The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Steering Wheel Removal

Hi,

My first crack at the Stovebolt.

I'm working on my '59 Fleetside. I'm having difficulty removing the steering wheel (which is cracked). is this a press fit or something else? I really need to get this off and remove the column so I can get the cab to my Hot Rod shop.

Thanks, joe

Welcome Joe,
My 57 is a press fit, so I have to assume yours is the same. Its probably been on a long time so it dont wanna come off. Remove the nut and see if you can work the wheel back and forth a little. Pullers come in handy too. Its just a splined shaft. Good luck.
Jeff

Easiest and cheapest way (as in free) is to loan an universal steering wheel puller tool from your local parts store, like autozone.

I got one for a few weeks now, after rebuilding the steering box and will be finished and returning it after the weekend for a full refund.

These are also cheap, just under 20 bucks if you need it often.
I rather put those funds into my gas tank towards breaking in the new engine.

You can make a puller very easily for taking off the steering wheel with just about 4" of 1/2' bar stock and 3 bolts. Just drill 3 holes in the bar, the outer 2 at the same distance as the 2 threaded hols in the wheel, then the 3rd in between those. IIRC, the holes in the wheel are 3/8" 18 NC, so drill the 2 outers to 3/8'. The center needs to be drilled to be tapped for 3/8 18 NC threads. Then you just need 2 bolts long enough to clear the edge of the center of the wheel and thread into the holes in the hub, and one with enough threads on it to thread into the bar stock. Tighten the center bolt and POP, the wheel will come right off.

a pic is worth .... , make it outta square tube and slot the outside bolt holes to fit anything .... use scrap, save 100% over renting or buying

Bill

I bought a puller set from Craftsman. It was cheap (like $20 or $30 in the last few years), and I've used it and the 3-jaw puller several times. And I bought it because I've needed it about a zillion times over the years.
I much prefer buying tools over borrowing or renting; even if you get the refund, it requires a trip across town rather than across the garage.
You'd be surprised at what it takes to remove that steering wheel. Even a "loose" one. I had the wheel just set on and engaging the splines on my '56 Chevy so I could roll it around. Well, after a couple years of heat and cold cycles from the weather, it had worked itself on just a touch more--enough that I couldn't get it off without putting some muscle into it. Now, when you're sitting in a vehicle, pulling the steering wheel towards you with a lot of effort, and it finally gives, guess where it goes?
I'm lucky I only loosened a couple front teeth and didn't knock them out ot break them. Split my lip open pretty good too. At 35 years old, I should have known better.
Just thought I'd pass that little gem on for you guys rolling your projects around the garage.
-Brad

Clever little homemade puller red58 !

Thanks to all!

I've been using a harmonic balancer puller with no success. I think jmoore is right, it's been on for 48 years. I just wanted to make sure that it was a press fit.

Also having trouble getting the gear box from the frame. Another press fit I assume.

I cannot add anything to the excellent advise you have been given about taking the steering wheel off,
but need more information about the "press fit" of the gear box to the frame. On my 1949 1/2 ton the steering box was bolted to the frame. No press fit.

The first time took mine off i just loosened the nut to the top of the threads then i put my knees underneath to put upward pressure on the wheel then i tapped the nut with a hammer and it came off. worth a try. i have since removed it a couple of times the same way. ron

WE b OLD, I was taught to do it, the same way you do it by an old Chevy service manager many years ago. I don't get much practice at it so sometimes it works, most of the time it doesn't. What I do now if the wheel is reluctant to come off is put my knees behind the wheel and rap the puller with hammer good a couple of times.

Larry

Well, the steering wheel is still on, however, the steering gear box is off (bolted on, who would have thunk it?!). Thanks 49_chey_truck!! I'm blind in one eye, can't see out of the other!!!!

I was able to get the steering wheel, steering column, and gear box out through the floor (had to cut a little but the floor is getting replaced anyway).

I can see why this site is so popular. Thanks for the help, hope to return the favor.

Joe