Steering wheel removal......

tmeo

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 6, 2003
Messages
37
My new RIB came with a jockey console. It has a helm and steering wheel already installed, only problem is, the helm is not compatable with the steering cable I have bought. I origianlly bought the cable for my other boat a few months ago, but in the end used a tiller engine. There is no chance of me being able to exchange it at the shop where I bought it. I also bought a helm at the same time. The odvious solution to my problem is to swap the helm that came with the RIB over for the one I bought, which is compatible with my steering cable. Only problem is, I can't get the steering wheel off the console to remove the helm. The replacment helm has a taper on it. I therefore assume the person who put the steering wheel on the RIB gave it a good smack to make sure it stayed on. <br />Has anyone got any ideas? I thought about spraying some WD40 on it to try and loosen it, but I can't see it doing much. <br />PS. I don't want to buy a new steering cable if I can help it, as I've already bought one and a helm, which cost me nearly £100.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
70,987
Re: Steering wheel removal......

1st off, Are you SURE that this other cable is the Right Length ?????<br /><br />To remove a wheel from a tapered shaft,<br />Loosen the nut,<br />Back the nut off to the point it Just Covers the threads on the shaft...<br />1 person applies solid steady pulling pressure on the wheel.....<br />2nd person Hits the nut Squarely with a hammer.....<br />The wheel Should come Free....<br />Finish removing the nut, then the wheel.....<br /><br />Just What is the matter with the helm,+ cable that's Already in the RIB ?????
 

tmeo

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 6, 2003
Messages
37
Re: Steering wheel removal......

There is no cable in the RIB - just the helm was supplied. My cable is too thin for the fitted helm - the helm just won't grip it. Plus, there's no way for me to screw the cable into the helm.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
70,987
Re: Steering wheel removal......

1st off, Are you SURE that this other cable is the Right Length ?????
If the answer is Yes, proceed with the instructions above.....<br />If the answer is No, Go buy the Right Cable....
 

tmeo

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 6, 2003
Messages
37
Re: Steering wheel removal......

The cable is the right length.<br />I'm still trying to get the wheel off. I gave it some WD40, and an hour or so, then tried getting someone to pull it while I hit it with a hammer. Still won't come off!
 

salty87

Commander
Joined
Aug 12, 2003
Messages
2,327
Re: Steering wheel removal......

a gear puller should get that puppy off, any auto parts stores that you can borrow a tool from nearby?
 

Jason Adam

Cadet
Joined
Oct 27, 2003
Messages
22
Re: Steering wheel removal......

Exactally, The hammer and whatever meathod will eventually get it off, but I've done damage to hands and hull trying it. A 2 or 3 Jaw Puller(Gear Puller) wil pull it in 10 seconds. Few bucks at the tool shop
 

tmeo

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 6, 2003
Messages
37
Re: Steering wheel removal......

I eventually got it off with the hammer. I’ve just got to get the nuts off the helm now, and they’re tucked away inside. I should have just bought a new cable!
 

tmeo

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 6, 2003
Messages
37
Re: Steering wheel removal......

48 hours later, the new helm's installed. What a job it was; had to make a new plate for it to sit on. It was worth it though - didn't cost me a penny!
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
70,987
Re: Steering wheel removal......

:) Another Success Story.... :D
 
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