Pulling a marine steering wheel

Qweaver · July 28, 2017, 09:54:37 AM

I'm putting a new engine on my Carolina Skiff and I am unable to pull the old steering wheel. The wheel is not made to be able to use a puller well. Soaked with Blue Creeper for three days, drove wedges, drilled and tried puller..no joy with any of these. I want to let the steering system stay with the old engine but it looks like I am just going to have to destroy the wheel to get it off. I'm surprised that the Blue Creeper has not worked because I have had very good results with it on rusted bolts. I have a few more days until I get the new engine so I'll keep soaking and then I'll grind it off. No way to get heat on the wheel until I cut away all of the plastic. Any suggestions?

Quinton

sprucebunny · July 28, 2017, 06:25:46 PM

Have you looked at the back of it ???
Maybe it bolts on to the dashboard inside the base.
Or maybe the steering cables or whatever have a place to detach them.

Picture would help.

Kbeitz · July 29, 2017, 05:14:54 AM

If you have room to put a bearing separator behind it then that makes a spot to hook a puller to.

69bronco · July 29, 2017, 07:58:45 AM

Usually a tapered shaft, try driving some wedges behind it. Loosen the nut to the end of shaft, using a hardwood scrap on the shaft/nut give it a Crack with a hammer.

drobertson · July 29, 2017, 08:09:10 AM

I was thinking kinda like SB, thinking it may be set screwed on or something like it, if not, it sounds like years of corrosion has bonded the shaft and hub together, heat may be the only resort,, or just some good ole pounding to crack it loose. Sounds like a real pain either way,,

Qweaver · July 29, 2017, 09:16:22 PM

Thanks for the suggestions. Tried them all---still no joy. I would just keep the existing steering if it worked better. I can't even get to the steering box until I can remove the wheel. I'm just going to keep the wedges in place and keep adding blue creeper for a few days. When all else fails...demolition derby I guess.