Steering wheel removal

[Sydney1]

I'm having big problems removing the steering wheel in order to adjust the head bearing on my crossover. Removed the horn button and the nut but the wheel wont budge. I've been rocking, pulling and tapping with a hammer but with no luck. I'm reluctant to hit it harder for fear of damaging the lower bearings/steering box or breaking the wheel.Is one of these the answer?

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/48634/Van-Car-Accessories/Mechanics-Tools/2-or-3-Leg-Rev-Gear-Puller" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[uber cool]

Yes, leave the nut on a few threads when you use it, or else it'll take your teeth out when it comes off.

Get the 3 leg puller nice and tight then if it doesnt release give the puller a good smack with a hammer to shock it off.

 

[Bookwus]

Hiya Gerard,

Whoa there! Waitaminute!

If you use any kind of puller on the outside of that center hub you are dead sure to break the plastic covering. Take a look or run your finger around the bottom edge of the center hub. Plastic. Guaranteed to crack into little bits if you use a puller on it.

VW had a special tool for steering wheel removal. Many folks over on this side of the pond have made their own puller for steering wheel removal. I took a somewhat different approach and drilled holes in the hub which I then tapped. Now, when I want to remove the steering wheel, all I have to do is to screw the puller bolts into the holes, hook up the puller and it's off with no harm to the outside finish.

Whatever way you go, be very carefull with the plastic on the wheel.

 

[VWAIRCOOLED]

Put the nut back on a few turns.Get some boiling water from a kettle and pour it over the thread of the steering wheel with a bucket etc underneath to catch the water.Wait a few seconds then sitting on the seat wedge your knees under the steering wheel forcing it up and using a parallel punch on the steering coloumn hit it down a few sharp times with a hammer and it should release.Better if you get two people one sitting on the seat with knees and hands pulling it up and one to tap the steering column.

 

[VWAIRCOOLED]

Oh yeah and regarding the head bearing,I'm not sure it's adjustable.I just fitted a brass ring which was machined to the right size to take up the play.The old bearing stays in there just tap it down a bit.Not sure if your '72 is the same though,but I think it is.
I can't remember where I got the brass ring from though.I think it was bluebird customs?
Yes it was http://www.bluebird-type2.co.uk/Split%20bay%20suspension.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; If you give them a call they will be able to give you advise about fitment etc.

 

[Todster]

Hi,
I have experience of the same problem, have a look at this http://forum.earlybay.com/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=15302&start=0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I tried the puller and ended up mullering my wheel. Ended up with the knees behind the wheel and hammering the centre with the nut on the column. As has been said, the plastic extends below the metal hub of the steering wheel and without a proper steering wheel tool, you could well damage your wheel.
Cheers
Mark

 

[buddysbuddy]

THREAD HIJACKER!!!!!

Sorry, but can anyone help me get the horn push off?

I have the original steering wheel on and its in ace condition, however it's a brittle as a 90 year olds hip, and if I try and level off the horn push, I'll chip the wheel, any suggestions?

cheers

 

[Doris]

THREAD HIJACKER!!!!!

Sorry, but can anyone help me get the horn push off?

I have the original steering wheel on and its in ace condition, however it's a brittle as a 90 year olds hip, and if I try and level off the horn push, I'll chip the wheel, any suggestions?

cheers

stanley blade and remember its the plastic bit only that comes away - the silver ring stays on the wheel (I spent ages once trying to prise the silver trim ring off - DOH!)

 

[buddysbuddy]

stanley blade and remember its the plastic bit only that comes away - the silver ring stays on the wheel (I spent ages once trying to prise the silver trim ring off - DOH!)

DOH! Thanks!