Very Stubborn Steering Wheel - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Palf70Step** · 09-07-2002, 06:18 PM

Need some help. I was trying to pull my steering wheel to swap it with the new one. Had one of the grant wheel pullers so I wouldn't wack myself in the face.

First off..Yes I took off the center nut.

Anyhow, while trying to get it off it not only stripped the threads on the wheel puller, one of the thread holes in the steering wheel got damaged.

I tried wacking the H--L out of it, but it didn't seem to budge,

I think I got the threads repaied in the wheel, that monday I'm going to get some new bolts to use with the wheel puller..

I have never run across anything so stubborn (cept my daughter and my ex

).

I only saw the one large nut and washer on the shaft. Did I miss something or do I need to do something else to get this bugger off without damaging the shaft or insides. I don't care about the wheel it is a wreck already.

Thanks

Appreciate any pointers.

Longhorn Man · 09-07-2002, 06:24 PM

I JUST went through this on the Longhorn last week, and have NEVER had this kind of trouble before.
Once you have the puller ready to go again, make sure you have those bolts threaded in as far as they will go...more threads = mor pullin pressure. Then spray some PB Blaster in there...this stuff is like WD 40, except it does morew than just make stuff smell funny, it actually works. (NAPA has it)
It should come right off.

**Palf70Step** · 09-07-2002, 06:30 PM

Thanks Longhorn

Felt like I was blooming idiot out there in the rain.
No offense...but I sure am glad to here a seasoned veteran has these trubs also.

Longhorn Man · 09-07-2002, 07:19 PM

I wouldn't consider myself a seasoned vetrin...most of my knowledge is just from reading magizines, or these boards. I don't have whole lot of hands on. But yes...I have had many embarasing moments with wrenches.

Brad · 09-07-2002, 08:37 PM

If the wheel is completely unusable then this may not help, otherwise here's what I did years ago.

I loosened the nut in the center approx. 1 turn and drove around for a day or so. I didn't have power steering and the force of having to turn the beast loosened the wheel for me. I've put a little dab of grease in there since and makes for pulling the Grant wheel off very easy when I need to.

**Palf70Step** · 09-07-2002, 08:43 PM

Never thought of that one.
No my wheel is still intact, but it is more rod than plastic thanks to the weather cracks. Maybe I'll use it to go pick up the stuff I need to get that stupid thing off.
Thanks Brad.

Fred T · 09-07-2002, 10:21 PM

A couple more things. One, be careful about the threads on the steering shaft. I screw the nut on to where it is flush with the end of the shaft. Use some good penetrating oil and let it sit overnight. PB Blaster and Kroil are some of the best, PB is easier to find. If the wheel still doesn't budge, with the puller on tight, tap the main screw on the puller with a hammer. Sometime the vibration will help loosen the shaft. If all else fails, heat the wheel around the shaft. Since you dont care about the wheel, you don't have to be as careful, just don't heat the shaft.

Longhorn Man · 09-07-2002, 10:57 PM

Something to add to Brad's post...anti seze compound is a better choice than grease. This stuff is awsome.

O'l Buck · 09-08-2002, 12:02 AM

I agree with Andy, the guy that invented anti-sieze compound should have an eternal place amongst the car gods!!!!!

make sure you use plenty of oil on the screw on your puller too, it will turn easier and pull better, get it snug, smack it with a hammer, snug it up again, smack it with a hammer, repeat steps 1 and 2 as nescessary, oh yeah, putting the nut on the steering shaft is a very good idea, it keeps the shaft from mushrooming and becomming hard to use again.

Rod · 09-08-2002, 12:13 AM

I pulled 7 steering wheels off a couple days ago. I'm selling some tilt van columns. Newer van ones use a metric thread. The older truck ones use standard thread. I made a wheel puller a few years ago and it does the job... I use allen bolts to thread into the wheel. I have a long bolt through the center of my puller, then attach another bolt backward so the head of the bolt presses against the center threaded rod,... it dosen't slip or damage the threads this way... works for me. Some are tougher to get off but they all come off. Rod

09-07-2002, 06:18 PM	#1
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,820	Very Stubborn Steering Wheel Need some help. I was trying to pull my steering wheel to swap it with the new one. Had one of the grant wheel pullers so I wouldn't wack myself in the face. First off..Yes I took off the center nut. Anyhow, while trying to get it off it not only stripped the threads on the wheel puller, one of the thread holes in the steering wheel got damaged. I tried wacking the H--L out of it, but it didn't seem to budge, I think I got the threads repaied in the wheel, that monday I'm going to get some new bolts to use with the wheel puller.. I have never run across anything so stubborn (cept my daughter and my ex ). I only saw the one large nut and washer on the shaft. Did I miss something or do I need to do something else to get this bugger off without damaging the shaft or insides. I don't care about the wheel it is a wreck already. Thanks Appreciate any pointers. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

09-07-2002, 06:30 PM	#3
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,820	Thanks Longhorn Felt like I was blooming idiot out there in the rain. No offense...but I sure am glad to here a seasoned veteran has these trubs also. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

09-07-2002, 08:37 PM	#5
Brad Out of the carpool lane. Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Clark Co, WA Posts: 5,673	If the wheel is completely unusable then this may not help, otherwise here's what I did years ago. I loosened the nut in the center approx. 1 turn and drove around for a day or so. I didn't have power steering and the force of having to turn the beast loosened the wheel for me. I've put a little dab of grease in there since and makes for pulling the Grant wheel off very easy when I need to. __________________ 1968 C-10 SWB, 5.7 Vortec/700R4/3.73 posi, Torch Red 1968 Camaro, 250/Powerglide, all original (No, I'm not gonna drop a 350 in it!...Jeez!) 2000 Honda VFR in the faster yellow! 2008 Husqvarna TE-610 1967 C-10 SWB 'Six Appeal'-Gone but not forgotten...

09-07-2002, 08:43 PM	#6
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,820	Never thought of that one. No my wheel is still intact, but it is more rod than plastic thanks to the weather cracks. Maybe I'll use it to go pick up the stuff I need to get that stupid thing off. Thanks Brad. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

09-07-2002, 10:21 PM	#7
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	A couple more things. One, be careful about the threads on the steering shaft. I screw the nut on to where it is flush with the end of the shaft. Use some good penetrating oil and let it sit overnight. PB Blaster and Kroil are some of the best, PB is easier to find. If the wheel still doesn't budge, with the puller on tight, tap the main screw on the puller with a hammer. Sometime the vibration will help loosen the shaft. If all else fails, heat the wheel around the shaft. Since you dont care about the wheel, you don't have to be as careful, just don't heat the shaft. __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

09-07-2002, 06:24 PM	#2
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	I JUST went through this on the Longhorn last week, and have NEVER had this kind of trouble before. Once you have the puller ready to go again, make sure you have those bolts threaded in as far as they will go...more threads = mor pullin pressure. Then spray some PB Blaster in there...this stuff is like WD 40, except it does morew than just make stuff smell funny, it actually works. (NAPA has it) It should come right off.

09-07-2002, 07:19 PM	#4
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	I wouldn't consider myself a seasoned vetrin...most of my knowledge is just from reading magizines, or these boards. I don't have whole lot of hands on. But yes...I have had many embarasing moments with wrenches.

09-07-2002, 10:57 PM	#8
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Something to add to Brad's post...anti seze compound is a better choice than grease. This stuff is awsome.

09-08-2002, 12:02 AM	#9
O'l Buck Recovering Truck Driver Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Orleans, NE USA Posts: 1,883	I agree with Andy, the guy that invented anti-sieze compound should have an eternal place amongst the car gods!!!!! make sure you use plenty of oil on the screw on your puller too, it will turn easier and pull better, get it snug, smack it with a hammer, snug it up again, smack it with a hammer, repeat steps 1 and 2 as nescessary, oh yeah, putting the nut on the steering shaft is a very good idea, it keeps the shaft from mushrooming and becomming hard to use again. __________________ 67 K-20 350, SM465, Eaton rear, 4.56 no spin option 00 Dodge 2500 4x4, 24V cummins, 5 speed Chad South Central Nebraska

09-08-2002, 12:13 AM	#10
Rod Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Eastern - Manitoba Canada, Winnipeg Posts: 4,369	I pulled 7 steering wheels off a couple days ago. I'm selling some tilt van columns. Newer van ones use a metric thread. The older truck ones use standard thread. I made a wheel puller a few years ago and it does the job... I use allen bolts to thread into the wheel. I have a long bolt through the center of my puller, then attach another bolt backward so the head of the bolt presses against the center threaded rod,... it dosen't slip or damage the threads this way... works for me. Some are tougher to get off but they all come off. Rod __________________ Senior active founding member. 70 3/4 ton GMC Suburban 4x4 250/4 spd. 71 1/2 ton Suburban Chevy 4x4, 350/350 72 Chev 1 ton tow truck 402BB w/Holmes 440 wrecker on propane 2005 FLSTSCI Harley Springer 85 FXSB Harley Lowrider 72 Triumph 650 Bonneville 5spd "Poor people don't have hobbies" Quote from wife.



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