Steering Wheel Removal

Any quick tips on getting stock steering wheel off 66 CJ5. Nut at top of column removed, but wheel won't budge. Doesn't seem to be any place to use a puller since the shaft where the nut was removed is hollow. Tried some hits with rubber mallet on under side of steering and it didn't help.

 

The first thing I would do is to spray it down with PB Plaster or Kroil if you can find it, let it soak in a few days.
Otherwise, this has been covered many times, try a search here, there's been a couple methods used.

 

Search.

Some ideas in these threads -

http://www.earlycj5.net/forums/showthread.php?88516-Steering-wheel-removal-1955-CJ-5

http://www.earlycj5.net/forums/showthread.php?94610-Picture-of-steering-wheel-puller

http://www.earlycj5.net/forums/showthread.php?86602-steerin-wheel

 

Whatever method you use, leave the nut on the shaft, backed off a couple of threads from the wheel hub. There is nothing worse than yanking on the steering wheel and having it come loose and popping you in the forehead. Don't ask me how I know this...

 

i think last time i did it i pulled on it while someone else smacked on the shaft. protected with its nut and some wood or something ofcourse

 

It is really quite easy.
First, you've got to protect the threads on the steering tube, second you've go to prevent the whole thing from flying off and spewing parts and tools all over the place.

So-----

I use a large bearing separator, two jaw puller, AND an intake valve from an F134. I'd imagine other engines' intake valves would work just as well, but I had a spare f-134 valve laying around.

Install the bearing separator behind the steering wheel -- flat side towards the steering wheel and snug up on the steering column.
remove the steering tube nut and horn claptrap
re-install the nut loosely on to the steering tube -- usually a couple of turns
install the intake valve inside the nut on the steering tube.

Now, you've accomplished saving the threads and keeping the thing from flying apart.

Using the puller, grab the bearing separator and start putting torque on it. That is when you will see the beauty of using that valve, since you are putting a lot of torque on the steering tube without splaying or damaging the threads.


Since the bolt is partly on, the whole thing will snap when the wheel comes loose, but will not fly in all directions.

I've used it dozens of times with 100% success rate and only once or twice did I do any collateral damage to the steering wheel -- and that was because I hadn't snugged the bearing separator on the steering column enough.

good luck

 

One of the guys used either a scissors jack or a hydraulic one and the thick tie-down straps. ( maybe even a tow strap ) Tension up the straps with the jack and leave it alone. The tension will cause the wheel to release. Lot of pressure or potential or what ever, so be careful. you can get hurt!

 

Oh, yeah. And a couple of two by fours.

 

Localized heat won't wont help this? I hit pretty much everything with a torch (carefully of course) usually proves to be the winning choice. I agree about PB as well, love that stuff.

 

I think you'd melt the steering wheel.

 

1. Sit in the drivers seat
2. Wedge your knees up under the bottom of the steering wheel
3. Grasp the top of the top of the steering wheel with your hands
4. Push up with your knees on the bottom of the steering wheel while simultaneously pulling back and forth on the top of the steering wheel with your hands
5. It may take a few minutes, but the steering wheel should come off, especially if you have soaked it with PB Blaster

I tried different methods all day long with no success, then I found this method listed by an old timer at the end of one of the threads here on this forum. The steering wheel popped right off!

 

I put the puller on mine, took a propane torch and heated the nut/threads, it came right off.

 

yup that works too

 

I took a bolt that fit in the hollow shaft and drilled a small hole in the center of the head for the puller tip to ride in. Back the nut off flush with the shaft, insert prepared bolt and use puller. It took a lot of pressure to loosen.

 

Right, so hit the shaft just below the base of the steering wheel for awhile to heat it up...and low flame on the threaded end for good measure...??

 

I used the PB Blaster, Scissor jack and Tie down strap. Took all of 1/2 hour. Thanks for all your help. I am so impressed with and thankful for all the knowledge on this forum. Thanks All.

 

Thanks for telling us the outcome, sometimes wonder how things turn out.