My Willys 3A and 3B Community

3A, 3B, DJ Technical Knowledge Base => "Original"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Observations => Topic started by: Linda on September 01, 2015, 01:08:01 AM

Title: Steering wheel removing
Post by: Linda on September 01, 2015, 01:08:01 AM
Hi, would someone tell how to remove the steering wheel off . I got parts to rebuild steering box, But can't get pass first base. Thanks for any help.
Title: Re: Steering wheel removing
Post by: Dutch_Jeeper on September 01, 2015, 03:26:53 AM
http://www.cj3b.info/Tech/SteeringWheel.html

You could try it once with a firm tap with a rubber mallet after applying penetrtating oil for a few days and hope it pops out, if not use  the method above or you will destroy the steer and/or shaft.
Title: Re: Steering wheel removing
Post by: 1955CJ-5 on September 01, 2015, 01:50:45 PM
I used a Harbor Freight bearing puller, #30305......worth the money i think..I've used on a number of other things..

Stick a bolt inside the steering tube for the puller's center threaded rod to push against.

It takes time. I think I put the puller on and just left it under tension over night and then tightened it a little more a little at a time and eventually it popped off.

Use lots of penetrating oil as previously mentioned
Title: Re: Steering wheel removing
Post by: Linda on September 01, 2015, 02:49:35 PM
Thanks for the suggestions, I have been applying penatrating oil for several day . I� tried the bearing puller method and no success .I have the puller on it now with tension on it. Every time I go by ,I give it a shot of oil. Is the horn button the only thing that holds it on. I thought maybe Iam missing something. HELP!!!!!!
Title: Re: Steering wheel removing
Post by: Kirkski on September 01, 2015, 05:08:58 PM
Hi Linda

 I ruined my steering wheel and my steering shaft and learned a lot. I used penetrating oil for weeks, tried a puller system that others used and still had a problem.

 My boss at the garage I have worked at part time for years told me a trick that worked for him in the past.

 By grabbing the wheel at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions press down on one side and then lift the opposite side. Alternate hand positions like 12/6 8/2 etc and continue, after "breaking contact" then lift on wheel, important to remember to leave the nut on the shaft a few threads at this point.

 Good luck, they are a pain.

 Kirk
Title: Re: Steering wheel removing
Post by: 1955CJ-5 on September 01, 2015, 06:28:06 PM
When you have tension on the puller, try giving the center threaded rod a good rap or two with a hammer....start easy...sometimes that is enough to shake things loose
Title: Re: Steering wheel removing
Post by: Linda on September 13, 2015, 10:37:13 PM
Hi,folks. I tried all your methods and it didn't budge. I
Was ready to get the hack saw out,I took the puller off and gave it the around the clock pull method and it popped off in my hands. I want to thank all of you for your help.
Title: Re: Steering wheel removing
Post by: Kirkski on September 14, 2015, 09:30:24 AM
Good going!! That's a hard one!
Title: Re: Steering wheel removing
Post by: 1955CJ-5 on September 14, 2015, 03:17:02 PM
Yes nice work...and thanks for the follow up.....it's good to know how things turned out..

I put a little anti-seize on my steering wheel splines when I put it back together...
Title: Re: Steering wheel removing
Post by: JimVillers on October 11, 2015, 08:12:35 PM
Mine was STUCK!  I ended up cutting a slice in the wheel with a die grinder and then splitting it with a chisel.  It was still hare to remove, even with penetrating oil and lots of rocking.  I destroyed the wheel but saved the shaft.
Title: Re: Steering wheel removing
Post by: JimVillers on October 11, 2015, 08:13:42 PM
Mine was STUCK!  I ended up cutting a slice in the wheel with a die grinder and then splitting it with a chisel.  It was still hare to remove, even with penetrating oil and lots of rocking.  I destroyed the wheel but saved the shaft.