How to remove steering wheel? (1938)

jason78613

jason78613

Junior Member
I'm trying to remove the steering wheel from my 1938 standard to restore it.

So far, I disconnected the horn/light switch assembly at the bottom of the steering column and removed the horn button and rod, then I removed the nut in the middle of the steering wheel hoping that would allow me to pull off the steering wheel easily, but it's not coming off.

Is there a trick? Is it installed with a tapered fit where I will need some kind of puller apparatus? If so, I'm thinking I can make one similar to this:
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e157/flathead_jer/Flathead Tools/SteeringWheelPuller-2.jpg

I just want to make sure that's the right method before forcing it off with a puller as I don't want to damage anything.

Any help would be appreciated.

Attached are some pics of my steering wheel as it is now. (The last pic is a drawing of the steering assembly... I have no idea what part # 3609 is??)

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Part # 3609 is the woodruff key which slots into the steering shaft and the wheel center itself. Yes you will need a puller to get the wheel off. Plenty of info on pullers on here in the past. Regards. Kevin.
 
You may have to make a wood block to fit the backside curve- That is what I'm doing for my '39 banjo wheel. Then modifing a cheap C clamp into a puller. The correct pullers are scarce. Newc
 
Find yourself a small steel ring gasket - the type used in the oilfield on flanges.
About 4 inches diameter.
Cut about 2 inches out of it then slip it behind the wheel.
You can then use a common 3 legged puller to remove it without damaging the hub of the steering wheel..
" It worked for me "
 
I successfully removed a steering wheel by sitting in the driver's seat and pushing up on both sides of the wheel with my legs and then tapping on the steering shaft with a hammer. I put the retaining nut on, even with the end of the shaft, to protect from damaging the end of the shaft.
 
I have been completely happy for 30 years using a Harbour Fright bearing separator. They are a couple pieces of steel that bolt together with a bevel in the middle where they separate. I put a rag on the separator and use a two jaw puller. It has never failed and has never hurt anything.
 
I plan to follow Andy's suggestion of using a bearing separator next time. It sounds like a valuable tool to have available.
 
@Andys bearing splitter/two leg puller method works great and uses common tools you may have or can borrow.
 
Went to Harbor Freight and picked up the bearing separator and puller set, worked like a charm! Thanks everyone!
 
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