Steering wheel removal on an H

Pairodox · Jul 27, 2008

Here's a dumb one from a beginner. Any good suggestions for removing a steering wheel from an H? I've tried three different sprays with no luck. I've put a pipe wrench on the steering shaft and a crescent on the nut ... no luck ... can't budge it. This is a '42 H and the thing is well rusted. I don't have any way of heating the nut at the moment - any other suggestions would be appreciated.

boomer22 · Jul 27, 2008

Mine was the same way, took the nut off with a good impact. Still waiting on guy to bring me a gear puller to get it the rest of the way off.

Vito · Jul 27, 2008

Spray and let it soak with PB blaster or other good penetrating oils.Electric impact wrench will do the job or a heavy duty socket wrench with a cheater pipe.From the sound of it you will proably have to beat the wheel off with a hammer.Please do not use a pipe wrench on the steering shaft as it will leave permanent markings.

TomH in PA · Jul 27, 2008

Find a torch, even a disposable MAPP outfit will loosen the nut. You'll still have a problem getting the steering wheel off the shaft. If you're planning on replacing the steering wheel anyway you can carefully grind through the hub.

Janicholson · Jul 27, 2008

Buy a Lenox brand hacksaw blade (14 tooth/") and cut a slot in the hub down nearly to the shaft. Put a old screw driver shank in the slot and drive it in with a hammer splitting the hub. This will also take care of the nut at the same time. Good hacksaw blades are worth the cost! JimN

Nebraska Kirk · Jul 27, 2008

Here is what I have done, with excellent results. Heat one side of the nut with a torch until it is red hot, let it cool some, spray with penetrating oil or engine oil for that matter. The heat will draw the oil into the threads. Then with a socket and ratchet or an impact wrench remove the nut. Like Vito said, don't use a pipe wrench on the steering shaft, just turn the steering wheel all the way to the left and then you can wrench on the nut without the steering wheel turning. Best way to remove the steering wheel is with a gear puller and a torch to apply heat to the hub of the wheel to expand it and break rust bond. If you don't want to save the steering wheel and you are lacking a gear puller or torch, then just grind or cut through the hub then take a cold chisel and hammer it into the cut to expand the hub slightly. Finally you can take a hammer and big punch and knock the wheel off.

c1802362 · Jul 28, 2008

I used the torch and puller combo on my neighbor"s M. Works like a charm. Try to get as much paint/rust/etc of the exposed threads as possible before starting. Also you may want to locate a die to chase the threads as getting the wheel off may smear them

GordoSD · Jul 28, 2008

Do you own a 1/2 inch impact driver? A sawsall?
Get them out and it's about a 3 min job.

Gordo

Mike Farmer · Jul 28, 2008

My way. Clean the nut completely then heat it up. a DIY propane torch will be enough. Put a pair of grips tight on the shaft in front of the wheel and use a long handled wrench on the nut. Jam the grips if possible to eliminate any shaft movement and wasted effort. Lots of muscle-Now the nut should come off. To get the wheel off put a three leg puller on it and do it up real tight. If it doesn't move leave the puller tight and apply lots of heat. you'll hear it when it moves. Dont stand right behind it or when it comes off the top of the wheel will hit you straight in the bridge of the nose. it bleeds like the very devil--honest. MTF

Steering wheel removal on an H

Pairodox

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boomer22

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Vito

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TomH in PA

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Janicholson

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Nebraska Kirk

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c1802362

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GordoSD

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Mike Farmer

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