Steering worm puller
 

I found a complete 35 gear box that I decided to disassemble to learn how it works. The big issue when disassembling is how to remove the worm, which is pressed very tightly to the shaft. After several failed attempts trying to pull using hand tools, I came up with an improvised puller that did the job without trouble.

Maybe this is nothing new to many of you but still may be helpful to some. I presume there are many other ways to do the job but this procedure requires just common tools.


1. I first passed the closed end of a 1" wrench around the shaft until it ended on the worm (the upper end of the worm). 1" is the best size because seats directly on the bottom of the worm covering its entire surface. Then the shaft with worm + wrench combo must be secured horizontally on the vise

2. The wrench is used to anchor the legs of a 3-jaw gear puller as shown in photos. The wrench will do the actual job of pulling evenly all around the worm

3. Then I needed some solid metal on the lower end of the worm where the tip of the puller bolt will seat. The diameter of this piece must be just a tiny bit smaller than the diameter of the steering shaft to avoid touching the worm splines and thereby be able to pull.

Attachment 557962Attachment 557963

4. I used a socket adaptor that fit exactly as needed. The adaptor has a depressed center on one end that serves as a perfect seat for the puller. Many pullers come in a set with a variety of adaptors also but I don't have them.

5. Then, carefully kept puller straight and centered and slowly began tightening the puller bolt with a 5/8 wrench by hand. In several prior attempts this was how far I could go. Had no strength to even begin moving the worm.

6. When I was sure it was very tight and the whole assembly was stable enough I connected a pneumatic impact driver and slowly started to pull the worm, activating the impact driver only intermittently, just to be safe.

Attachment 557964

7. I could see the worm started moving slowly but steadily until... POP it came out..... and my entire device fell down off course :D because all the pieces were held by the high pressure squeezing the components together

I will clean and inspect all parts now and see if any is good. This box came with a cut steering shaft but I don't see why an entire shaft could not be mounted on the vise the same way. The thickness of the shaft metal wall is remarkable. The vise did not cause any damage at all.

Re: Steering worm puller
 

I've done a few in similar manor. Now you need an aluminum 2 piece block to clamp on the shaft for a 2 jaw puller to pull it back on a good shaft. Note there is a keyway so its timed and only goes on one way