Removal of steering wheel

[lannywhite]

I have a 1966 Starcraft Starchief 18' w/cabin that needs the steering assembly support/dash replaced. I am reasonably skilled but have been unable to remove the wheel which is plastic and has no attaching points for a steering wheel puller. I jury-rigged three bolts with washers pulling against the back side of the center hub but all I accomplished was to make a small tear. There is a thru-hole in one of the spokes to access four screws in the trim plates of the steering assembly, but it appears that removing them doesn't accomplish wheel removal.

I have used lots of WD40, wiggled, pried, and cussed but the wheel won't break free of the shaft. Yes, I did remove the nut and two brass or bronze washers. Using heat will probably melt out the center section of the wheel. There doesn't appear to be a snap ring and there is no key in the steering shaft.

Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Removal of steering wheel

put the nut on flush with the end of the shaft with no washers..... while pulling fairly hard on the wheel, give the end of the shaft a moderate smack with a hammer.... should pop right off

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Removal of steering wheel

Dont use WD-40. It wont wick in. Use a penetrating lubricant, ans then as smoke said, a sharp blow will give the shock it needs to break free. That wheel should be mounted on a tapered shaft.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Removal of steering wheel

And then there are those plastic ones with a pin...el cheapos...currently have one. Do the penetrating oil thing for a couple of days.....get a piece of pipe/rod to fit.....get a 4 lb. maul, put the wheel between your knees/legs with as much pressure as you can manage pushing up from the deck with your feet, and smack the .....out of the shaft; numerous times.

Mark

 

[gimmieaclue]

Re: Removal of steering wheel

"put the nut on flush with the end of the shaft with no washers..... while pulling fairly hard on the wheel, give the end of the shaft a moderate smack with a hammer.... should pop right off"

+1 works pretty good

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Removal of steering wheel

don't use a big maul, use a light hammer... you want a sharp shock not dull force
the light hammer works far better with less chance of damage