Removing steering wheel. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

duke10 · 04-11-2004, 01:16 AM

I just got a new gmc horn cap in the mail today and my steering wheel is upside down. I took the big bolt in the middle off and unsrewed the three little phillips head screws and the wheel would not come off easily. What gives? How do I get the steering wheel off and mount it right side up? Thanks, Scott

WB72 · 04-11-2004, 01:29 AM

You need a steering wheel puller. The wheel has 2 threaded holes on it, thread the bolts of the puller into them and tighten the puller.

I don't know if there is a way to do it without a puller? Anybody?

JoetheMobster · 04-11-2004, 01:56 AM

Well, People have tried slamming upwards on the bottom of the spokes with their hands, but I wouldn't recommend that! Steering wheel pullers can be had for a song.

duke10 · 04-11-2004, 11:32 AM

Thanks, where do I get a steering wheel puller? Do they have them at parts stores Kragen, Napa etc.? Regards, Scott

**FRENCHBLUE72** · 04-11-2004, 11:35 AM

Yep should be able to get ine at any local part's store... Auto zone would even loan ya one ..

Steven Sellers · 04-11-2004, 12:03 PM

Careful of the quality though we got one from checkers when I was in Hawaii and the bolts bent Im guessing they were like grade1 bolts

Sweet72 · 04-11-2004, 12:13 PM

Apply a little tension with the wheel puller, and give the puller center bolt a tap with your hammer, the wheel will come off.

orange72350 · 04-11-2004, 02:19 PM

even for that matter, if u wanna be cheap, you could make a puller real easy and real cheap...just cut a piece of bar stock to make yer puller base, cut grooves for yer bolts and drill and tap a center hole. Run a piece or all thread through the hole, cut to lenght and weld a nut on top. shazzam. all done. about 10-15 minutes with the right tools.. im cheap, so i make as many tools as i possibly can..,

cdowns · 04-11-2004, 02:23 PM

if you sit in the seat ,take your knees and put upward pressure on the spokes of the wheel and take large hammer with a sharp rap to the steering shaft and that should break the wheel free

WRMZ71 · 04-11-2004, 02:37 PM

I don't recommend hitting the shaft for the steering wheel with a hammer. (Sorry CDowns) I"ve done this and jacked up my threads pretty badly. I was able to clean them up enough to barely get the bolt on but it was a pain in the ARSE. I would just go to autozone and get the steering wheel puller, they'll rent it to you and when you bring it back you get your money back as well. I've used the jerk method and its hard on the bearings in the column and it's hard on your nose when the wheel finally comes off and you're momentum brings the wheel back and smacks you in the face as your head bounces off the back windshield

Jeepster376 · 04-11-2004, 02:48 PM

LOL I used to use the hammer and knees method back in the day, but I eventually made a puller like orange 72 describes. Life is better, and no damaged treads.

71Chevy4-speed · 04-11-2004, 05:13 PM

LOL I needed this topic... probably getting a Grant for my b-day on Sat. Silver one.

here

krue · 04-11-2004, 05:59 PM

To get mine off (original wheel) I had to hold tension on the puller with a wrench and wail on the center bolt of the puller with a 3 lb. maul. Good luck.

duke10 · 04-11-2004, 11:22 PM

Guys, thank you for all of the colorful responses. Happy Easter!!!

Longhorn Man · 04-11-2004, 11:47 PM

I have to agree with WRMZ71, I used to do it with a hammer all the time, I too tore up some threads and once, at the Ohio meet, I pulled so hard on a wheel I had just sold to another member, that when it did come off, the wheel hit my face, and my head hit the back glass. I swore I thought I was gonna pass out, but I didn't.

cdowns · 04-12-2004, 12:02 AM

if you leave the nut on right to the end it wont mess up the threads(also saves on the dental bills) or some people go as far as having a block of wood handy but that requires alot of skill using both knees and both hands to complete one task

glock35ipsc · 04-12-2004, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by cdowns
if you sit in the seat ,take your knees and put upward pressure on the spokes of the wheel and take large hammer with a sharp rap to the steering shaft and that should break the wheel free

I spent 10 years building conversion vans and trucks, and thats the way we did it on the production line everyday. A heavy Snap-On shot filled rubber faced mallet and two knees. Leave the nut on to protect the threads, pull up on the wheel, and WHAP!

Longhorn Man · 04-12-2004, 01:28 AM

If the wheel that has been on there for 30 years is stuck, you can still mess up the threads on the shaft, even if you leave the nut on there. I screwed up the shaft in the longhorn doing this, but not untill I already destroied the upper bearings. Buy a puller,you can get it for less than 20 bucks if you look hard enough.

RON WOODGEARD · 04-12-2004, 03:43 AM

Just take the center nut off and everything else retaining it,, Then grab the wheel on each side with your hands and jerk like hell,,,,,,,,,,?????????

NO,,, Don't really do it this way....

jimfulco · 04-12-2004, 04:38 AM

Drip a little penetrant on the splined area the day before you take it off.

04-11-2004, 01:16 AM	#1
duke10 Active Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: san diego Posts: 833	Removing steering wheel. I just got a new gmc horn cap in the mail today and my steering wheel is upside down. I took the big bolt in the middle off and unsrewed the three little phillips head screws and the wheel would not come off easily. What gives? How do I get the steering wheel off and mount it right side up? Thanks, Scott

04-11-2004, 01:29 AM	#2
WB72 Before and After Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Leduc, Alberta CANADA Posts: 632	You need a steering wheel puller. The wheel has 2 threaded holes on it, thread the bolts of the puller into them and tighten the puller. I don't know if there is a way to do it without a puller? Anybody? __________________ Not Grandpa's C-20 anymore... 383 Stroker 425HP, 485Ft/Lbs Lowered 3.5" Front / 5" Rear 66,000 miles. Alberta, CANADA

04-11-2004, 01:56 AM	#3
JoetheMobster Listening since '86 Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Canada Posts: 1,799	Well, People have tried slamming upwards on the bottom of the spokes with their hands, but I wouldn't recommend that! Steering wheel pullers can be had for a song. __________________ 2007 Saturn Aura - hey it WAS a GM product

04-11-2004, 11:35 AM	#5
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,608	Yep should be able to get ine at any local part's store... Auto zone would even loan ya one .. __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

04-11-2004, 12:03 PM	#6
Steven Sellers Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 692	Careful of the quality though we got one from checkers when I was in Hawaii and the bolts bent Im guessing they were like grade1 bolts __________________ 2008 Buick Enclave(wifes new non wrecked) 1996 Jeep Cherokee 2002 2500HD 6.0L (traded) 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee(wifes/wrecked) 1977 DJ5 postal jeep(mmm lots of fun) 1988 Toyota 2wd p/u(DD, blewup 199,000) 1991 Toyota 2ed p/u (sry just cant break these things) 1997 XR70 Honda 1991 Z50(FOR SALE) 1972 Z50 Honda 1970 SWB 350/knucklebuster "The adventure begins and I am confident that there will be no end".

04-11-2004, 11:32 AM	#4
duke10 Active Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: san diego Posts: 833	Thanks, where do I get a steering wheel puller? Do they have them at parts stores Kragen, Napa etc.? Regards, Scott

04-11-2004, 12:13 PM	#7
Sweet72 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 1,534	Apply a little tension with the wheel puller, and give the puller center bolt a tap with your hammer, the wheel will come off. __________________ '72 GMC SWB C1500 Custom, frame-off in progress. 383 SBC, 9:1CR, Comp Cams XE262H, Scat internal balanced crank, Eagle SIR 6" rods, Keith Black dish pistons, Dart Iron Eagle 72/180 heads, Weiand Stealth intake, Stewart stage I water pump, Holley 4bbl vac sec, TH350 with B&M Shift Improver Kit. 12 bolt positraction.

04-11-2004, 02:19 PM	#8
orange72350 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Cold, Snowy High Level, Alberta Canada Eh Posts: 394	even for that matter, if u wanna be cheap, you could make a puller real easy and real cheap...just cut a piece of bar stock to make yer puller base, cut grooves for yer bolts and drill and tap a center hole. Run a piece or all thread through the hole, cut to lenght and weld a nut on top. shazzam. all done. about 10-15 minutes with the right tools.. im cheap, so i make as many tools as i possibly can.., __________________ 2003 yamaha raptor. Stock, but it still hauls!!!! 2000 skiddo mxz 700. Camoplast 1.5 inch track, jaws twin pipes, b+b can, custom built and weighted clutch, wiseco piston, high comp heads. its very fast. wow. 72 c-10 longbox. Bright Orange. Brand new 350, rv cam, performer intake, qjet, headers, 2 1/2 inch exhaust into hooker areo chamber mufflers. Body work coming soon. "dont let yer mind wander, its to little to go places by itself." "Forget the herse, cause i'll never die"-ACDC Back In Black "If It's To Loud, Yer Just Too Old" "I Love Anything Fast Enough To Do Something Stupid In" "Instant idiot, just add beer!!""

04-11-2004, 02:23 PM	#9
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	if you sit in the seat ,take your knees and put upward pressure on the spokes of the wheel and take large hammer with a sharp rap to the steering shaft and that should break the wheel free __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

04-11-2004, 02:37 PM	#10
WRMZ71 Cause the Chicks DIG IT!! Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Beaufort SC Posts: 509	I don't recommend hitting the shaft for the steering wheel with a hammer. (Sorry CDowns) I"ve done this and jacked up my threads pretty badly. I was able to clean them up enough to barely get the bolt on but it was a pain in the ARSE. I would just go to autozone and get the steering wheel puller, they'll rent it to you and when you bring it back you get your money back as well. I've used the jerk method and its hard on the bearings in the column and it's hard on your nose when the wheel finally comes off and you're momentum brings the wheel back and smacks you in the face as your head bounces off the back windshield

04-11-2004, 02:48 PM	#11
Jeepster376 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 269	LOL I used to use the hammer and knees method back in the day, but I eventually made a puller like orange 72 describes. Life is better, and no damaged treads. __________________ 72 Cheyenne Super 4x4 SWB

04-11-2004, 05:13 PM	#12
71Chevy4-speed Speed Limit = Floorboard Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Kasilof, Alaska Posts: 803	LOL I needed this topic... probably getting a Grant for my b-day on Sat. Silver one. here __________________ 1971 C20 350, 4-speed - Sold. 1985 K10 350, Built 700r4, Edel 1406, Performer intake, MSD Ign, Hooker Comps, Silverstars, Piaa drivers, LED tails, Toyo A/T 31's, Eaton Posi, the project. "Build for torque, horsepower will follow"

04-11-2004, 05:59 PM	#13
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	To get mine off (original wheel) I had to hold tension on the puller with a wrench and wail on the center bolt of the puller with a 3 lb. maul. Good luck. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

04-11-2004, 11:22 PM	#14
duke10 Active Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: san diego Posts: 833	Guys, thank you for all of the colorful responses. Happy Easter!!!

04-11-2004, 11:47 PM	#15
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	I have to agree with WRMZ71, I used to do it with a hammer all the time, I too tore up some threads and once, at the Ohio meet, I pulled so hard on a wheel I had just sold to another member, that when it did come off, the wheel hit my face, and my head hit the back glass. I swore I thought I was gonna pass out, but I didn't.



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04-12-2004, 12:02 AM	#16
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	if you leave the nut on right to the end it wont mess up the threads(also saves on the dental bills) or some people go as far as having a block of wood handy but that requires alot of skill using both knees and both hands to complete one task __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

04-12-2004, 01:28 AM	#18
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	If the wheel that has been on there for 30 years is stuck, you can still mess up the threads on the shaft, even if you leave the nut on there. I screwed up the shaft in the longhorn doing this, but not untill I already destroied the upper bearings. Buy a puller,you can get it for less than 20 bucks if you look hard enough.

04-12-2004, 03:43 AM	#19
RON WOODGEARD Resident Young Old Dude ! Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Nevada Posts: 1,948	Just take the center nut off and everything else retaining it,, Then grab the wheel on each side with your hands and jerk like hell,,,,,,,,,,????????? NO,,, Don't really do it this way....

04-12-2004, 04:38 AM	#20
jimfulco Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Shreveport LA Posts: 3,170	Drip a little penetrant on the splined area the day before you take it off.

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