Steering wheel removal

[wugunguy]

dumb question-What is the best way to remove a steering wheel from a column already out of a truck?

thanks for any help

[wibilly]

well theres always a stearing wheel puller, but you could loosen the nut enough that it just covers the last thread put the colume in a loose headlock so the wheel is supported by your arm on each side of your elbow and wack the nut with a brass hammer

[Blue_71]

get a steering wheel/harmonic balancer puller, OR sometimes if your lucky... hold the steering wheel and give the shaft in the center a couple good smacks with a hammer.. just be sure to leave the nut slightly threaded on so not to mushroom the shaft

[wugunguy]

cool, I was going to try the old-fashioned 'give it a couple good wacks' method but wanted to see if there was something more sophisticated.

I think I have a gear puller laying around somewhere-just have to find it in my organized mess.

thanks

[Mordachai]

Before I started a new thread I thought I'd bump this one.

I am trying to pull my steering wheel, and have pullers galoe, but can't get a darn bolt to fit in the wheel threads.
I have 5/16-18 and 5/16-24. I think the 24 threads is right , but the hole is slightly smaller than 5/16, but larger than 1/4.

Is this a weird metric bolt or something?

Anybody have any idea what bolt size works in a 71 steering wheel?

|M|

[68gmsee]

My puller came with several sized bolts. It had the correct ones for my 69 but, the only thing I remember is that it was the fine machine threads. Nothing metric, though.

[Mordachai]

darn, wonder if there's a non stock hub under my wheel, cause the bolts that came with the puller(5/16x18 and 5/16x24, also a 3/8x18 too) are clearly too big. Although I think the 24 tooth per inch fine thread is right, maybe it's an obscure 9/32 bolt for mine or something. Honestly this simple thing is really a hold up....

[68gmsee]

If you can't find the right thread bolt, you might want to retap that sucker. could be someone before you buggered it up.

I'd go to the auto parts store and check their bolt aisle. A lot of them have a template that shows bolt sizes. I believe you can get a tap for just a few dollars and maybe even use a small socket to turn it if you don't have a tap handle.

[Mordachai]

Well I actually got the wheel off with a hammer today, so now I can take it in to see what thread it is. I think you might be right that it was re tapped at one point though, considering what I've already seen the p.o. do to it..

But thanks..