Remove 1930 coupe steering wheel

[Bill in SoCal]

I am rebuilding the steering column in my 1930 coupe. The column is out of the car, and I am at the point of removing the steering wheel. I have soaked the upper shaft with "Kriol" oil for two weeks. I got a wheel puller and installed it. I started to apply pressure with the center screw and the lower plate began to bend (see picture). Because of the bend in the plate, the pressure on the lower part of the wheel became uneven and a small chip developed on the outer edge of the wheel.

I removed the puller, and need some advice on how to proceed with the removal of the wheel.

 

[james hitchcock]

I had to put the column in a vise, then I got a small block of hardwood and rested it on the end of the shaft and had to hit it pretty hard. It took a while but I finally got it to break free. What a relief when it finally let go.

 

[ntqlvr]

I had a wheel that I swore would never come off without ruining the shaft. then I took a rubber hammer and gave the wheel a good smack on the backside of the wheel and the wheel came right off. Try it sometimes!

 

[Bill in SoCal]

Thanks, I had to smack a few times. It came off, but I pop a little piece of the wheel off the underside of the outer grip. Should repair without notice. Bill

 

[Peter J]

I guess the combination of steady pressure, lots of penetrating oil and eventually a good whack can do it. I'm currently having the same problem with removing rear break levers from their shafts.

 

[29RPU]

We always struck whatever the device was that was applying pressure, such as the wheel puller. Simply get the puller tight then smack the center of the puller screw shaft (against the sheering shaft) with a hammer. They almost always break free with pressure and a few smacks. The rubber mallet to the back side is a likely way to end up with more pieces than you started with concerning older steering wheels!