Help getting my steering wheel off.

[Pittsburghkid]

I need to take off my steering wheel to replace the horn button cam but i can't get it off. I took the nut off the bolt in the middle and there are 2 holes to either side that are threaded but didn't have any bolts in them to begin with. What else do i need to get the wheel off because it won't pull off or turn off and i'm at a loss? Also should there be bolts in those two threaded holes(i'm assuming yes but don't know for sure)? Please help

 

[turboclam]

It pulls straight off. You did say that you took the big center nut off? The picture just shows it's still on there. Get a rubber hammer (or something soft) and tap on the underside. Move from spoke to spoke. It may take a couple of decent wacks. Not too hard as the wheel will bend. It might help to spray some PB Blaster on the center thread and wait 30 min before trying to take off. Hope this helps, Michael

 

[87granny]

Get a steertng wheel puller and it comes right off never had any luck with the hammer deal and take the nut off

 

[turboc87gn]

If it wont come off get a steering wheel puller thats what the threaded holes and the dent in the center shaft are there for Autozone rents them ...

 

[Pittsburghkid]

Ya all three help and i put the nut back on so i wouldn't lose it and knew that since i took the pic after i was gonna catch hell about it. I really hope you guys didnt think i was tryin to pull it off with the nut on there. I think i'm gonna have to go with the puller tho cause i was really tuggin but it didn't budge and i don't wanna mess the column up. Thanks for the help

 

[turbo39151]

You must have some sort of puller. Hammer won't work. If you're going to "go in" might as well check the bolts that hold the steering wheel and keep it from wobbling. Also, you can take advantage to address the cruise control (if yours doesn't work and the stalk is the culprit).

Just some thoughts. Better to do the job once than several times...Ask me how I know

 

[Pittsburghkid]

Def will do that. As far as the Cruise i have no idea about that as i haven't drivin the car in years so that is one of my last concerns but it just so happens i have a brand new stalk that was waiting to go in so thanks for the reminder.

 

[turbo39151]

Make sure to dig around and get a good DIY on this procedure so that you have all the tools you'll need availablewhen you do this. I learned the hard way. Especially working with the pivot pins...

Also, make sure to have a small tub of grease available. It helps to "keep everything together" when you start putting it all back together...

Good Luck.

 

[bad V6]

Here is a good breakdown on what tools you will need and the procedure on what you will be doing, depending on how far you may go.

http://www.elcaminocentral.com/showthread.php?t=27192

 

[turboclam]

I've pulled 3 off, I guess I've been lucky by not having to use a puller. The link to the Camino looks informative, it's in My Favorites now.

 

[Pittsburghkid]

What did i get myself into? Thats great info by the way so thankyou for that. I already rented used and returned the puller so the steering wheel is off now to get a little crazy. I was with that post until the dust cover then it lost me til "Math illiteracy affects 8 of every 5 people":biggrin:

 

[Grumpy]

hammer does work BUT ya have to know what your doing

 

[turbo39151]

Ok, I will concede that a BFH will work in nearly any automotive application if you know what you're doing. It's actaully my tool of choice. It's very persuasive.

Nevertheless, I would not recommend using a hammer to remove the wheel when it's your first time tackling a project like this especially when you don't know what to expect.


BTW, might as well do it all while you're in there. No reason to have to go through all this misery again.

 

[Grumpy]

Nevertheless, I would not recommend using a hammer to remove the wheel when it's your first time tackling a project like this especially when you don't know what to expect.

yes !!! newbies use a puller .. takes 5 minutes

 

[Just a Six??]

If you search here there are 2 good writeups with pics. I'm on my laptop for a week so I cant get to my bookmarks to find them.

 

[Phase4]

Hi,

Does anyone know what the thread size s in the steering wheel that you run the two bolts on the puller in to?

Don't sell or hire pullers here in the UK, so I may have to make something up.

Just need to know if the thread is metric or Imp.

Thanks in advance.

Sandy