is the best way to remove a stock '72 chevy steering wheel from the column???

i presume that i am going to need a steering wheel puller??

i would like to not damage the column so i am checking with all you gurus here...


thankS!!!!

rodstored-72

[Longhorn Man]

yes, you'll need a puller. You can rent one from parts store, or buy one cheap.

[rodstored-72]

i was kinda hoping for some directions on what exactly needs to be done. i am not sure about the horn button & then how the puller works. i have obviosly never done this before, & any direction would be very helpful!!

thanks again!

rodstored-72

[CRCustoms]

i screwed mine up man. now i need a new column.

[bowtieride]

The puller uses 2 bolts and a center piece you screw down to pull the wheel off. Its really easy to do. The horn part will depend on the wheel you choose.
Most good grant wheels will hook up easy. There will be instructions with the wheel.

[bowtieride]

Make sure you get your wheels straight with the old wheel on before you pull it.

[dave2953]

You can also index the shaft/steering wheel before you pull it off so you know how it goes back on. Also, make sure to leave the nut on the shaft when you use the puller. Placing the puller directly on the shaft will likely damage the threads on the shaft, and it's not fun trying to fix the threads when they're damaged. Ask me how I know.....

[Gray Ghost]

You loosen and remove the two screws from the back of the steering wheel, this removes the horn panel and exposes the shaft and nut. Remove the three outer bolts [they will get replaced with the puller's outer three bolts]. The center nut has to be removed, then you can mount the puller and start to tighten the nut to pull the wheel. Make sure your wheels are straight so you can mount the new wheel straight.

[rodstored-72]

guys,
thanks!!! that is exactly what i was looking for!! (buffalo elk _ thanks!) crcustoms what exactly did you do???? you have me a little nervous now..

thanks again!!

rodstored-72

[centsless]

Also, look on the end of the steering shaft, there should be a small hash mark. That line should be straight up for the wheels to be straight. On a stock wheel there will be a dot that lines up with the hash mark. Dont be afraid, just be careful and all will go well!!
Good Luck!

[Longhorn Man]

Buffalo Elk's directions are for an aftermarket wheel.
Stock steering wheel assuming 72 since it's in your siggy;
Pop horn cap off, a flat head screwdriver or small pry bar will do this. Go easy on it if you intend on useing it again.
A phillips head screw driver is needed to remove the 3 screws that hold the horn ring on, there's a thin metal piece and a plastic insulator if memory serves. (been a long time since I've messed with a stock wheel on there)
a 7/8 or 15/16ths socket is needed to remove the one retaining nut. Hold the wheel tight when loosening this nut. You may need to crank the wheel to full left lock in order to put lots-a-ass into the tachet. (I'd go 1/2 inch drive if you got it)
Straighten the wheels back up. You don't need to, but it's not a bad idea.
Look in the cavity in the steering wheel where you were just working. There should be a dot on the shaft, and one on the wheel. They should be lined up like this : if not, your steering wheel was probably crooked, and if it was off center on the shaft, and the wheel seemed straight, then some one did an alignment after slapping it on there and it's all outta whack now.
If you are using a proper steering wheel puller, then there should be no reason to leave the nut on there. the proper tool (unless it's a big lots special) will have a point on the main shaft that'll center it's self in the dimple on the shaft.
Use puller per instructions that came with tool.
If you are putting a lot of torque into the main jack bolt, then you may want to back it off, spray some PB Blaster on the shaft and go at it again. Tapping on that jack bolt, directly down as in to drive it into the steering shaft, can also help knock the wheel loose.
As soon as the wheel starts to come up, you can remove the puller and grap the wheel and pick it up off the shaft.
To reinstall, place wheel indexed on the : marks, make sure the white plastic canceling cam that goes under the wheel is lined up to go into the hole on the wheel, slide it down the splined shaft. If it hangs up, just wiggle it a little left, and a little right. It should slide right down.
Spin the nut on there and torque it down. Nothing crazy... I think it is supposed to be 50 or so ft lbs... something like that, nothing crazy like a lug nut or head bolts.
Reinstall the rest in reverse order.

[rodstored-72]

longhorn,
thanks!!! you are the man.. it is what i keep seeing other people say too! i was looking for the stock st. wheel removal. i am planning on replacing it with a lacarra wheel. my wheel is pretty chewed up so i don't think that it would be any good unless they just really needed a green wheel! though it is solid. just has a few bad cracks.

thanks again!!
rodstored-72