I have a '97 F250 with a tilt wheel (no airbags). I developed binding/scrapping/rubbing inside the steering column, so I started tearing into it today. Sure enough-- looks like the upper shaft (closest to the steering wheel) is developing bearing problems. The local Ford parts department guy confirmed this as a typical problem. The steering wheel has some vertical slop that is not related to the tilt mechanism.

But, here's my current problem: I can't get the steering wheel off! I have a fancy new NAPA wheel puller kit but this 'new type of wheel' doesn't have extra holes to screw in the puller bolts. Can anyone please shed some light on how I can get this steering wheel off? I removed the entire steering column in preperation to rebuild it, but I need the damn wheel off first! I've pulled steering wheels before but I can't figure out this particular set up. Do I need a special Ford tool? Any advice, pictures, etc. would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

answered my own question: I need a 2-jaw puller!

 

Correct...

 

Was going to post that when I replaced my steering wheel, I didn't use a steering wheel puller, but rather a 2 jaw puller that I had for over 20 years. It fit perfect and yanked the old wheel right out.

 

Been off this forum for a long time now; steering wheel was removed, rebuilt, and replaced without issue. Thanks!