Removing Steering Wheel

[VaGent]

I have a Teleflex steering system on my pontoon that I want to keep but replace the steering wheel with a new Destroyer style wheel I bought. Problem is I am having trouble getting the old one off. I know it's a 3/4" tapered shaftr with a keyway & I have soaked it with PB Blaster & tapped on it with a brass hammer & it's not budgeing. It's a 1986 pontoon & it's most likely the original setup.

There is not a "center" hole in the end of the steering shaft to center a puller on it. Does it take a "special" type of puller to remove it? Two finger, three finger or what? Any help would be appreciated. I've pulled many automotive steering wheels in my time & have several style pullers but this one has me stumped.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Removing Steering Wheel

Does it take a "special" type of puller to remove it? Two finger, three finger or what?

Ayuh,... It takes a 2 Knee'd puller...

Loosen the Nut til it's Flush with the shaft,...
Apply All the upward pressure you can with your Knees,...
Then Wack the Nut with a BFHammer,... 1 Good Blow is usually All it takes...

 

[Randybeall]

Re: Removing Steering Wheel

Ayuh,... It takes a 2 Knee'd puller...

Loosen the Nut til it's Flush with the shaft,...
Apply All the upward pressure you can with your Knees,...
Then Wack the Nut with a BFHammer,... 1 Good Blow is usually All it takes...

Bond-O has hit upon the answer. I suggest an alumnium or brass hammer to minimize the damage to the shaft end.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Removing Steering Wheel

I just replaced the old tacky sport wheel in my 88 Four Winns with a nice stainless destroyer wheel with a spinner knob...the way I got it off was to take off the mounting nut and washer, and then spray in some PB Blaster into the slot where the woodruff key is, and some around the rear of the shaft as well...let it soak in for a while. Then thread the nut back on but not all the way to protect the threads, and take a nice solid block of wood and a big hammer, hold the block of wood on the nut... and just tapped it twice...broke loose the wheel from the tapered shaft with two shots. I'd let the PB Blaster do its work first...so you don't have to beat on it. Then, I put a nice coating of OMC/Bombardier triple guard grease on the shaft and threads...if that thing ever has to come off again.

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: Removing Steering Wheel

Bond-o and Lou both have the secret...works almost every time.

The key is to hit the loosened nut (loose so it is just proud of the end of the shaft) with the hammer. Do not hammer the tapered shaft itself.

Having the nut on there will also keep you from flying backwards once it pops off. If you're having problems getting enough leverage with your knees, try persuading an assistant or two to help pul while you give the nut (not your assistant) a tap with the hammer.

If all else fails...grab the grinder and sacrifice the old steering wheel by cutting it down to the hub, then cutting an axial groove to split the hub without damaging the steering shaft.

Good luck.