How do i change the steering wheel?

[dumbboatguy]

i have a 73 mirrocraft that i would like to replace the steering wheel on cause the spokes are cracked and broke. I took the center cover off and took the big nut off. I figured there has to be more holding it on then just the nut. Please someone help me?

 

[CATransplant]

Re: How do i change the steering wheel?

Are there a couple or three threaded holes near the steering shaft. If so, you need a steering wheel puller. See your auto parts store.

It's probably on a tapered shaft, or located with a key. The puller will have it right off.

 

[lowkee]

Re: How do i change the steering wheel?

If your wheel is like the majority of wheels, it is a tapered shaft. The nut pushes it onto the taper. All you need to do is knock the wheel off the taper to pull it off. This is often easier said than done. I got mine off a 1990 using a crowbar and a hammer. If you have a ball joint splitter bar, that will be the best tool for the job. It only has to move forward a tiny bit before it'll be removable.

 

[dumbboatguy]

Re: How do i change the steering wheel?

Theres no other holes. It looks like possibly press fit? Will a 3 jaw puller work or just break the plastic?

 

[dreadinger]

Re: How do i change the steering wheel?

I just back the nut off to the end of the threads, pull out on the steering wheel and give the nut a tap with hammer and it popped right off.

 

[dumbboatguy]

Re: How do i change the steering wheel?

ok i will try that. Thanks everyone. I will let you know when i get it off

 

[dumbboatguy]

Re: How do i change the steering wheel?

ITs off!!!!!!! Thanks everyoneNow i cant just go to an automotive parts store and put a car wheel on it? Cause the shaft had a key way on it, Any ideas for a steering wheel?

 

[lowkee]

Re: How do i change the steering wheel?

I've heard of plenty of people putting a car wheel on their boat. I've never removed a car wheel, but they likely also have a keyway. If not, tighten the nut hard or just grind a key groove into the car wheel

 

[sportsmanphil]

Re: How do i change the steering wheel?

Automotive steering wheels are going away as all cars now have airbags. However you should be able to find a GT (Grant) replacement wheel. All the wheels are the same but (car wise) you have to buy the adapter hub for the auto application.

For a boat, you will have a time trying to find the right hub application, unless you can contact the steering wheel company and find one directly through them.

Replacement wheels for boats can be found easily enough, they start around 29 bucks and fit right to the existing hub on your boat.

Your wheel should have a key to locate the wheel. That said, the tension created by the nut pushing the taper together isnt as important so dont crank the replacement wheel down, the key will keep the wheel indexed. That way you wont have issues with removing the new wheel in the future.

 

[dumbboatguy]

Re: How do i change the steering wheel?

the wheels on ebay all say they fit a 3/4 shaft. Is that the size of mine more then likely? It looks 3/4. And those all look like one piece with the hub buildt in. So then all i would have to do isput it on then tighten the nut right?

 

[Bondo]

Re: How do i change the steering wheel?

Ayuh,... Most boat helms are a 3/4" tapered shaft,...
Although there are a few Oddballs with 1" tapered shafts...

As noted above,... Just snug the Nut down to maybe 25ft.lbs..