Runabout Steering Wheel Remover

[Lost]

This is the one thing that's keeping me from getting my boat finished. It's a 1965 Pipestone Runabout. I've got a newer outboard and steering wheel that has a rack & pinion system rather than cables running down both sides of the boat. So, I'm trying to remove the old steering wheel so I can get the new one installed.

I can't seem to get the thing off! Anybody have any ideas how I can do this? Anybody nearby want to come help me? It'd be awesome if the latter happens.

Thanks guys!

-- Joe

lost_in_tc @ yahoo

[kwkfsh]

It should be a keyed press fit. Use a gear puller, once it moves a fraction of an inch it will pop right off.

[Lost]

Thanks!

Where would I get ahold of one of them?

[tomfromblaine]

any rental store should have them.

[Jeremy airjer W]

how about a steering wheel puller. Check the auto parts stores to see if they rent them. I'm guessing that there are two threaded holes on either side of the hole that the shaft fits into. The puller used two bolts that thread into the holes and then a larger threaded rod that goes through the puller and rests in the center of the shaft that the steering wheel is stuck to.

[Valv]

Airjer, unfortunately boat helms don't have a flange like auto, there is only a 3/4" tapered smooth shaft with a key in it, and if wheel gets stuck.....that's tough.

Using a puller will be a "witch" but probably only choice.

Try to tap from bottom, if you have room.

Good luck on this....I had same problem a couple of times and......I decided boat was going to get a new helm+wheel since I cut old one off.....

[Lost]

Thanks Val! That sounds like a great idea. I've thought about just cutting the thing off myself but I'd rather do it the easier way.

[Jeremy airjer W]

What kind of screwed up deal is that!!

[Valv]

It's not a screwed up deal, they are all like that even new ones.

Here's a picture to show you: HERE

[Jeremy airjer W]

I just looked at mine (lund) and much to my surprise it doesn't have anything to grab with a puller. Luckily enough if the wheel had to come off its a little sloppy on the shaft so I know its not stuck!

One other thought. Sometimes we get a really stubborn steering wheel or the threads are gone/trashed, one guy pulls up on the wheel and another taps the shaft with a hammer (o.k. sometimes its a pretty good wack), but it does work in a pinch. Do you think it work work in this situation valve?

[Valv]

That's a way to do it. A puller might work on shaft and wheel but they are not the thickest material.

If it breaks the wheel, I have TONS of new steering wheels at very cheap price (like $ 1.00).

[Dan Thiem]

Airjer, any bloody noses or busted teeth when the wheel does pop off?

[Jeremy airjer W]

Not yet, but we are working on it. I've only tried this two times over the last ten years!

Hey lost, maybe letting some good penatrating lube soak in there for a couple of days wouldn't hurt either?

[Lost]

Already did the penetrating lube and hammer thing. No go on that. Guess it's puller time!