All. I am helping a friend pull one of these old school style steering wheels. It's from an old - 1940's or so truck. I am pretty sure it is keyed on and not splined. What is the trick or treat or tool to get this steering wheel off without destroying the hub assy? Thanks. 
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A bearing separator under the hub has worked for me, until I made one like in the shop manual. Be careful, those wheels are now brittle with age. JT -
That's an excellent suggestion. I have a bearing puller so I can put it to a new use. Thanks for the tip. I'll see if this wheel sitting in the weather for 30-40 years will come off it rest!Comment
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Most likely splined, not keyed...Comment
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I am accused of thin thinking outside the box sometimes, start with some penetrating oil in the spline, I would fabricate a large hardwood block and drill a hole just the size of the shaft then cut it in half, place it over the shaft and screw it back together over the shaft then tap on the block under the wheel and see if it comes off. I wouldn't tap too hard because as mentioned above the Bakelite may be brittle.Comment
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Thanks Altair. That will be my plan as my bearing puller set is stranded far away.
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Al I started as Altair did but wheel did not move. Several attempts/days later I decided to make a puller So I then extended the tails of the wood past the hub so I could put blocks under the spokes. Fasten them together. Now there is three points to pull from. I them cut a 1/4 inch piece of steel plate large enough to cover the blocks under the spokes. Drilled and tapped the steel plate in centre over the steering column. Used 3/4 inch bolt. Drilled holes to attach the plate to the wood blocks under the wheel.using threaded rod and as close to the spokes as possible. Now have my pulle.r I then loosened the wheel nut just a bit leaving room for the wheel to pop off but enough threads on the nut so not to cause damage. With a small piece of steel between the wheel nut and bolt I thightened the bolt. Much the same way as you would with the rear brake drums. Tightened hit nut and and tapped under the blocks and repeated and kept increaseing pressure. I was afraid of cracking wheel from pressure to tightened and left over night. Next day I tightend more and eventually it came off. No cracks or damage. Hope it works.
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A lot of times you can just remove the nut and 'pop' the wheel with your hands. 50/50% chance it will come off and onto your lap.
HTIH (Hope The Info Helps)
Jeff
Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please. Mark Twain
Note: SDC# 070190 (and earlier...)Comment
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I have done this, but also rocked the steering wheel side to side while pulling. Worked for me.Originally posted by DEEPNHOCK View PostComment
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