Steering: Steering wheel removal?

[Greenstude]

Could someone please tell how to remove the steering wheel from a 1947 Champion without wrecking it. I want to have it restored. I had expected to be able to use a steering wheel puller purchased from Studebakers International. We found there are no threaded holes at the steering wheel hub for the puller bolts to screw into.

Thanks!

[41 Frank]

If you type "removing steering wheel" in the little search box at the right top of this page you will get lots of information on how to do it.

[jclary]

I have made a couple of pullers with varying degrees of success. Here...what I've done is to combine components, of a standard steering wheel puller set, with a bearing separator tool. It is the best one to date. You can pick the tools up at stores like Harbor Freight, or Northern Tool. You might have to drill a couple of holes in the bearing separator to accommodate the two long bolts as seen in this picture.

The idea is to turn the big retainer nut on your steering column until it is flush with the end of the steering column. This keeps you from harming the threads on the end of the steering shaft. Then place a small piece of metal between the steering column end and the large puller bolt. As you tighten the center puller bolt, alternately tighten and rap it with a hammer. Once the steering wheel pops loose, you should be able to remove the puller...take the retainer nut off the steering shaft, and remove the wheel.

[jimmijim8]

Loosen the nut and back it to the end of the threads on the shaft. Make sure the nut is flush with the shaft end. Pull both sides of the wheel at their strongest point on opposite sides of the wheel like 8 and 4 oclock or 9 and 3. Try upward pressure with your knees or upper part of your legs while smacking the shaft and nut with a hammer head isolated from the shaft by a humk of brass or perhaps use a brass or lead hammer. You may be surprised to see it come off very easily. meybe I've done it by myself easily but 2 people may be needed in your situation. One to pull upward on both sides of the wheel while the other smacks down on the sector shaft and nut. cheers jimmijim

[Greenstude]

Thank you, everyone.

[Mrs K Corbin]

And try not to smack your buddy with the hammer!