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Steering wheel removal troubles

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Old Jul 12, 2017 | 06:48 PM
  #1  
savan12986's Avatar
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From: Michigan
Steering wheel removal troubles

So I'm trying to replace the turn signal switch and I cant seem to get the steering wheel off. (85NA)

I got a puller, but all it's managed to do is bend the plate that it bolts into and strip out the 4 screws around the shaft. Is there some trick to this that I'm not aware of, or am I just hosed with a wheel that's seized to the shaft? (and now doesn't go back together properly)

Incase anyone was planning to ask, yes I removed the 19mm nut from the shaft first.
Old Jul 12, 2017 | 07:25 PM
  #2  
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back the shaft nut out to the end of the shaft to keep from dinging the threads. hit it with an air hammer a few raps. tapered fit it will jump right off. If no hammer get help one to pull up on wheel then other hit the shaft end with a hammer or better to used short steel round and hit that with the hammer.
Old Jul 14, 2017 | 07:41 PM
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Tried the air hammer. No dice. Didnt budge at all, even when wiggling at the same time and PB blaster.

At this point I'm willing to damage the wheel to get it off. I just don't want to damage the shaft. I'd like to pry on it, but I cant find any good spots to get a crow bar since the shaft is pretty barren (except for plastic pieces) under the shroud.

Any ideas?

Last edited by savan12986; Jul 14, 2017 at 08:37 PM.
Old Jul 15, 2017 | 09:58 AM
  #4  
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try the air hammer again I have never seen one stuck so bad it won't come off. there is nothing holding it. just a tapered fit. maybe hit the nut (and therefore the shaft) from side instead of straight down. Having a second pair of hands to pull up on wheel while shocking the shaft is a help. I have even been able to get one off in the junk yard without use of the air hammer.

if you get it off be gentle getting turn signal unit off. One of the plastic fingers has a tit on it that fits in a hole on the column. Easy to break it. doesn't' ruin it but it will be sloppy fit without it.

Last edited by rogerz; Jul 15, 2017 at 10:01 AM.
Old Jul 19, 2017 | 07:40 AM
  #5  
savan12986's Avatar
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That worked. Looks like I just needed an extra set of hands to wiggle while hitting it with the air hammer.

Thanks
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