View Full Version : Removing the steering wheel
I am in the process of removing the steering wheel. The steering system seems very sloppy and seems loose within the console. I was hoping to remove the wheel and be able to tighten up the steering mechanism. I removed the nut in the center of the wheel, but the wheel is not coming off. ??? There seems to be a keyway, but it doesn't seem lined up with anything. What am I missing. It is only a plastic steering wheel and I am putting all the stress I dare on it now. Can anyone help me out. It is not hydraulic - just teleflex steering cables.
Thanks
Carl
I am in the process of removing the steering wheel. The steering system seems very sloppy and seems loose within the console. I was hoping to remove the wheel and be able to tighten up the steering mechanism. I removed the nut in the center of the wheel, but the wheel is not coming off. ??? There seems to be a keyway, but it doesn't seem lined up with anything. What am I missing. It is only a plastic steering wheel and I am putting all the stress I dare on it now. Can anyone help me out. It is not hydraulic - just teleflex steering cables.
Thanks
Carl
2ndchance
03-11-2007, 01:41 AM
Sounds like it could be some corrosion between the shaft and the steering wheel. I would try soaking the shaft and steering wheel with WD-40 for a day or two and then put 2 wedges on both sides of the steering wheel. After you get a liittle tension on the the wheel and shaft put the nut back on 3 or 4 threads and try tapping on the nut to loosen the steering wheel. The other option is a gear puller.
2ndchance
03-11-2007, 01:41 AM
Sounds like it could be some corrosion between the shaft and the steering wheel. I would try soaking the shaft and steering wheel with WD-40 for a day or two and then put 2 wedges on both sides of the steering wheel. After you get a liittle tension on the the wheel and shaft put the nut back on 3 or 4 threads and try tapping on the nut to loosen the steering wheel. The other option is a gear puller.
Skools Out
03-11-2007, 01:53 AM
spray some Kroil on it that wheel will just falloff after that oil in 20 min. best oil in the world for us marine guys
Skools Out
03-11-2007, 01:53 AM
spray some Kroil on it that wheel will just falloff after that oil in 20 min. best oil in the world for us marine guys
steplift20
03-11-2007, 10:39 AM
i know what your going threw the wheel is on a tadered shaft so there is nothing holding it on except thats it corroded on get some penertratind oil and a hammer tap the middle of the shaft with the hammer after you put on the oil and it should come out if it doesnt get a tourch and heat it if that doesnt work you will need a puller if that doesnt work get a knew boat just kidding never see your wellcraft never
steplift20
03-11-2007, 10:39 AM
i know what your going threw the wheel is on a tadered shaft so there is nothing holding it on except thats it corroded on get some penertratind oil and a hammer tap the middle of the shaft with the hammer after you put on the oil and it should come out if it doesnt get a tourch and heat it if that doesnt work you will need a puller if that doesnt work get a knew boat just kidding never see your wellcraft never
steplift20
03-11-2007, 10:40 AM
hey schools out is that a 1978 wellcraft it doesnt look like one the boat in the pic all white hull
steplift20
03-11-2007, 10:40 AM
hey schools out is that a 1978 wellcraft it doesnt look like one the boat in the pic all white hull
steplift20
03-11-2007, 10:51 AM
hey sckools out i just looked at your pics of your wellcraft when you removed the aluminum cap by the transom was the edges finished with glass or are they not finished so water could get in between the glass and rot the transom because i have the same year boat
steplift20
03-11-2007, 10:51 AM
hey sckools out i just looked at your pics of your wellcraft when you removed the aluminum cap by the transom was the edges finished with glass or are they not finished so water could get in between the glass and rot the transom because i have the same year boat
macojoe
03-11-2007, 10:57 AM
If the wheel is that sloppy, and that rusted on that tight, then the helm is shot!!
Spray with PB Blaster or Kroil heat with torch, don't worry about saving anything but the wheel cause you are going to be buying a new helm.
Try to pull even!! I have had a brand new one stuck cause it was coming off **** eyed.
Good Luck!!
macojoe
03-11-2007, 10:57 AM
If the wheel is that sloppy, and that rusted on that tight, then the helm is shot!!
Spray with PB Blaster or Kroil heat with torch, don't worry about saving anything but the wheel cause you are going to be buying a new helm.
Try to pull even!! I have had a brand new one stuck cause it was coming off **** eyed.
Good Luck!!
Skools Out
03-11-2007, 11:40 AM
Step that one pictured is my 78 Contintental 21 , my V20's transom was exposed under the cap. so i'm going to glass cover my transom so it can't get water in it anymore, the wood was exposed under the cap in a crack where the hull and the deck cap matched up. you could just remove the cap and fill with 5200 ans put the cap back on.
Skools Out
03-11-2007, 11:40 AM
Step that one pictured is my 78 Contintental 21 , my V20's transom was exposed under the cap. so i'm going to glass cover my transom so it can't get water in it anymore, the wood was exposed under the cap in a crack where the hull and the deck cap matched up. you could just remove the cap and fill with 5200 ans put the cap back on.
randlemanboater
03-11-2007, 09:31 PM
Use one of these and it won't tear anything up, just in case it only needs tightening.
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r222/randlemanboater/101_0090-1.jpg
randlemanboater
03-11-2007, 09:31 PM
Use one of these and it won't tear anything up, just in case it only needs tightening.
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r222/randlemanboater/101_0090-1.jpg
spareparts
03-11-2007, 10:44 PM
I've explaned this to a couple people befoere and the first thing I tell them is to get the video camera ready, it could be a priceless moment.
You'll need a friend to help, loosen the nut that holds the wheel on, but don't take it all the way off, Have a freind ready with a hammer and a drift or punch( I've used a 1/2 drive extension before). Sit in the helm seat and pull back on the wheel while your buddy takes the punch and centers it on the steering shaft, have him give the punch a good whack or two( hitting your fingers with the hammer earns extra points), it should pop the wheel off the tappered shaft. It make take some pretty good whacks and you need to put a fair amount of pressure on the wheel. Make sure to leave the nut on so when the wheel pops loose, the person pulling back on the wheel doesn't go flying backwards( this is where the video camera comes in). Ive had good luck taking salt encrusted wheels off with this procedure, give it a try.
spareparts
03-11-2007, 10:44 PM
I've explaned this to a couple people befoere and the first thing I tell them is to get the video camera ready, it could be a priceless moment.
You'll need a friend to help, loosen the nut that holds the wheel on, but don't take it all the way off, Have a freind ready with a hammer and a drift or punch( I've used a 1/2 drive extension before). Sit in the helm seat and pull back on the wheel while your buddy takes the punch and centers it on the steering shaft, have him give the punch a good whack or two( hitting your fingers with the hammer earns extra points), it should pop the wheel off the tappered shaft. It make take some pretty good whacks and you need to put a fair amount of pressure on the wheel. Make sure to leave the nut on so when the wheel pops loose, the person pulling back on the wheel doesn't go flying backwards( this is where the video camera comes in). Ive had good luck taking salt encrusted wheels off with this procedure, give it a try.
Thanks guys for the advice. I sprayed it up good today and left a ragged saturated with WD40 sittting on it for now. I didn't realize it was a tapered shaft. That makes more sense. It is a platic wheel and may not take kindly to getting hit with a hammer. I might try the puller and small pieces of wood under the jaws. I'll let ya know how it goes.
Carl
Thanks guys for the advice. I sprayed it up good today and left a ragged saturated with WD40 sittting on it for now. I didn't realize it was a tapered shaft. That makes more sense. It is a platic wheel and may not take kindly to getting hit with a hammer. I might try the puller and small pieces of wood under the jaws. I'll let ya know how it goes.
Carl
msbhammer
03-12-2007, 01:48 AM
We expect to see step by step pics. along with a few smashed fingers. ;D
msbhammer
03-12-2007, 01:48 AM
We expect to see step by step pics. along with a few smashed fingers. ;D
spareparts
03-12-2007, 09:58 AM
just to clarify, hit the center shaft, not he steering wheel, the shock combined with the pressure should pop it loose, if you use a puller, put some pressure on it, and hit the puller bolt, should do the same thing
spareparts
03-12-2007, 09:58 AM
just to clarify, hit the center shaft, not he steering wheel, the shock combined with the pressure should pop it loose, if you use a puller, put some pressure on it, and hit the puller bolt, should do the same thing
reelapeelin
03-12-2007, 11:37 AM
just to clarify, hit the center shaft, not he steering wheel, the shock combined with the pressure should pop it loose, if you use a puller, put some pressure on it, and hit the puller bolt, should do the same thing
Yep, that'll do it after soaking...Hammer asked for pix and I agree, but also request Emergency Room receipts ;D ...and remove the hut completely for much greater effect on puller for video camera 8) ...
reelapeelin
03-12-2007, 11:37 AM
just to clarify, hit the center shaft, not he steering wheel, the shock combined with the pressure should pop it loose, if you use a puller, put some pressure on it, and hit the puller bolt, should do the same thing
Yep, that'll do it after soaking...Hammer asked for pix and I agree, but also request Emergency Room receipts ;D ...and remove the hut completely for much greater effect on puller for video camera 8) ...
spareparts
03-12-2007, 01:30 PM
start a new show "America's stupid boat owners videos"
spareparts
03-12-2007, 01:30 PM
start a new show "America's stupid boat owners videos"
Stillrunning
03-12-2007, 02:57 PM
I've explaned this to a couple people befoere and the first thing I tell them is to get the video camera ready, it could be a priceless moment.
You'll need a friend to help, loosen the nut that holds the wheel on, but don't take it all the way off, Have a freind ready with a hammer and a drift or punch( I've used a 1/2 drive extension before). Sit in the helm seat and pull back on the wheel while your buddy takes the punch and centers it on the steering shaft, have him give the punch a good whack or two( hitting your fingers with the hammer earns extra points), it should pop the wheel *off the tappered shaft. It make take some pretty good whacks and you need to put a fair amount of pressure on the wheel. Make sure to leave the nut on so when the wheel pops loose, the person pulling back on the wheel doesn't go flying backwards( this is where the video camera comes in). Ive had good luck taking salt encrusted wheels off with this procedure, give it a try.I agree with all of this but remove the nut and have the friend pull on the wheel while you have some one video the removal. If friend ask why you are video taping this tell him your going to send it to someone to show them how to remove a steering wheel.
Stillrunning
03-12-2007, 02:57 PM
I've explaned this to a couple people befoere and the first thing I tell them is to get the video camera ready, it could be a priceless moment.
You'll need a friend to help, loosen the nut that holds the wheel on, but don't take it all the way off, Have a freind ready with a hammer and a drift or punch( I've used a 1/2 drive extension before). Sit in the helm seat and pull back on the wheel while your buddy takes the punch and centers it on the steering shaft, have him give the punch a good whack or two( hitting your fingers with the hammer earns extra points), it should pop the wheel *off the tappered shaft. It make take some pretty good whacks and you need to put a fair amount of pressure on the wheel. Make sure to leave the nut on so when the wheel pops loose, the person pulling back on the wheel doesn't go flying backwards( this is where the video camera comes in). Ive had good luck taking salt encrusted wheels off with this procedure, give it a try.I agree with all of this but remove the nut and have the friend pull on the wheel while you have some one video the removal. If friend ask why you are video taping this tell him your going to send it to someone to show them how to remove a steering wheel.
Skools Out
03-12-2007, 04:12 PM
take a sawzal and cut it off then replace with a stainless one off ebay will look better and last forever. ;D
Skools Out
03-12-2007, 04:12 PM
take a sawzal and cut it off then replace with a stainless one off ebay will look better and last forever. ;D
msbhammer
03-12-2007, 06:12 PM
I never liked those plastic steering wheels. :-/
msbhammer
03-12-2007, 06:12 PM
I never liked those plastic steering wheels. :-/
Blue_Runner
03-12-2007, 06:48 PM
I went through that same thing with my '72. It had the white plastic steering wheel and that sucker was ON THERE.
I used a gear puller too but the plastic hub wasn't really strong enough. I dont remember exactly what I did not. I know it involved spraying, beating, pulling, spraying, beating, and pulling by me and my bro-in-law.
It finally popped off and I was ecstatic!
Good luck!
Blue
Blue_Runner
03-12-2007, 06:48 PM
I went through that same thing with my '72. It had the white plastic steering wheel and that sucker was ON THERE.
I used a gear puller too but the plastic hub wasn't really strong enough. I dont remember exactly what I did not. I know it involved spraying, beating, pulling, spraying, beating, and pulling by me and my bro-in-law.
It finally popped off and I was ecstatic!
Good luck!
Blue
parishht
03-12-2007, 06:50 PM
I have one of those plastic wheels too,
I would love to replace it with stainless or even one of these:
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g18/parishht/nautica.gif
parishht
03-12-2007, 06:50 PM
I have one of those plastic wheels too,
I would love to replace it with stainless or even one of these:
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g18/parishht/nautica.gif
ITS OFF :) :) I used a puller and it came off. A small piece broke off the left side. I floated the idea of getting a nice SS wheel and my wife agreed. We'll see what the budget looks like when I am ready to put it back on, but for now it is off. Only a few splinters to show for it. Here are some pics.
Still on the console
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s202/panaru20/IMG_0183.jpg
Puller on wheel
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s202/panaru20/IMG_0185.jpg
Wheel off and sitting on seat
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s202/panaru20/IMG_0187.jpg
Finally!!!
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s202/panaru20/IMG_0189.jpg
ITS OFF :) :) I used a puller and it came off. A small piece broke off the left side. I floated the idea of getting a nice SS wheel and my wife agreed. We'll see what the budget looks like when I am ready to put it back on, but for now it is off. Only a few splinters to show for it. Here are some pics.
Still on the console
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s202/panaru20/IMG_0183.jpg
Puller on wheel
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s202/panaru20/IMG_0185.jpg
Wheel off and sitting on seat
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s202/panaru20/IMG_0187.jpg
Finally!!!
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s202/panaru20/IMG_0189.jpg
Skools Out
03-12-2007, 11:40 PM
that's great there was a SS run out on ebay tonight for $2.00 just look on there you see them all the time for under $20, i've bought several on there under $20, you don't need to worry about the center cap they are avail from boat stores.
Skools Out
03-12-2007, 11:40 PM
that's great there was a SS run out on ebay tonight for $2.00 just look on there you see them all the time for under $20, i've bought several on there under $20, you don't need to worry about the center cap they are avail from boat stores.
msbhammer
03-13-2007, 08:13 AM
Glad you got the wheel off. Looked liked you were driving a Chevy. ;D We dont want that. ;D
msbhammer
03-13-2007, 08:13 AM
Glad you got the wheel off. Looked liked you were driving a Chevy. ;D We dont want that. ;D
whalenkm
03-13-2007, 09:17 AM
He does drive a Chevy.....yikes!!! :(
whalenkm
03-13-2007, 09:17 AM
He does drive a Chevy.....yikes!!! :(
macojoe
03-13-2007, 09:41 AM
Glad you got it off!!
And don't worry about the Chevy comments!! They are just Ford owners that want to be Chevy owners when they grow up!! ;)
macojoe
03-13-2007, 09:41 AM
Glad you got it off!!
And don't worry about the Chevy comments!! They are just Ford owners that want to be Chevy owners when they grow up!! ;)
msbhammer
03-13-2007, 11:27 AM
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
msbhammer
03-13-2007, 11:27 AM
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
No worries about chevy comments. *;) It's a sweet truck and I am very happy with it. *It's only 9 months old and it's the first truck I've owned. *
Skools - thanks for the ebay tip for a wheel. *I jumped on last night - there is one that ends tonight. *We'll see what happens.
Carl
No worries about chevy comments. *;) It's a sweet truck and I am very happy with it. *It's only 9 months old and it's the first truck I've owned. *
Skools - thanks for the ebay tip for a wheel. *I jumped on last night - there is one that ends tonight. *We'll see what happens.
Carl
vBulletin® v3.8.2, Copyright ©2000-2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.