Replacing a steering wheel on a Teleflex steering system?

[BoneDigger]

I realize this is probably a stupid question from a new boater, but...<br /><br />I just recently purchased a 2000 model CC boat with a Teleflex Safe-T mechanical steering system. I need to remove the steering wheel and replace it. I can remove the center nut on the wheel but there seems to be a washer that holds the wheel onto the steering console/cable. After removing the center nut, what is the method of getting the wheel off of the cable/console? I appreciate any input you guys can give.<br /><br />Todd

 

[quantumleap]

Re: Replacing a steering wheel on a Teleflex steering system?

A gear puller with padding on the back, or, drive a few wooden framing shims between the wheel and hub on both sides alternating on each side with a tap of the hammer and it will pop right off. Good luck.

 

[jburn25]

Re: Replacing a steering wheel on a Teleflex steering system?

Wow, this is an old thread. But I'm in the same "boat" as BoneDigger. I can't get my Safe-T steering wheel off my center console to save my life. Went by harbour freight and bought a good strong three arm gear puller. Spent two (2) (dos) hours trying to get the thing off with the gear puller in every possible arrangement I could think of. There isn't much space between the steering wheel and hub, so the gear puller is only grabbing the steering wheel instead of the metal "nut" part thats actually on the shaft. Thought that would be fine, but all the gear puller would do is bend the steering wheel.

Any other suggestions? I tried crowbar, hammers, big C-clamps, everything....

 

[Mark42]

Re: Replacing a steering wheel on a Teleflex steering system?

If the wheel has threaded bosses in it, you can use a steering wheel puller (not a gear puller). A wheel puller screws into the wheel, and tightens down on the shaft.

I have had success by putting the nut flush to the top of the shaft, then pull up on the wheel while striking the nut with a big hammer. That usually has made it pop off.

If you don't care about the wheel, you can always apply some heat with a torch to the metal part of the wheel, then try the hammer as above.

A little penetrating oil wouldn't hurt either.

 

[Alumahollic]

Re: Replacing a steering wheel on a Teleflex steering system?

Hi, I'm in the same position as those above, if not worse. Using a Safe-T steering system and CAN NOT get steering wheel off. I've been trying literally for several weeks now using plenty of penetrating oil, gear puller, heat, and every type of blunt force you can imagine. Got so fed up that I decided I'd get the thing off even at the expense of tearing something up so I started cutting and drilling the cuff off of the shaft. I cut out about a .25 inch section of the cuff all the way down to the shaft and it still won't come off!! There are no keys, set screws etc. on the wheel that I can tell.

Any suggestions?!? I'd bring it to the shop, but what can of crazy machine could they possibly have to get if off if the above methods didn't work?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Replacing a steering wheel on a Teleflex steering system?

i scrunch down and put my knees behind the steering wheel with nut loosened as above, and a couple of good whaks with a hammer, they pop right off. never have had to use a puller.

 

[Alumahollic]

Re: Replacing a steering wheel on a Teleflex steering system?

I've done more than a few whacks with a hammer. I left the nut on there for a long time, but it finally got all gnarled up so I took it off and I've been hitting directly on the shaft (I know=bad) or using a 2x4 to hit on. Also put crow bar and multiple hammers under collar and tried to "pry" it off while someone hit the shaft and still nothing! Surely someone has had a hard time with a steering wheel....perhaps I should buy a serious serious torch and just melt the whole thing down?....?

 

[huffduf41]

Re: Replacing a steering wheel on a Teleflex steering system?

I'm finally putting a stereo in my pontoon and have to get the steering wheel off to get the deck in.

I think I have the same set up as what everyone is describing above but just wanted to check before I do something stupid.

Thanks