Technical Steering wheel removal

[smahaley]

Hi all - My first question!
- I have the main center nut and washer off the steering wheel (1978 124 spider), but it doesn't come off. I've tried some gentle prying and even a puller, but am afraid of bending something.

Any advice, oh sage ones?
(and- -I'm not clear on how to effectively search these forums when its just classic spider + technical issues / help)

 

[Slotman]

I would try putting some pressure on it with your puller, then from the back side of the steering wheel while your seated in front of it ,with the palms of your hands "smack it" on the outer edges at the same time towards yourself....this almost always works for me with most cars..the longer it's been on the more of a challenge it might be...it should break loose...I recently removed the steering wheel from my 68 mercury that had never been off the car with this method..hope it works!
Terry

 

[smahaley]

@Slotman Thanks a bunch - appreciate the words of encouragement! I'll try that method tomorrow. I'm just afraid of bending something, but I'll try the combo of tightening the puller and giving it some tandem whacks.

Steve

 

[Slotman]

Yes , shock and awe..give it some good tandem whacks hands placed across from each other around the periphery....what you don't want to do is pry from the back side....often that's what bends things...good luck, and please let us know how it goes...it helps to keep snugging up the tension on the puller as you go also , may the "force" be with you! P.s. forgot to add, it wouldn't hurt to make a reindex mark with tape or something of your choosing to put the steering wheel exactly back to the same position it came from and a shot of wd40 or other lubricant around the steering shaft splines won't hurt either..
Terry

 

[124BC1]

No need for a steering wheel puller on these cars. The wheel is fitted on tapered splines and will likely require a very large pressure to pull it straight off.

The easy, safe and quick way :-

Safety first!! Refit the large nut loosely by a few turns - this is to avoid the wheel smacking you in the face if it releases suddenly.

Just grip the steering wheel each side at the 2 spokes, try to rock the steering wheel by pushing forward one side while simultaneously pulling backwards on the other side, alternating the pulling/pushing action between sides. This rocks the steering wheel on it's splines and is very effective at breaking the 'bond' without the risk of causing any damage.

Note :- when refitting the steering wheel, ensure that the hole in the turn signal cancelling ring (just under the steering wheel) is at the bottom - this is so that the spring-loaded plastic pin on the underside of the steering wheel that cancels the turn signals can engage with the hole without risk of damage (if you turn over the st. wheel you'll see the pin I'm referring to).

 

[smahaley]

Many thanks @124BC1 - I’ll give your method a try tomorrow!

 

[124BC1]

--------------------- - I’ll give your method a try tomorrow!

If you're as strong as I am , it's sure to work.

 

[smahaley]

@Slotman and @124BC1 - success! The pulling with conviction alternating sides did the trick. Thanks so much for your help!

On to the next thing…

 

[Greyjag]

Try WD40, mine came off tonight with just a light tap of a mallet