Steering Column
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 62
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From: Seattle
Steering Column
Well, I did it. I buggered up my steering column trying to remove my 51 f-2's steering wheel. I forgot to put the nut back on to pull against and I splayed out the hollow steering tube. So, any hints on what to do next? Yank the column and replace? Anyone have one to part with? I'd appreciate your input and help...I'm feeling really stupid right now.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,283
Likes: 1,046
From: NM
Get another nut of the proper pitch etc, cut a slot in it with a hacksaw. Spread it only enough to get past the damaged part. Clamp it back down to proper diameter and screw it back off, over the damaged area. Use plenty of lube.
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 62
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From: Seattle
Thanks I'd have never thought of that.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,684
Likes: 79
From: Northville, MI
Well, I did it. I buggered up my steering column trying to remove my 51 f-2's steering wheel. I forgot to put the nut back on to pull against and I splayed out the hollow steering tube. So, any hints on what to do next? Yank the column and replace? Anyone have one to part with? I'd appreciate your input and help...I'm feeling really stupid right now.
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 62
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From: Seattle
Short followup...the nut trick worked! I was able to restore the shaft to its original shape and today I'll rethread it...looks like the fix will cost about $20 and 4 hours of fooling around...small price for a big screw up...thanks all.
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 487
Likes: 7
From: Cameron, NC
Hi MWARNER, I'm at the point in my 49' F1 build (tear apart) where I'm trying to remove the steering wheel. Did your wheel have holes in the hub to attach bolts and a puller to? Mine does not. I've applied penetrating oil daily for a week now, beat on the back side of the wheel with a HEAVY dead blow hammer and also backed the nut off slightly and beat on the nut while someone else pulled up on the steering.. all with no results other than breaking some of the bakelite off the back side of the steering wheel. I'm reluctant to drill holes in the wheel to use a puller. Any ideas? Thanks!
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 62
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From: Seattle
Doug:
Your wheel should have two holes for the puller. Look carefully. Mine was so dirty that I missed seeing the holes and I had to clean the wheel up to find them. Remove all of the horn mechanism under the nut and then you should find the holes. Don't screw up like I did and forget to put the nut back on or you will mess up the hollow column.
Your wheel should have two holes for the puller. Look carefully. Mine was so dirty that I missed seeing the holes and I had to clean the wheel up to find them. Remove all of the horn mechanism under the nut and then you should find the holes. Don't screw up like I did and forget to put the nut back on or you will mess up the hollow column.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,684
Likes: 79
From: Northville, MI
Since it is cracked and broken you are going to replace the wheel anyhow are you not?
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 487
Likes: 7
From: Cameron, NC
Here's a pic of the steering wheel hub. I'm VERY confident there are no hopes lurking there... 
I am hopeful of keeping this steering wheel until I can afford a new one. Not even sure what's available to fit the original column, but I'd like something along the lines of a "banjo" style.
I am hopeful of keeping this steering wheel until I can afford a new one. Not even sure what's available to fit the original column, but I'd like something along the lines of a "banjo" style.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 751
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From: orange county, ca.
They also make dies:
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 487
Likes: 7
From: Cameron, NC
Success! Last night my son and I went out and I beat the crap out of the nut while he pulled for all he was worth and we managed to get the steering wheel off! I'm sure I'll end up replacing the nut and chasing the threads as they suffered somewhat from this onslaught, lol. Thanks for the ideas here folks
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