steering wheel

it seems like it should be the simplest thing to get the original steering wheel off to replace w/stainless, but the darn thing won't budge. took the nut off, and either the hole/keyway is frozen to the shaft, or i'm missing something. sprayed pb blaster in it and waited a day, still won't budge. am i missing something, or is it frozen? i guess after 25 years the metals may have corroded together, but i really want to put my shiny new wheel on. any suggestions?

[chumbucket]

They probably have corroded into each other. Try hitting the end of the helm shaft with a solid block of wood and a 2lb hammer while someone else applies upward pressure on the wheel. I had my Dad pry the wheel with two pry bars while I hit the end of the shaft to remove mine.
The only other thing I can suggest is to apply heat to the thing. Since you're replacing it anyways, you don't care about melting the plastic wheel. Someone will still have to pry the inner aluminum part of the wheel hub.
:P

[chumbucket]

Did ya get it off?

BTW, take a look at Schmitt wheels. That's one that I put on in the pics in my gallery. They make several styles such as the one that I have, a traditional destroyer type and one or two others. Also with and without the steering power knob. They're reasonably priced too. BoatUS and Boaters World carry them that I know of right away. I'm sure there are other retailers that sell them as well.

got the wheel off and replaced today. just needed a little coaxing with, as mentioned, upward pressure and a hammer. the nut was stripped, but the shaft was still threaded ok, so i just got a new nut and slipped the new ss/teak center wheel on. looks soooo much better.
also put a couple flush rod holders in the gunnels and rewired and installed new bow and stern night lights. she's getting there.

[chumbucket]

;) ;D

[steplift20]

if you saw how it was on you would never believe i would be hard to remove tapered and a key thats it tap the center and pull

[macojoe]

Do your self a favor and remove the whel and add some never seze to it, It wil be so much easier the next time it has to come off!!

[Petrus]

Never Seize?! Had never heard of it before MJ mentioned it- pretty neat stuff- also available in nuclear grade! I kid you not--- its on their web site.