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MG MGB Technical - Pulling the *#%^! steering wheel

Searched the archive on this subject, found a lot of good ideas, but stumbled across a system that I don't recall reading about.

The guys at the tool rental place showed me how they used a bearing splitter and a gear puller to build an effective steering wheel puller for my '77 B.

1. Remove the steering column cowl - being careful not to break the plastic.
2. Place the bearing splitter at the base of the steering wheel.
3. Hook the arms of the gear puller on the bearing splitter. Pop goes the steering wheel.

This made life much easier this weekend as I replaced the turn signal/dimmer/horn switch.

My apologies if this tip is a repeat. But since I had never seen this method mentioned, I figured someone else might be able to benefit.

Safety fast,

Ken V.
'77 B
Ken Vandruff

4. Take car to British Car Specialist...

I tried all of the above without success...took car to mechanic, paid $60 and had moto lita wheel installed, mg wheel in boot.....believe me, it's worth every penny...my 2 cents....

rn.
RN Lipow

I had a problem trying to get my steering wheel off. My solution after trying very hard and slipping and putting a deep cut in my hand was to hit it with the big spanner i had in my hand and it then slid off a treat.
andrew

I use a puller from Harbor Freight on my '73 and '74. Works great. The kit includes bolts that thread directly into the hub. These bolts then attach to the yoke of the puller, and then a whoppingly big fine thread screw (with a point on the end) sits in the little divot on the end of the steering column. A couple of ratchet cranks later the job is done.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=37824

The cost is a staggering $9.99.

(I actually borrowed my kit from my grandfather, so I guess I should buy one, too.)
Larry Bailey

My tried and true method is to wedge my knees behind the wheel putting pressure on it. After loosening the nut a couple of threads but not nearly off, (great description) take a BIG hammer and hit the nut sharply. The combination of vibration from hitting the nut and the reverse pressure on the wheel works every time for me. Make sure that the head of the steering shaft is inside the nut or you can mess up the threads. I suppose a real puller might be worth the price someday......
Anthony Henderson

Anthony, I use the same method, but on my '79 strike the steering wheel plate with a flat punch and a ball pin hammer. When pops off, it pops.

The big screw up on my part is that I forget to mark the wheel and the steering column so when I reinstall the wheel it goes on straight the first time. I've done this twice.
Andrew in Austin

Did mine a few months ago using basically Anthony's knee method only I used PB Blaster and let it soak for about 5 minutes, unscrewed nut just above flush with column post to protect threads and hit once with 8oz. (yep, 8oz.) ball peen hammer. What I do recommend is using an anti-seize compound before you reassemble to aid yourself or next owner should the need arise again.

Mike
'79B
Mike Janacek

Be careful when pounding on the steering shaft. Later cars have collapsible shafts and may collapse when being struck hard (plus the wheel usually stays on anyway). Best bet is to strike up, that is from behind the wheel after loosening the hub nut. Just a case for the archives i'm afraid, since you've already gotten your wheel off.
Luis

The proper tool will make almost any job easier. After fighting the much prescribed hammer on the shaft while pulling up method unsucessfully, I broke down and bought a steering wheel puller(what a concept, huh) and my wheel came of just as easy as you please! Don't beat up your column and nut. Buy the right $10 tool and save yourself a lot of greif! I learn things the hard way-ever try to assemble a head with just a pair of scewdrivers to compress the springs? Been there, done that, have scars to prove it, and won't ever do it again! I now have a valve spring compressor. Last head I put together took only 5 minutes where the screwdriver bit took hours, alowing for hunting for lost springs and keepers and applying bandages. Break down and buy the right tool for the job and you will never regret it!
gerry masterman

This thread was discussed between 17/09/2001 and 19/09/2001

MG MGB Technical index

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