Getting steering wheel off of 2A

I'm sure this comes up often.

I got the original off 1-1/2 years ago with a gear puller fairly easy. I gooped plenty of anti seize on the spine and install the repro. Now that sucker is really on there I've bent the column support trying to pull it off. It's pretty chewed up on the back side. Next move is saws all but I think I can still smooth it out.

I just want to lift the tub off and thought it would be easier to move around if the wheel was on.

Thanks,

 

http://www.science.smith.edu/~ejensen/willys/cj2a/steeringwheel.html
http://www.film.queensu.ca/CJ3B/Tech/SteeringWheel.html
made the wood one, works

 

I found a bearing spliter out in our shop after I saw your post. It was a little big but I tried it and that sucker didn't move. I'm going to need more hands to hang on to the puller and everything. I think it's sticking because of the way the repro is made. This weekend it comes off one way or another.

 

Good idea Steve............

 

All I have are dry powder extinguishers. Cool idea.

How much is a CO2 extinguisher?

 

Are you planning to re-use the wheel? If not I'd suggest the use of 3lb sledge. The last wheel I tried to remove defeated the best efforts of my homemade puller. Three good whacks from behind was all it took to get the wheel off. However the wheel itself was toast.

 

Yep, I had a perfect steering wheel until I decided to remove it. The hammer done a number on the wheel but a few hits it came right off. We tried almost everthing. The steering wheel seemed to be an easier fix than messing up the shaft and threads.

 

I tried a 3 pounder and a block of wood before and nothin'. Tomorrow's the day. Sick of screwin' with this thing, bigger fish to fry.
My son has been over in England for 2-1/2 weeks and tomorrow he's back, he's my best helper and muscle. Just need to keep my beer frige stocked.:stout:

 

I used the bearing splitter method on my CJ2A. I had the nut loosened slightly and I pushed on that with the puller screw. Once I had tension on the wheel, I started hitting the underside of the steering wheel with a dead blow hammer. Eventually it came off.

 

I use the 3 P’s to pull steering wheels and other stubborn bolts.

1. Penetrating oil ( I like brand name S OK however WD 40 will work)

2. Pressure

3. Patience (24 hours)


Soak with penetrating oil. Spray the nut if not already removed and exposed threads so some will eventually work its way down through the rust inside the steering wheel hub onto the spline of the steering shaft. .

Apply pressure with your gear puller on the steering wheel. (You can get a loaner from Auto Zone)

And forget about it till the next morning. The next morning on your way to leave for work, give it another shot of penetrating oil.

When you get home, take a small ball pen hammer and tap some on the hub just enough to vibrate some of the rust loose inside the spine. Then take your wrench and give the gear puller about a 1/3 turn.

WARNING This can help you save teeth!!! Be careful to not have your face in line with the trajectory. I have seen them come off with a pop and go into the air when they let loose.

I have used this trick on several old jeeps and tractors. Never had it fail yet.

 

Next time I'm in CT I could get the wheel off. I have the correct tools and I've done quite a few. Takes longer to put the puller together than to actually take it off. The problem is it has to be a straight pull to get it off.
Where are you located? Have 1 beer? It never takes longer than that.

 

A lot of good ideas, thanks.

Cliff, this wheel has only been on a year with plenty of anti seize. I think I probably thighten down on the nut too much. So far I've mangled the nut. Didn't have much time this past weekend. I started the the t-box.

I found a splitter in our shop at the office so I'll give that a shot with the 3 arms to hold it staighter.

 

Good Luck. Let us know how you come out.

 

Hey Bill,

It's taken me longer to put the puller together 3 times and I still haven't got it off

 

How far from Danbury?

 

Welp, it's off. Just started wacking it with a 3 lb hammer and about 10 blows got it.

Thanks,

 

We have a winner.......congrats....that was a tough booger.