The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Steering wheel

Trying to dismantle my truck. Stuck on trying to get the steering wheel off. I took the nut off in the center of the steering wheel. Didnt know if I would need a puller of some type or not. Also what about getting the shaft off the pump in the engine compartment?
Thanks

You didn,t say what year you are working with. You should use a puller but if it is a solid shaft into the steering gear you can put the nut back on 3-4 threads grab the outer edge of the wheel one hand on each side & pull back & forth one side at a time. It should snap loose. I,m not shure what pump you are refering to.

Sorry its a 1946 chevy 1 1/2ton. Thanks

Also its not a pump but the gear. Sorry this is my first truck and im still learning.

Remove horn button, loosen big nut, leave on shaft for now. Blow clean all the dirt there, find the two threaded holes for bolts of puller. Pullers are cheap at stores, Best to run a tap down those holes to clean out first. Many times bolts in pullers are weak, and bend or break. I get better ones at hardware. Might be fine thread, check that before buying. Attach puller and tighten center pulling bolt. May not come off right away, just get tension on it, spray with PB Blaster or such, let set overnight if needed. Pull up on wheel, and maybe tap puller bolt with big smack to knock loose. Sometimes they come off easy, other times need "playing with". The shaft and outer case DO NOT come out of the gear box. It is remove as one-piece out bottom of truck. Sometimes even have to loosen inner fender from frame and body, pull aside some, let gear pass by there. Manual has the procedure. If this is new to you, get a service and assembly manuals from vendors listed here. Makes good reading, and much needed info in them.

I just noticed you are from IN, same as I. Where is Centerpoint? I'm in Huntington, NE part of state.

Centerpoint is off 70 between Terre Haute and Indy. I guess I would be SW of Indianapolis.