I got a new steering wheel and need to install it. Before that, I need to remove the original steering wheel, and I really don't want to spend 20 bucks on a puller, since I'll only use it once. How do you remove a steering wheel without a puller?
Get the big nut loosened up and backed off, but leave it flush with the top of the threads...then use your knees, or another person pulling evenly on the wheel while smacking the big nut with preferably a rubber mallet. A regular hammer will work also, just take care not to damage the nut or threads...it should pop right off.
Thank you very much. That is much easier and simpler than I thought it would be. Thanks for the quick response as well.
That's what I was gonna say. They will charge you a deposit but will give it back to you when you return the puller.
If you try to pull it off by hand the step you dont want to miss is leave the nut on a few threads. I'm sure you will but I've seen many apprentices and techs take one in the face. Its funny as hell so long as your not the one in the drivers seat. The puller is the way to go though.
Trust me, spend the $20 and rent a puller, youll get the twenty back....I tried doing it without a puller, and a 30+ year old steering wheel does NOT want to come off easy...lol After pulling and hammering and everything for almost an hour I gave up on it...rented a puller and had it off in 2 minutes.
Hmmm...guess I've been lucky. They've always just popped right off for me with the pressure and tapping the nut method.
I made my own puller years ago. The ex kelp it along with the house. I took a 1/2"x 1-1/4 flat stock and drilled holes and tap the center hole. It looked like this except it didn't have slotted holes.
Just go to Your local autozone.Rent it for 20-25 bucks,use it then return it,and get Your money back.I did the pulling by hand deal,but took the nut all the way off,and ended up cracking a rib,when the wheel finally popped off.The right tool for the job makes life alot easier.
Rent the puller. It will save you heartache. I tried getting a sport wheel off a junkyard car for over an hour without the puller and it wouldn't budge. I pounded and pounded on the nut while my 16 year old pulled on the wheel. No luck. Finally left (was worried that the wheel would be gone before I got back on the next weekend) and came back with it. It still took 15 minutes (it was on there good!) but I got it off and couldn't have been happier. My $15 wheel looks great!
Indeed a puller is the best way to go, I have bent two steering wheels trying to pull them off..... I know, I know, I should have learned from the first one but I was just sure I could get the second one off
It is, until you either damage the threads of the shaft or the nut.... then it isn't easy anymore. It's best to get a puller or make one.
