Steering Wheel removal

[JoseGaspar]

Hi everyone, I'm in a bit of a pickle and need to leverage the board's expertise again.  I'm replacing the helm/steering box on my 250ccp (thank's for the help SeaBob).  I have the cable out and now need to get the steering wheel off.  It is a Teleflex Safe-T systems wheel.  I removed the nut and washer and started pulling. Nothing. Put nut on shaft until it was flush and starting hitting it and pulling on the wheel.  Nothing.  Added some PB Blaster into the fray.  Nothing.  Lathered, rinsed and repeated....Nothing.  I don't have a wheel puller and wondered if there were another way to try before I resign myself to the fact that I need to buy one.

Thanks in advance,
JG

[fitz73222]

You can go to most autoparts stores like Autozone or Advanced Discount and they will rent you one. You will need a harmonic balancer puller 2 or 3 jaw to pull the wheel.

[Glock Diver]

Good question.  I'm thinking of getting a stainless wheel for my 225.  Are most steering wheels universal?  Will probably buy it on eBay, Like this one.  Hopefully one of these links works.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... 0209972486

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Polished ... _605wt_722

[seabob4]

Mike,
Most helms have a 3/4" tapered shaft. so you should be able to swap out wheels with no problem...

So, here's my tried and true method, only failed me once.  You need two people to pull a wheel.  Back off the nut, but keep it hand-tight.  Have a buddy pull on the wheel while you strike the nut with a 2by or a stout piece of starboard, she'll pop right off, and keeping the nut on the shaft will keep your buddy from ending up at the transom when she breaks loose...

[JoseGaspar]

Well, tried a steering wheel puller and still couldn't get the darn thing off.

 :evil:

[dirtwheelsfl]

ive got a nice round piece of brass slug just for stuff like that. put it on the end of the shaft and get a big hammer while someone pulls up on it.. never failed me....

[xo4001]

Well, tried a steering wheel puller and still couldn't get the darn thing off.

 :evil:

Set the puller up with as much tension possible then hit the centerbolt with a firm blow
If that doint work I think the whole thing is one piece :(
Good luck

[JoseGaspar]

Thanks again guys.  Going to revert back to the "shock and awe" approach and try again with a couple of friends and a five pound sledge and see what happens.

More to follow

JG

[wingtime]

Set the puller up with as much tension possible then hit the centerbolt with a firm blow
If that doint work I think the whole thing is one piece :(
Good luck

xo4001 described the proper use of how to use a puller.    Don't rely on just the puller to pull the wheel put tension on the wheel with the puller then rap the center bolt of the puller (which should be on the shaft).  the shock should pop the wheel right off.  If not then you need a blue tipped wrench  :)   (joke about using a cutting torch...  not a good idea on a boat)

[JoseGaspar]

OK - back from the boat.  No luck.  I beat the ever-livin sh!# out of that wheel using puller and nothing.  Am I screwed at this point? As you can see, I set up the puller and beat the crap out of the center (black)shaft.  I had to use the rebar between two spoke becasue my wheel doesn't have spokes directly opposite.  I went with the rebar because the 5/16 inch thick eye hook I was using bent (exhibit 3).

Anyone in Pinellas County, FL. want to take a crack at it? I'll give 100 bucks to anyone that can get it off without jacking it up.
JG

[Capt. Bob]

Personally, at this stage I would try some heat applied to the hub.

I don't believe there is anything within the hub that heat will hurt (just a guess) but it might just give you enough expansion between the hub and shaft to pull the wheel.

Re-set your puller and put it under tension, then apply heat to the hub.
It appears you have enough access to apply the heat from above (on the hub face as seen in your photos) and as close to the shaft as possible.
While this is going on (heat it for awhile) tap or add tension to the puller.

What have ya got to lose?

Don't know the composition of the steering system (plastic?) hub mounted on the console but....
Wrapping a wet cloth/towel should protect it from the heat transfer, though I doubt it is really a concern.

Good luck.

[thebishop]

Had a similar issue. The solution will seem simplistic and  I was incredulous to its viability when first told.

Follow these steps as suggested by Teleflex:

1.Put lock nut and washer back on center pin.
2. Spray the heck out of every part of contact with W2-40, saturate it from below, above, basically anywhere you can. You want to really soak it.
3.Pound on center pin with a hammer to cause vibration in center pin, while simultaneously pulling on wheel. You can do this with your knees or a mate helping you. The reason you want the lock nut on there is it will come off hard.

Good luck.

Greg

[wingtime]

Where in Dunedin are you located?  I will be near there tomorrow.

[JoseGaspar]

Guys, thanks for the replies and the continued support.

Bishop - I've put enough force on that wheel to bend hardened steel while beating the crap out of it and nothing.  This was after I applied several liberal doses of PB Blaster to the shaft both from the top and underneath.

Wingtime - my kids have soccer in the morning, but if you are around in the afternoon and want to take a crack at it.  I sent you PM with my cell phone number.

Thanks,
Mark

[Hawg Hunter]

well did you get it off ? :cyclops: