'57 Steering Wheel - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

57picupnewbie · 08-30-2010, 07:31 PM

Does anyone have any tricks as to getting steering wheel off when one does not have a puller? I hate to buy one just to use 1 or 2 times.

OrrieG · 08-30-2010, 08:24 PM

Get a puller, once you have one it will save you agrevation and cost less than restoring the wheel when you crack or mess it up. They aren't that much at harbor freight. If you don't car about the wheel, lots of wd-40 etc and bfh.

dwcsr · 08-30-2010, 08:27 PM

Borrow or rent one from your local parts store. I have in the past put a nut on the end threaded part, don't use the one holding the wheel on, just to the end of the shaft and pull on the wheel and smack the nut with a hammer. It usually damages the shaft end but if your only interested in getting the wheel off its a quick way to do it.

**Dan in Pasadena** · 08-30-2010, 09:01 PM

Put a 2x4 and a towel between the wheel and the BFH and you MIGHT get it off without Effing it up....much.

Oh..and the towel goes between the 2x4 and the wheel, not the 2x4 and the BFH...ha...ha...ha...

sgtusmc · 08-30-2010, 09:59 PM

10 bucks at Harbor fright. Get one on line if you don't have a store nearby. In my opinion any other way your going to mess up the wheel. Here's a link to it.
http://www.harborfreight.com/46-piec...set-37824.html

Russell Ashley · 08-31-2010, 07:09 AM

As someone else already said, they only cost about $10 or less and worth that the first time you use it. And BTW, you'll use it a lot more that "1 or 2 times" over the years.
You can buy just a steering wheel puller or a kit that will also pull harmonic balncers and other things.

I'm a "tool freak" and just love an opportunity to buy a new tool, LOL.

jayft8 · 08-31-2010, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell Ashley

As someone else already said, they only cost about $10 or less and worth that the first time you use it. And BTW, you'll use it a lot more that "1 or 2 times" over the years.
You can buy just a steering wheel puller or a kit that will also pull harmonic balncers and other things.

I'm a "tool freak" and just love an opportunity to buy a new tool, LOL.

A-men to that. After all, isn't that all any project is anyways? An excuse to get new tools?

"If the women don't find you handsome, at least let 'em find you handy" Red Green

JT

ezekiel · 08-31-2010, 07:02 PM

It's actually really easy. I have used this technique with great success.

After removing everything in the way, I break loose the steering wheel nut but I don't remove it. I just thread it back out until it is flush with the steering shaft.

Next, I use my legs to apply upward pressure on the steering wheel. Must have equal upward pressure with both legs!

Then I tap the nut carefully with a BFH. Hit it gently at first to prevent shaft damage. Hit it a little harder if it needs it.

One good crack ought to pop it loose. Make sure you hit the shaft and not the nut and make sure you hit it with the flat face of the hammer. You don't want to mangle the nut.

Make absolutely sure that the nut is flush with the end of the shaft or else you will mash the threads.

The nut will prevent the steering wheel from whacking you in the face when it pops off.

enick72 · 08-31-2010, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ezekiel

It's actually really easy. I have used this technique with great success.

After removing everything in the way, I break loose the steering wheel nut but I don't remove it. I just thread it back out until it is flush with the steering shaft.

Next, I use my legs to apply upward pressure on the steering wheel. Must have equal upward pressure with both legs!

Then I tap the nut carefully with a BFH. Hit it gently at first to prevent shaft damage. Hit it a little harder if it needs it.

One good crack ought to pop it loose. Make sure you hit the shaft and not the nut and make sure you hit it with the flat face of the hammer. You don't want to mangle the nut.

Make absolutely sure that the nut is flush with the end of the shaft or else you will mash the threads.

The nut will prevent the steering wheel from whacking you in the face when it pops off.

This may work but I have seen plenty of times where it will not budge, the tool is cheap and easy.

Russell Ashley · 08-31-2010, 08:31 PM

There's a ball bearing on the other end of the steering shaft. When you hit the nut with that BFH that bearing takes the force of the blow. If you don't want to save the steering box then it might not matter but if you are going to keep the box then I recommend that you don't beat on the shaft.

Panelman55 · 08-31-2010, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell Ashley

There's a ball bearing on the other end of the steering shaft. When you hit the nut with that BFH that bearing takes the force of the blow. If you don't want to save the steering box then it might not matter but if you are going to keep the box then I recommend that you don't beat on the shaft.

A bearing is not designed to take a side load. That is what you are giving it when you hammer on the shaft. I'm up the raod from you and can loan you mine, if you dont mind the drive up to get it.. You can mail it back when finished.......

ezekiel · 09-02-2010, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Panelman55

A bearing is not designed to take a side load. That is what you are giving it when you hammer on the shaft. I'm up the raod from you and can loan you mine, if you dont mind the drive up to get it.. You can mail it back when finished.......

Agreed, but I've never had to beat on it like my description might suggest.

I've used a machinist's ball peen hammer to tap on it and it pops right off.

Remember, the key to this working is your legs pushing up on the steering wheel. Push like crazy and you won't have to use a lot of hammer force.

But hey, like everyone else has said, buying tools is fun.

jayft8 · 09-02-2010, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ezekiel

The nut will prevent the steering wheel from whacking you in the face when it pops off.

aye - now there's the important part of this whole thing right there

as many a man wif a few false teef (such as myself) will tell you . . .

JT

57picupnewbie · 09-03-2010, 10:23 PM

Okay guys. I went to NAPA and picked one up for $6. I will get it pulled this weekend along with the gas tank and front and back window. Thanks for the input. Sorry to sound stupid, I just am trying to save every where I can. My dream of this build keeps getting more expensive. Did you guys have that problem?????:

**70C10Toejam** · 09-03-2010, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 57picupnewbie

Sorry to sound stupid, I just am trying to save every where I can. My dream of this build keeps getting more expensive. Did you guys have that problem?????:

Nope...never

Now back to reality...

Gotta do the same with my '70 and the new '52. Both need restored. I did buy the HF puller, but have so far only used it to pull the flywheel of my outboard, a '64 Johnson 5 1/2.

I can still see the light at the end of the tunnel, but it keeps getting dimmer and further away.

**bobinbc** · 09-03-2010, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 57picupnewbie

My dream of this build keeps getting more expensive. Did you guys have that problem?????:

I used to have that problem but then I found if I don't keep the receipts I tend to lose track and then it's not a problem anymore. (I've found that burning works best, leaves no evidence -er, I mean records-

)

Russell Ashley · 09-04-2010, 10:26 AM

"keeps getting more expensive"

Welcome to the club, LOL. The more I do to my truck the more I see that needs to be done. My truck was running and driving when I bought it. Now I can't drive it and I've just about doubled the price.
I'm keeping an Excell spreadsheet showing everything I buy and how much I spend on my truck. Never did that before, thought it would be a good thing to do, but now I'm not so sure. I just don't look at the total very often.

08-30-2010, 07:31 PM	#1
57picupnewbie '57 Rosa Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Fitzgerald,GA Posts: 162	'57 Steering Wheel Does anyone have any tricks as to getting steering wheel off when one does not have a puller? I hate to buy one just to use 1 or 2 times. __________________ My '57 Truck Build "Rosa" (Current Project) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...21#post4118721 2003 Dodge Dakota 4X4 (Daily Driver) Only two defining forces have ever died for us: CHRIST died for our salvation and VETERANS died for our freedoms. Glorify CHRIST and thank VETERANs Dru~ USN Retired

08-30-2010, 08:24 PM	#2
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: '57 Steering Wheel Get a puller, once you have one it will save you agrevation and cost less than restoring the wheel when you crack or mess it up. They aren't that much at harbor freight. If you don't car about the wheel, lots of wd-40 etc and bfh. __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project Last edited by OrrieG; 08-30-2010 at 08:25 PM.

08-30-2010, 08:27 PM	#3
dwcsr Hollister Road Co. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Houston Posts: 6,134	Re: '57 Steering Wheel Borrow or rent one from your local parts store. I have in the past put a nut on the end threaded part, don't use the one holding the wheel on, just to the end of the shaft and pull on the wheel and smack the nut with a hammer. It usually damages the shaft end but if your only interested in getting the wheel off its a quick way to do it.

08-30-2010, 09:01 PM	#4
Dan in Pasadena Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Glendora, CA Posts: 6,336	Re: '57 Steering Wheel Put a 2x4 and a towel between the wheel and the BFH and you MIGHT get it off without Effing it up....much. Oh..and the towel goes between the 2x4 and the wheel, not the 2x4 and the BFH...ha...ha...ha... Last edited by Dan in Pasadena; 08-30-2010 at 09:01 PM.

08-30-2010, 09:59 PM	#5
sgtusmc Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Cali. Posts: 958	Re: '57 Steering Wheel 10 bucks at Harbor fright. Get one on line if you don't have a store nearby. In my opinion any other way your going to mess up the wheel. Here's a link to it. http://www.harborfreight.com/46-piec...set-37824.html __________________ My build, 53 GMC / S10 swap http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=305723 My build, 59 Chevy / 88 fullsize swap http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...hlight=sgtusmc U.S. Marines - Certified Counselors to the 72 Virgins Dating Club.

08-31-2010, 07:09 AM	#6
Russell Ashley Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lawrenceville, Ga Posts: 2,640	Re: '57 Steering Wheel As someone else already said, they only cost about $10 or less and worth that the first time you use it. And BTW, you'll use it a lot more that "1 or 2 times" over the years. You can buy just a steering wheel puller or a kit that will also pull harmonic balncers and other things. I'm a "tool freak" and just love an opportunity to buy a new tool, LOL.

08-31-2010, 07:02 PM	#8
ezekiel Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Calgary, Canada Posts: 54	Re: '57 Steering Wheel It's actually really easy. I have used this technique with great success. After removing everything in the way, I break loose the steering wheel nut but I don't remove it. I just thread it back out until it is flush with the steering shaft. Next, I use my legs to apply upward pressure on the steering wheel. Must have equal upward pressure with both legs! Then I tap the nut carefully with a BFH. Hit it gently at first to prevent shaft damage. Hit it a little harder if it needs it. One good crack ought to pop it loose. Make sure you hit the shaft and not the nut and make sure you hit it with the flat face of the hammer. You don't want to mangle the nut. Make absolutely sure that the nut is flush with the end of the shaft or else you will mash the threads. The nut will prevent the steering wheel from whacking you in the face when it pops off. Last edited by ezekiel; 08-31-2010 at 07:03 PM.

08-31-2010, 08:31 PM	#10
Russell Ashley Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lawrenceville, Ga Posts: 2,640	Re: '57 Steering Wheel There's a ball bearing on the other end of the steering shaft. When you hit the nut with that BFH that bearing takes the force of the blow. If you don't want to save the steering box then it might not matter but if you are going to keep the box then I recommend that you don't beat on the shaft.

09-03-2010, 10:23 PM	#14
57picupnewbie '57 Rosa Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Fitzgerald,GA Posts: 162	Re: '57 Steering Wheel Okay guys. I went to NAPA and picked one up for $6. I will get it pulled this weekend along with the gas tank and front and back window. Thanks for the input. Sorry to sound stupid, I just am trying to save every where I can. My dream of this build keeps getting more expensive. Did you guys have that problem?????: __________________ My '57 Truck Build "Rosa" (Current Project) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...21#post4118721 2003 Dodge Dakota 4X4 (Daily Driver) Only two defining forces have ever died for us: CHRIST died for our salvation and VETERANS died for our freedoms. Glorify CHRIST and thank VETERANs Dru~ USN Retired

09-04-2010, 10:26 AM	#17
Russell Ashley Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lawrenceville, Ga Posts: 2,640	Re: '57 Steering Wheel "keeps getting more expensive" Welcome to the club, LOL. The more I do to my truck the more I see that needs to be done. My truck was running and driving when I bought it. Now I can't drive it and I've just about doubled the price. I'm keeping an Excell spreadsheet showing everything I buy and how much I spend on my truck. Never did that before, thought it would be a good thing to do, but now I'm not so sure. I just don't look at the total very often.



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