Advice on steering wheel removal

[Nick]

Im trying to remove a steering wheel on a 1952 major diesel, which hasnt been off before by the look of it. I want to save the steering wheel as it original and in good condition, just needs a bit of repair, and black paint.

Normally I would just heat it up to get it to move, but its got that rubbery coating on it!

[Pavel]

Use a set of gear pullers. Tension them up then give the centre screw a firm, but not too hard, clout. This will loosen the joint and it can then be wriggled off. Be careful of the grease seal under the hub.

Pavel

[AdrianNPMajor]

I second Pavel's advice. If you're not in a hurry, apply penetrating oil every day for a week before trying to pull the wheel off. Rust creates a force known as oxide jacking ie the metal expands as it rusts. Consequently these steering wheels can be a b*gger to get off. Patience and lots of WD40!
Best
Adrian

[henk]

More differences. I wanted to slide the seal on the axle, but found out that this part is also different. I remember that some one had the same problem and changed the sealers. I want to machine that part so the normal seal will fit. Pitty I can't messure the axle that's all ready in place.

[Dandy Dave]

Say Henk, I think you have this posted in the wrong place. Dandy Dave!

[henk]

Ai. Sorry. Don't know what went wrong. Maybe one of the moderators can move it.

[Dandy Dave]

Henk, you do have an option to "edit" yourself what you post. Dandy Dave!

[Nick]

Ive got a 10 ton hydraulic puller on the steering wheel, turned up to maximum and doused in penetrating oil, its been like that since saturday! Ive got a long lever bar and hit the centre shaft a couple times, to no avail!
I dont want to hit the shaft too much incase i damage it.
The way its going, I will end up heating it up to get it to move, which means new steering wheel

[Bensdexta]

You could try freezing the centre and/or tapping it (rather than hitting it).
http://www.piaggiospares.co.uk/product/ ... wgodPC0Aug

Keep the puller on it whilst you do it.

[AdrianNPMajor]

Hi Nick
If the steering wheel won't budge with shall we say persuasion, you are going to have to sacrifice the wheel in favour of the steering column. The fact is, after fifty or sixty years the rim of the wheel can wear thin and you might welcome a new wheel. These tractors are still highly useful workhorses and just as we replace things like tyres so your steering wheel may also have to make way for a replacement.
Best
Adrian

[Dandy Dave]

New Steering Wheels are not that expensive either. I would give it a little more time if you are really set on saving the old wheel. Let it sit and soak. Putting pressure on and off may also help. Dandy Dave!

[Nick]

Hi guys, sorry for absence! Its still soaking in penetrating oil, waiting for the parts to turn up to finish it, so I will have another go this weekend to get it off. I know they arent expensive at all, but as Ive learnt, to keep things original is sometimes better than buying new.

[scoobyjim]

Your absolutely right cos most new parts are fing rubbish!

[Pavel]

My daughter once had a Dolomite Sprint that the shop could not get the cyl. head off because of seized up studs. They applied lift by an overhead gantry, applied penetrating oil and gave it a couple of taps with a hammer every day for a week till it eventually freed itself.
I suggest you do the same with the gear pullers applied and it may/should free itself.

Pavel

[Dandy Dave]

A little vibration in the right amount and place will work wonders. You could also try an air hammer with a punch end installed. Dandy Dave!