OH ! OH ! I Broke it

[Bowed]

Was trying to pull the steering wheel on my 67 C10 , First I removed the shaft nut then installed and started to turn the puller . There was so much resistance trying to pull the wheel that the 5/8 inch puller shaft snaped in half. Did I miss a step here , is there something else to remove first ? Never had a problem removing a steering wheel before .

[68 Stepside]

First off, leave the nut threaded on just a little, I always do, I don't know why.

Second, it sounds like you did it correctly, although getting the puller nice and tight, and then smacking it with a large hammer may have worked.

Third...I think it's just difficult to get the wheels off these trucks, my 68's steering shaft has a divot in the end of it, from a steering wheel puller. I can only hope the wheel that's on it now isn't as hard to take off.....

Good luck!

[Southpa]

You need a real good, 1st rate puller sometimes. I have bent puller bolts right out of shape before. I had to go down to my buddy's shop and use his heavy duty puller and it popped right off. I left it loose and drove home like that. Got a few laughs on the way home. I'd drive up beside someone and pull the wheel off the column with a surprized look on my face.

[lofly'a]

after i get it in a real good bind and it still won't come off, i get my brass hammer and give it a "good" tap a few times. if it still won't cooperate, spray some wd-40 on it and let it sit a while before trying. sometimes the years of being splined together can seize up everything.

[Palf70Step]

I had similar problem with my 70...My shaft didn't brake, but it did smash the threaded end of the shaft way down.. Steering wheel is stillhooked to that shaft....I changed columns, the pulled out the shaft. The wheel is still intact...lying next to my shed. never ran across one so stubborn in my life...then I heard three others had similar truble...your the first non-70 model though.

[Hooter]

trying to pull the steering wheel out of my friends s15 i managed to pull out all of the threads on his steering wheel. Looks like he is literally stuck with the stock steering wheel

[PitterPats72]

I had a problem pulling mine last time. I used my puller and the steering whell wouldn't come off. Then I used the one I rented (free) from AutoZone. It was heavy duty and did the job in a snap.

Gotta be a good puller.

[Hooter]

I have a really good puller. Its just sometimes they dont wanna come off

[Fred T]

Some good ideas here. Here's what I have done. First, I use a harmonic balancer puller. Had to do a little grinding on it to make it narrow enough for the GM bolt pattern and bought two grade 5 bolts to do the work.

Always leave the nut on the column, flush with the shaft end. This keeps you from messing up the threads. Apply some good penetrating oil to the splines, I prefer Kroil or PBBlaster.

Install the puller, running the bolts in as far as possible, but leaving the ends in the puller even. If your puller does not have a swivel on the shaft, place a greased washer between the puller shaft and column end. If you do have a swivel, oil it. Also be sure the threads on the puller shaft are oiled.

Start turning the shaft. If the wheel acts like it will be a tough pull, add more penetrant and allow it to soak overnight if possible. Take your 2 lb hammer and tap the end of the puller shaft. Firm, but not hard whacks. Usually this will loosen the splines.

If it's still stuck, heat is next. Use a fine tip on the torch, heating only the wheel hub. Keep away from the horn plunger. Sometimes applying pariffin to the splines will help here.

I have never had one refuse to release using these methods. If you do strip the threads in the wheel hub, go to the next size and tap both holes.

One last thing, when I re-assemble a steering wheel, I apply anti-sieze to the splines, keeps me or the next guy from having all these problems.

[Crank]

LMAO @ Southpa. I honestly think you should go about it calmly with a high quality steering wheel puller. Keep it well oiled. and go to town.
Brandon