Problem Removing Steering Wheel

carguybill

carguybill

Senior Member
I need to remove the steering wheel on my '34 to replace the bushing in the steering column with an upgrade bearing.


Before I can remove the wheel I need to remove the lights and horn button assembly and in order to remove that I need to remove the tab at the bottom of the control rod. See photo.


My problem is that I have not been able to remove the tab. I have tried prying on it but without much success and I'm afraid I will damage the cup that surrounds the tab.



I will appreciate any suggestions and comments. Thank you.


picture.php
 
Are you referring to the fork on the bottom of the rod after you have removed the light switch?
 
Assuming you are referring to the C-shaped clip that retains the two-prong switch actuator, you might consider sacrificing a cheap screwdriver wide enough to capture the ends of the C and grind or file the center of the screwdriver blade to create a very limited use tool for this purpose.
 
Near the bottom of the horn rod there is a recess in the recess is a C-clip. The C-clip holds the light switch spider and spring in place. The C-clip has to be removed usually by compressing the spring a little. All the parts have modern replacements, except the rod itself. At the very end of the rod is a plastic insulating insert be careful not to damage the plastic. Once the C-clip is removed the spider and spring will slide off the horn rod.
 
Be VERY careful to NOT BEND the light rod AT ALL as if has a bend turning the steering wheel will turn the lights on and of !!! kerk
 
Terry said:
Near the bottom of the horn rod there is a recess in the recess is a C-clip. The C-clip holds the light switch spider and spring in place. The C-clip has to be removed usually by compressing the spring a little. All the parts have modern replacements, except the rod itself. At the very end of the rod is a plastic insulating insert be careful not to damage the plastic. Once the C-clip is removed the spider and spring will slide off the horn rod.
Click to expand...
OK, that makes sence. Thank you.


Do I need someone at the steering wheel to keep the light control tight against the steering wheel while I push the light switch spider back to expose the C-clip? Will I then be able to remove the C-clip with needle nose pliers?
 
I use a heavy yardstick under the steering wheel and over the horn button to keep the rod pushed down. Maybe this will help you.

Ken
 
Also be careful as that seem to fly around either during removal or installation like the small carb clips ("jesus" clips).
Paul in CT
 
I Just push up on the pronged tip in the pic above post by BobC and the horse shoe clips comes out pretty easy .
 
Kens 36's suggestion to use a yard stick across the horn button and underneath the perimeter of the steering wheel is a big help for either removal or installation of the C clip, as is Bob C's helpful illustration of the component parts including the spring that has to be compressed to remove the pressure holding the clip in place.
 
Thanks to everyone who shared their experience and knowledge. With your guidance and another pair of hands from my son I finally got the light control shaft removed.


Now my problem is removing the steering wheel itself. I have a decent selection of pullers but I'm concerned that standard pullers will damage the back side of my original '34 steering wheel.


So, here i am again asking for help for ways to pull the steering wheel off of the steering shaft.
 
You can drill and tap the steering wheel hub, I suggest 5/16"-24, and then use one of these pullers. They're available at any auto parts store and reasonable.
 

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  • Steering Wheel Puller.jpg
    Steering Wheel Puller.jpg
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I like the idea to use a bearing separator under the steering wheel if you don't have the K.R. Wilson puller.
 
Great its pretty easy, doesn't show and the tool is cheap too. Glad it worked out for you Greg!


Glenn
 
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