I just pulled out the pot metal threads in the holes that I place my puller bolts into. There appears to be enough room to drill and tap new holes about the 1 oclock position. Any other ideas?

 

I drilled and tapped the existing holes oversize and succeded in getting the wheel off. However, when using a puller, the quality of the metal leaves much to be desired. Clockspring replacement went very smoothly after that. I appreciate all the input.

 

What are they making steering wheels out of these days?

One method I used pretty effectively before was to loosen tbe nut on the sutd a few turns, and start pulling on the wheel while hitting the end of the stud with a large hammer. It's like a tie-rod or ball joint stud; a sharp strike directly on the stud will while opposing pressure is applied to the other object will usually send enough shock into the joint to loosen up the friction between the two parts.

 

I was worried about problems with the collapsible column if I used that approach.. A tough situation suddenly gone way worse. I have never had this problem before. The steering wheel material was really poor quality. That is what caused the "Oh, My!"' response when the threads pulled out..

 

Heli-coil

 

If there is a next time. With the average life of clocksprings, I think there will be. I am concerned that the heli- coil itself may rip out of the pot metal wheel. Like I said though, this is the first time this has ever happened. Hopefully the last.