Devil Dog NEEDS HELP

[hammer50012000]

I am a former Marine that is used to the Navy driving and not me. I recently purchased a 20' offshore Challenger Spincraft center console boat with a 115 Hp Mercury Offshore outboard motor. I know little about boats and I am starting to learn fast. I need to take off the top of the center console in order to do some fiberglass repairs. The previous owner had taken off and added new electronics and hardware which not only left a lot of holes in the now non-waterproofed battery compartment, but also cut a lot of new crooked holes wherever he mounted something. I think I have figured out how to take the top piece of the console off, but I am having trouble removing the steering wheel. I took the nut off the bolt in the center of the steering wheel and still can't get the darn thing off. From what I can tell there is nothing else holding it on, but I don't want to force it and break something else that I would have to replace. Any and all help would be appreciated. I am in the weeds with no one watching my six. Please help if you are able.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Devil Dog NEEDS HELP

but I am having trouble removing the steering wheel.

Ayuh,...
Run the nut back on, Just flush with the end of the shaft,...
Brace your knees under the wheel, applying upward pressure on the wheel,...
Now,... a Single hammer blow to the nut/ shaft,+ the wheel will pop off....

 

[drewpster]

Re: Devil Dog NEEDS HELP

Be advised hammer, popping the wheel off using the method Bond-O suggested does work, however be very careful how you strike the end of the shaft. The steering shaft is tapered and it is must likely the wheel has become stuck to the shaft. Be certain you hit the end of it flush becuase those shafts are soft and it is easy to damage the threads. A good way to prevent damaging them is to use a socket or brass drift against the end of the shaft and hammer it rather than the end of the shaft itself. The point is to hit flush and prevent damaging the threads.
A quick pop should be all it takes to knock it loose.

 

[78ImperialT]

Re: Devil Dog NEEDS HELP

i had the same problem...steering wheel stuck for 30 years...rubber mallet worked like a dream.

...and by the way... once a marine always a marine SEMPERFI