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Steering Wheel Changeout

Posted: Fri May 30, 2014 7:59 am
by Soonertoon
Ok folks, need a little guidance here. Trying to replace the factory steering wheel on my 08' Tracker, with one of those cool 6 spoke stainless ones.
However, I cant get the damned factory wheel to come loose off of the spindle. dont have a steering wheeel puller which probably would break the damn thing anyway . I have pulled and pulled but cant her loose and am afraid to pull much harder for fear of breaking it . Any ideas? It cant be this hard to remove ...aaarrrggghhh!!!!.
I would hate to have to send it back ...

Re: Steering Wheel Changeout

Posted: Fri May 30, 2014 8:06 am
by rockhound
pb blaster, let her soak for a day

as you pull her off tap the shaft with a hammer, be careful not to booger the threads by tapping too hard

Re: Steering Wheel Changeout

Posted: Fri May 30, 2014 8:09 am
by rockhound
one other item, what type of metal steering wheel are you going to?

I no longer use any type of metal wheel on my boats, i hit a wave just right about 2 years ago and the metal insert on my steering wheel completely shaved my thumb off, nasty nasty, nasty

Re: Steering Wheel Changeout

Posted: Fri May 30, 2014 8:43 am
by cwag911
Make sure you put the nut on flush with the threads before you hit it with a hammer.

Re: Steering Wheel Changeout

Posted: Fri May 30, 2014 9:09 am
by Bamby
cwag911 wrote:Make sure you put the nut on flush with the threads before you hit it with a hammer.
In addition I'd suggest seating yourself in such a means that you can utilize your feet and legs to exert upward pressure from below and then rap it sharply with a hammer. :thumbsup

Re: Steering Wheel Changeout

Posted: Fri May 30, 2014 10:13 am
by sunedog
Bamby wrote:
cwag911 wrote:Make sure you put the nut on flush with the threads before you hit it with a hammer.
In addition I'd suggest seating yourself in such a means that you can utilize your feet and legs to exert upward pressure from below and then rap it sharply with a hammer. :thumbsup
Have someone nearby with a video camera to tape you tumbling backwards as the wheel pops loose. You may win $10,000. :lol3

Seriously, these other guys are right. Turn the nut until it's flush with the top of the shaft, brace yourself and pull up hard while someone hits the shaft/nut square on with the hammer. The wheel should pop loose.

Re: Steering Wheel Changeout

Posted: Fri May 30, 2014 9:57 pm
by fergusmj
I went to a local auto store and used one of their wheel puller rentals. I had to get some miscellaneous hardware to fit the wheel, but it popped right off.