Steering wheel removal

[hijimhere]

I have had a number of attempts to remove my steering wheel it will not release -- my last attempt I used a 2 lb hammer and drift to shock the steering column. It just will not budge, can't get a puller on it as the legs will damage the base of the wheel. Any idea's any one?

[Bob]

Do you have an air bag? This will make a big difference.

[hijimhere]

Yes airbag model - have been able to isolate and remove the air bag without any difficulty. It was a major two person effort to undo the column nut as it was so tight. I am mystified as to getting the steering wheel off. Any help would be appreciated!

[Northern Bongolow]

you may need to use the standard puller but make some spacers to keep the puller off the wheel, try a narrow diameter piece of steel tubing cut in half, or a stack of large washers with a cut out in to go round the shaft. then put the tube pieces against the bottom of the wheel acting as spacers. then clout the puller top with a sharp crack.

[hijimhere]

thanks - will have a go this coming weekend

[the laird]

With air bag off. Screw the nut on two or three threads,then pull upwards vigorously doing a canting action as you pull.ie pull hard up on left then hard up on right but this must be done quickly ,always worke for moi.good luck mate

[Gasy]

remember if you gonna get in there tugging it
Leave the centre nut on a few turns
So if it does go you don't whack yourself in the face

[stuc]

Good tip gasy, also remember everyone please be careful where airbags are concerned, if it goes off it will not be pleasant.

[wilnx005]

Rubber hammer sorted my non airbag steering wheel when I recently replaced the steering rack. It took a fair few cracks to get it off though!

[hijimhere]

Many thanks guys - I did put the nut back on before try to shock the column with a drift - I am wondering what torque this nut should be - I would have thought with there being a UJ to disperse any likelihood of getting a face full of steering wheel I would have thought fairly average torque also because of the lock nut.