Pulling a steering wheel
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2006
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Pulling a steering wheel
I'd like to install a new turn signal switch wiring harness on my '66, but need to get the steering wheel off. I've removed the large hexnut and now think I need a "steering wheel puller." I've searched the internet and have seen some pictures of them. Any way I can make do without one? Not sure how they even work.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
I have a friend that swears that he can ****** one off with his hands. You have to leave the nut on a little or you could break your nose doing that.
I think places like Autozone will loan you a puller to remove it with.
John
I think places like Autozone will loan you a puller to remove it with.
John
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,680
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From: Near Yosemite CA
I would check to see if you could use one from auto zone, but if you have an old truck, you will use the puller for other stuff as well, and if not, you will have a buddy who will need to borrow it, they really arent that expensive, and real handy to have, I just used mine to pull the wheel on my 77 I bought. It can be done without a puller, you'll need an assistant with decent aim to hit the nut/shaft while you pull yer guts out on the wheel, (done it once, went and bought the puller!)
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
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Go to Autozone and get a puller. You get your money back when you return it. While you are there, buy a can of PB Blaster or other penetrating catalyst and spray it on the shaft. Let it work itself in for a few minutes and then start slowly cranking on the puller. I get impatient once and damaged the shaft.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Suggest either renting, or purchase puller. Wheels are subject to cracks as it is, would be concerned forcing may cause additional stress cracks. The puller I find works best has the bolts that thread into the hub thru a slotted bar which has a bolt in the center when tightened applies pressure on shaft and steering wheel hub. Have seen where it can require a breaker bar with a long extention, and others that pop off with slightest amount of pressure.
dave
dave
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Heart of Ga.
I replaced my harness with one from LMC and the wire colors did not match, A couple were swapped so when I installed it did not work correctly. Had to swap a couple wires around to get all working correctly. No biggie but if you don't have a wiring schematic for your truck you may consider getting one, this is the only way I figured mine out.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,111
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From: Turlock CA
I bought a wheel puller years ago and have used it many many times. When you drive old trucks you work on them and you may as well just buy the right tool it makes the job easier.
I have pulled steering wheels without using a puller, (it is no fun) Put both knees under the wheel and using your arms between your legs and the wheel push up as hard as you can(with the nut still on a couple of turns) Have a friend yoou trust hit the shaft the wheel is mounted to with a brass hammer, one sharp blow will set it free.
Remember the nut or like John said you will be nursing a sore nose.
Buy the puller it is cheaper than a broken nose.
I have pulled steering wheels without using a puller, (it is no fun) Put both knees under the wheel and using your arms between your legs and the wheel push up as hard as you can(with the nut still on a couple of turns) Have a friend yoou trust hit the shaft the wheel is mounted to with a brass hammer, one sharp blow will set it free.
Remember the nut or like John said you will be nursing a sore nose.
Buy the puller it is cheaper than a broken nose.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Originally Posted by jd_sylvia
Buy the puller it is cheaper than a broken nose.
Isn't there a puller by another name, besides wheel that works too? My forgetter is kicked in just now. Harmonic balancer puller maybe..
John
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2006
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Just wanted to follow up with you all. I went to AutoZone, and bought what is described as a "Steering wheel puller/Harmonic balancer" for $15. I sprayed the wheel with some PB Blaster, attached the puller, and the wheel came off with almost no effort. (And then I went on to install the new turn signal switch. Now I just have to sort out the wiring connections.)
The AutoZone fellow encouraged me to return it when I was done with it for a full refund. I may do that. Thanks for your help.
Next projects: refinish the instrument cluster, and figure out what happen to my windshield washer button.
The AutoZone fellow encouraged me to return it when I was done with it for a full refund. I may do that. Thanks for your help.
Next projects: refinish the instrument cluster, and figure out what happen to my windshield washer button.