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Steering wheel removal

Posted: Fri Aug 06, 2021 3:48 pm
by John b
Had a very stubborn steering wheel to remove but didn't want to destroy it so i came up with this (may be a common way to do it, i don't know). Soaked it in penetrating oil for a day, then got a large set of 3 leg pullers and removed the legs. Cut a piece of rubber pipe for each of the bolts that hold the legs so the thread didn't bite into the back of the steering wheel and attached it to the spokes. Wind it up and if it still doesn't budge give the nut on top of the pullers a crack with a hammer (but don't stand above it just in case it flies off!). This worked on a wheel that as far as i know hadn't been of in nearly 70 years
John
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Re: Steering wheel removal

Posted: Fri Aug 06, 2021 10:59 pm
by Billy26F5
Superb tool John. Our wheels are all free, so no trouble with that. That Major looks like a late one (judging from the late battery tray and late pre-cleaner).
Sandy

Re: Steering wheel removal

Posted: Fri Aug 06, 2021 11:06 pm
by John b
Not sure what age it is, its the donor Major with no engine and wrecked gearbox and hydraulics. I'll find some casting codes and get you to date it if thats ok with you
John

Re: Steering wheel removal

Posted: Fri Aug 06, 2021 11:08 pm
by Billy26F5
Thanks very much John.
Sandy

Re: Steering wheel removal

Posted: Fri Aug 06, 2021 11:16 pm
by John b
The steering wheel almost feels like its rubber, i've not seen one like it on a Major before. Is it just degraded or was there a different type of wheel used? I've seen the early aluminium wheel and the standard bakelite one but this one feels alot thicker than normal
John

Re: Steering wheel removal

Posted: Fri Aug 06, 2021 11:32 pm
by Billy26F5
It does look different, but Ford only used aluminium and Bakelite coverings, it could either be a replacement covering or a replacement steering wheel. It looks like it's the right size, so I would say it has been covered in a different material after loosing it's original covering, but I'm not at all sure about that.
Sandy

Re: Steering wheel removal

Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2022 8:13 am
by Roadless63
I think this style of wheel was used in between the aluminium and more common bakelite type. We have a couple of diesel majors which have had this type fitted.

Re: Steering wheel removal

Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2022 12:08 am
by Billy26F5
It must have been used very briefly, as I think I still know more aluminium ones. By far the easiest to find even from pretty early on was the Bakelite one, which lasted till the end, and for even longer on Ebro tractors.
Sandy

Re: Steering wheel removal

Posted: Sun Dec 04, 2022 10:25 pm
by shepp
I think Roadless63 is right, I have seen this type of wheel with this type of centre boss before on 1951 and very early 1952 Majors.

Another trick after attaching the puller is to gently heat the centre boss with an electric heat gun after applying tension with the screw, when it's ready the wheel will spring off the shaft.

Re: Steering wheel removal

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2022 9:03 pm
by John b
That's a good tip with the heat gun Shepp, certainly kinder on the steering box than me giving the puller a belt with a hammer!