The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Interiors Steering wheel removal "59

Hi, I have a "59 GMC with the original steering wheel. I want to refinish the steering wheel,but haven't been able to budge it from the spline with my puller. I've tried penetrating oil, heat and freeze-off to no avail. Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks

Ahh but what type of puller is it?

You need one that screws into the hub and is stout enough to take a good rap tp the center once you have some tension going.

If it is the same design as my '57 Chevy, I borrow a steering wheel puller from AutoZone and it works fine. As I recall, the gadget has two side screws that screw into threaded holes on the hub of the steering wheel to center the tool and provide leverage, then a stout center screw can be tightened down on the spline shaft to pop the wheel. As stated above, I had to give the center screw a good rap the first time I removed the wheel.

Matt

Have you tried the old way?? Kroil, PB Blaster, WD40 bolt, back nut off but leave on. Have a friend rap the top of the nut with a brass hammer as you pull on wheel. Has worked for me most of the time. Leave nut on to save your teeth!!!
Dan

The way we did in back in the day was to adjust the seat so that you could put substantial upward pressure on the wheel with your knees, back the nut to the end of the shaft so that the threads don't get damaged, then rap the end of the shaft smartly with a substantial hammer. I've never had one refuse to pop loose. These days the worn out knees won't allow that exact method so I use a puller to apply the upward force then use my 3 lb. hammer on the puller shaft.

maybe your spline is mushroomed?

I think someone has beat on the spline and it may in fact be mushroomed. That's the only thing I can figure given that I have tried all suggestions.

If the spline is screwed up, do I have any options other than replacing the steering column?

Maybe grind it down to 'the stem' then re tap/die???

Agree with Caso...try leaving the nut on and grinding down close...try to leave a thread or so....them back the nut off....nut may save existing threads....worth a try. Have fun and good luck
Dan

I seem to have the same issue as Santo's 59 GMC. The shop where my "59 Apache is tried to get my steering wheel off, but it sounds like the wheel never budged any. He said he left the puller on for 3 days keeping pressure on it but no movement. He didn't mention if he struck it with a hammer. I'll be visiting the shop Monday, and if I'm not too PO'ed with them and remember, I'll ask if he hit it with a hammer or not.

I went to the garage that has my 59 Apache today and asked about the issue he had with trying to remove my steering wheel. He told me he applied PB Blaster, heat and rapped the puller with a hammer. I applied PB Blaster myself, let it sit over an hour, put the nut on at the top (after inspecting the threaded area for damage) and had him put his puller back on and got tension, rapped the bloomin' thing and not a budge. We talked about cutting the steering wheel off, but I thought I'd give it another try to see what you guys recommend. Short of cutting the wheel off or replacing the column, what can be done? Thanks for any suggestions.

Sounds like you played every trick in the book to get the wheel off.
I guess if were me, I'd make sure my puller bolts were grade 8 and after feeling that everything is as prepped as could possibly be, I'd crank down till something breaks! ...Of course, I have a spare steering column and steering wheel. Fortunately, I didn't need them, my wheel came off just fine.
The column and wheel (out of a '58) are available for sale if worst comes to worse for you guys.
Jerry

You might try using a Hub puller grabbing the back of the steering wheel instead. They are much beefier than the steering wheel type. I've seen some fairly wimpy steering wheel pullers that in my opinion allow to much flex in the arms. A hefty Hub puller you can whack with a hammer to tighten applies way more force.

I'll be going back there tomorrow, I'll ask if they have a hub puller. Jerry, if it comes down to it, I may work a deal with you on your column, I have a refurbished wheel.

Just a question...if you us a BFH and hit the end of the puller can you damage the steering box gears or bearings?

Mike B