I want to replace my steering wheel but have never changed one out before. Anyone know where I can go for help? Thanks
You'll need a steering wheel puller to get the wheel off. Once you have the tool, it's glaringly easy to figure out how to get it off. WIthout it, you will most likely not be able to muscle it off the column. Most parts stores rent and sell these tools.
Sometimes you can get them off without a puller. Just loosen the center nut out to the end of the threads on the steering shaft, put pressure on the wheel with your knee at the bottom and do the same with your hand at the top. Then "tap" the center nut while pulling and sometimes they will pop right off. Just be careful not to damage the threads on the shaft. Dave B
beat it with a hammer!!! seriously,i got mine off with a soft dead-blow hammer(rubber not plastic) uzzled: to my knowledge it had never been off & its a 65.popped loose after 6-7 hits to the underside.now i have to pull it again to change my turnsignal switch :rant:
Rent the puller from Auto Zone. Mark it with the hub first so you get it back on in the same postion. The center nut will pull the wheel back on the splines. Do not pry on anything. Ask first. I would use the pullerto remove it just in case.
If you have a tilt column you'll need a special tool to recompress the spring inside. I took a wheel of a junked Riviera with Tilt and the wheel popped off from the springs tension. Surprised me, but made it easy.
I removed the nut once and couldn't pull the wheel off. I never got around to renting a puller, and never put the nut back on. About a year later the wheel came off as I was driving, lol. Luckily I slipped it back on without a problem. A puller is the easiest way to go, but you may be able to carefully work it off by hand... just don't drive without the nut on.
