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Ok, here's the problem. The ignition lock cylinder on my 84 F-250 is seriously screwed up. I can turn the key foreward, but it isn't releasing the shifter. I have a new one to replace it with, but here's my problem. I can't get the steering wheel off and I don't have a puller for it.
Is there any ways to remove it without a puller?
Anyone that could shed some light onto this little problem would be awesome before I go and spend money on a tool I may only use once in the next 10 years.
A lock cylinder may not solve your problem. However the steering wheel. It is not that difficult to make a puller but one thing you could try is to have the steering wheel nut screwed on except for the last 1/8in or so. Then grab the wheel at either side and jerk it towards you as hard as you can. That usually works but you need the nut screwed on because if the wheel comes off it will stop your head going through the back window.
Just rent the puller from a parts store like AutoZone or Advance Auto or O'Reileys, then when you're done just return it and get all your money back - I've done that so many times I can't even remember.
bah ! my buddies dad showed me the way to get any wheel off ! grab a hammer ! no joke i have done this myself i bet on more then 10 different cars and trucks i used to like my grant steering wheels haha anyway i have done this by myself every time like i said but it is way more easy if you have someone using the hammer .. now i have never used the nut on the end but it may just be a good idea lol anyway here is the big secret .... you pull and wiggle the steering wheel while hitting the metal shaft that the steering wheel is on with the hammer and it will pop right off ... hope this helps!!!
One problem with the hammer method - it's not good for the steering column bearings, and if you have atilt-column you can damage the tilt mechanism as well.
Uou can either do the "ROAD RAGE MAGILLA, GORILLA" steering wheel twisting jerk. You push forward with one hand and at the same time pull with the other as hard as you can.
Or make a puller.
I have to pull it out and look at it as it's been a while since I "stole" a car and had to use it.
I also made an ignition puller out of a socket and some all thread and have driven off with an older Ford in a minute or less.
The road rage and magilla gorilla methods will work some of the time, but I have removed some that without a puller the steering wheel would have bent or broken first.
I have used the "ROAD RAGE MAGILLA, GORILLA" method for a few years with no breakage, and only a few that took a frustratingly long time (long as experienced by a repossessor in a hurry) and one that required a smack with a hammer.
I got tired of not knowing if it would be a quick removal or not and decided to start carrying a puller.
If it did not come off in 20 seconds or so, I would use the puller.
It was sweet when I replaced that slide hammer with the fabricated socket ignition puller!
The puller was so quiet that I could pull a Ford ignition out of the column with the owner asleep in the back seat and it would never wake them up.
Some times we would have the owner think the slide hammer was in actuality someone pounding on their front door and went to answer it!