Steering wheel stuck- really stuck

[LukeL]

I have a 1982 DS I’m trying to remove the steering wheel from. I’ve tried soaking in in WD 40, hammering it from the back (I don’t want to do that too much) and I’ve used a gear puller which just destroyed the thread on the end of the shaft. And I was pulling it with an impact wrench!


This is the tightest steering wheel I’ve ever encountered? How do I get this thing off???

Thanks :)
Luke


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[meimk]

Worst case I once had to cut a wheel apart, cut away the plastic leaving just the metal "hub" in the center. Then I was able to use a 3 jaw puller to get that off. When using a puller it's best to leave a nut on the end of the shaft to keep from damaging the threads. The textbook way is t take the nut off then wiggle & work the wheel back and forth from side to side till it comes off. Rarely works that way - particularly on an older cart where that wheel has been in place a couple decades.

[rib33024]

Soak it with PB blaster or Kano Kroil Penetrating Oil. WD40 is not going to do it

[dundeebarnbuggy]

What part are you trying to "save?"

[LukeL]

I’m not trying to save anything. I’m trying to get the thing off so I can put on a custom dash, a column cover, and the new steering wheel.


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[NCPW]

+1 on what Rib suggested. Soak it in PB blaster or Kroil. It may need multiple applications over a couple of days to soak.

Loosen the nut to the end of the threads to protect them, wack it with a hammer on the shaft of the loosened nut a few times then place your knees under the wheel with your feet on the dash for leverage and push/pull the steering wheel as hard as you can.

You may need to use a dead blow hammer on the backside while a helper pulls on the wheel.

[LukeL]

It's a little late on putting the nut back on... but I could put a socket over it or something maybe.


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[dundeebarnbuggy]

I wouldn't pound on the shaft or column any more since you are going to need it at some point. Just grab your angle grinder and cut the wheel off. Once you slot the bushing on the shaft gently tap a cold chisel in the cut and it will slide right off.

[Htownblue]

Use a bearing puller. Pops right off.

[kgsc]

Originally Posted by LukeL

It's a little late on putting the nut back on... but I could put a socket over it or something maybe.


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Should be able to take a hacksaw blade and clean up the threads enough to get the nut back on. Like was suggested if you don’t care about saving the wheel put your puller back on there and hit the hub with some penetrating oil then let it sit under pressure. After a while hit it with some heat.