Steering wheel won't come off

[Capt Joe]

I need to replace the helm under the console, but can't remove the steering wheel.

The wheel won't budge, despite:

Tried plenty of WD40 - leaking all over the place
Tried gear pullers - they just start breaking the plastic wheel.
Tried gentle persuasion - gear puller in place, Mate & I holding wheel upwards, clobber shaft with hammer,
Thought of getting a rope around wheel & several pulleys & attach winch on 4WD & see if I can lift the boat by the wheel.

I had sudden visions of the console up at the roof level with all things still attached!

Any suggestion PLEASE?

 

[Solittle]

Re: Steering wheel won't come off

If you don't mind destroying it try a hand held grinder with a cutting wheel.

 

[Deimus]

Re: Steering wheel won't come off

do you have all the keys and or set screws loose?

Put some heat cloth on the fiberglass and heat it with a torch.

any pics could give us a better idea.

 

[Deimus]

Re: Steering wheel won't come off

it meaning the hub of the wheel not the fiberglass.


(I need to read this stuff before I hit send)

 

[joblo33]

Re: Steering wheel won't come off

Hard to explain, but:
1. Get a brass drift or something you can hit the tapered pin with without screwing up the threads, and a 2-3 pound slege.
2.This is the tricky part, (usually involves removing your shoes and lots of swearing) get into a position where your legs are behind the steering wheel and you're looking at the back of the boat. Your legs are now wedged between the console and the wheel. Now lean/push forwards with all your weight and smack the pin. Usually with one of two good smacks the result is you and your steering wheel end up laying in the boat somewhere near the transom . It's a pain but when it wont come off this works almost every time. Believe it or not I work at a boat shop and this is what my boss taught me.
Eric

 

[Capt Joe]

Re: Steering wheel won't come off

Hard to explain, but:
1. Get a brass drift or something you can hit the tapered pin with without screwing up the threads, and a 2-3 pound slege.
2.This is the tricky part, (usually involves removing your shoes and lots of swearing) get into a position where your legs are behind the steering wheel and you're looking at the back of the boat. Your legs are now wedged between the console and the wheel. Now lean/push forwards with all your weight and smack the pin. Usually with one of two good smacks the result is you and your steering wheel end up laying in the boat somewhere near the transom . It's a pain but when it wont come off this works almost every time. Believe it or not I work at a boat shop and this is what my boss taught me.
Eric

Thanks for all the suggestions.
Unfortunately, the angle grinder may be the option of choice.

The only nut has been well & truly loosened & is only back on to protect the thread.

As for climbing on the console with my legs jammed between the console & the wheel I just can't imagine myself in that position. I'm a 59 year old disabled Vet & there is less than 4 inches between the console & the wheel. Also the top of the console (Storage area & windscreen) would necessitate sliding in backwards, facing the floor. As for letting anyone else swing a heavy hammer at something between my legs while I'm in that position NO WAY.

How do I add a pic?


Joblo33 - you said "this works ALMOST every time" - what is the preferred solution for the other times?

Thanks again for all the help.

 

[joblo33]

Re: Steering wheel won't come off

If it won't come off by pulling on it and smacking the tapered pin with a hammer, and you can't do/find someone to do the technique I described you might need to use heat or a grinder. It's only a tapered surface mated there though, it should come with enough force. Sometimes the key will get quite stuck in the groove on the wheel though.
Eric

 

[Capt Joe]

Re: Steering wheel won't come off

Joblo33, Thanks for the ideas.
It did finally come off this evening - An army mechanic using Newton's Law of Immobility:
"If at first it won't move - Then hit it harder with a bigger hammer"

Mind you I thought the console was going to collapse under the strain.

Thanks again to all

Joe