Steering Wheel Removal: Kinda long for an easy job

["Mike Nakamura" <mike_nakamura@domain.elided>]

This has been address several times including once in response to my post
last fall.  I was trying to remove the wheel from my Montreal.

I received the general instructions, battery disconnected, center cover off,
wires disconnected, undo tab, loosen nut even with end of threaded rod
(protects rod), place wheel puller, hit center with hammer (sharp blow).

This is what happened:

Before I had the puller, I tried tapping up with mallet (cushioned by wood)
from behind.  This was in case it would just pop off.  Silly, but worth a
try I thought.

Had a small gear puller so I tried that.  Cushioned the back side of the
wheel for protection.  No luck.

Borrowed correct puller, applied loosing oil, hit the center post, nothing.

With puller under pressure, used 3/8" drill set to hammer (for vibration) to
press the center post.  Alternated tapping with sledge hammer.  Nothing.

Left puller under pressure overnight.  Tried hammer drill, sledge.  Nope.
Hit it harder and harder, pulled threads out of wheel.  Returned borrowed
puller.

Re-applied small puller and left on two days under pressure.  Each night
more penetrating oil and hammer drill + sledge.  No luck.  Tightened puller,
ops bent the puller.

Called several tool stores.  Found larger puller, cost about $50.

Applied rubber pads to puller claws, cranked the sucker, did the over night
under pressure, more oil, more hammering.  Finally after many moderate force
sledge hammer blows, it came loose.

Mind you, several Digest posters helped (with moral support) and gave me
knowledge there is not something hidden (like a hard to find set screw).
They also laughed at me.

It took me about 10 days to get the wheel off.  I'm glad I took it in
increments to minimize the chance of breaking anything.

If you are near me and want to borrow the puller, save yourself a few
bucks... Fall City WA.

Mike

Rapid Displays, Inc.

(mike_nakamura@domain.elided)

425 450-4805 Voice
425 450-4809 Fax
425 222-7832 Home
425 260-4033 Mobile

71 Montreal
91 Spider
94 164 LS
97 Bravada

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