How to remove steering wheel? (1938)

[jason78613]

I'm trying to remove the steering wheel from my 1938 standard to restore it.

So far, I disconnected the horn/light switch assembly at the bottom of the steering column and removed the horn button and rod, then I removed the nut in the middle of the steering wheel hoping that would allow me to pull off the steering wheel easily, but it's not coming off.

Is there a trick? Is it installed with a tapered fit where I will need some kind of puller apparatus? If so, I'm thinking I can make one similar to this:
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e1...elPuller-2.jpg

I just want to make sure that's the right method before forcing it off with a puller as I don't want to damage anything.

Any help would be appreciated.

Attached are some pics of my steering wheel as it is now. (The last pic is a drawing of the steering assembly... I have no idea what part # 3609 is??)

[Will D]

Someone with hands on will chime in shortly.

Yes you need a puller. There was just a recent thread about this and a way to use a common puller instead of buying or finding for that matter the kr Wilson puller. I can't seem to locate the thread but here is one from the hamb with what you need.

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...moval.1076406/

[koates]

Part # 3609 is the woodruff key which slots into the steering shaft and the wheel center itself. Yes you will need a puller to get the wheel off. Plenty of info on pullers on here in the past. Regards. Kevin.

[Newc]

You may have to make a wood block to fit the backside curve- That is what I'm doing for my '39 banjo wheel. Then modifing a cheap C clamp into a puller. The correct pullers are scarce. Newc

[swoopNZ]

Find yourself a small steel ring gasket - the type used in the oilfield on flanges.
About 4 inches diameter.
Cut about 2 inches out of it then slip it behind the wheel.
You can then use a common 3 legged puller to remove it without damaging the hub of the steering wheel..
" It worked for me "

[Zeke3]

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I successfully removed a steering wheel by sitting in the driver's seat and pushing up on both sides of the wheel with my legs and then tapping on the steering shaft with a hammer. I put the retaining nut on, even with the end of the shaft, to protect from damaging the end of the shaft.

[Andy]

I have been completely happy for 30 years using a Harbour Fright bearing separator. They are a couple pieces of steel that bolt together with a bevel in the middle where they separate. I put a rag on the separator and use a two jaw puller. It has never failed and has never hurt anything.

[Zeke3]

I plan to follow Andy's suggestion of using a bearing separator next time. It sounds like a valuable tool to have available.

[mercman from oz]

What you need is a genuine Steering Wheel Puller, just like this one removing a steering wheel from a 1934 Ford.

[Doublepumper]

In the past I've drilled and tapped two holes in the hub and used a conventional puller to get them off.
Good luck!

[rich b]

@Andys bearing splitter/two leg puller method works great and uses common tools you may have or can borrow.

[jason78613]

Went to Harbor Freight and picked up the bearing separator and puller set, worked like a charm! Thanks everyone!