New steering wheel
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 118
Likes: 1
New steering wheel
Any special instructions for replacement of the steering wheel on my 1971 coupe w/telescoping/tilt column? I was reading something about a "special" tool needed. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 2
From: Lewisburg WV
thegazman
You only need a "special tool" to relieve the spring pressure if you are going to completely disassemble the upper steerage column to work on the turn signal mechanism. You do not need any special tools to change the steering wheel. When you remove the steering wheel pay close attention to how the telescoping/horn mechanisms are assembled. Can be confusing if you leave them out for a few days and forget the exact assemble order. Make sure all the horn contact points are clean for good horn operation.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 67
Likes: 1
From: Cincinnati OH
I changed the wheel on my '76. I used a steering wheel puller that I borrowed from PepBoys free of charge. I probably could have gotten the wheel off without it, but it sure made the job easier and reduced my risk of damaging something else.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 2
From: Lewisburg WV
thegazman
This is true, but you are still going to have to deal with the horn and telescoping mechanism which is above the steering wheel. I've seen people that aren't real mechanical take this off, lay it aside for several days and then have difficulty figuring out how it goes back together.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,229
Likes: 39
From: Beautiful East Texas
Has anyone had success of fabbing up some kinda' tool to depress the lock ring
without having to purchase the whole kit from Ecklers?
I've already got a good selection of pullers of various types, just
wondering if I could bend up a u-shaped fixture and use a nut to tighten
it down on the threaded puller shaft.
mardyn
without having to purchase the whole kit from Ecklers?
I've already got a good selection of pullers of various types, just
wondering if I could bend up a u-shaped fixture and use a nut to tighten
it down on the threaded puller shaft.
mardyn
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Set front wheels in "straight-ahead" position and steering wheel should be at 12 o'clock position. Set telescopic wheel in 'full-out' position.
Disconnect battery (or switch OFF you disconnect).
Remove horn button and other items, as necessary, to get down to the six retaining screws for the steering wheel. Remove them and swap wheels. Reassemble in reverse order.
Re-connect battery.
Disconnect battery (or switch OFF you disconnect).
Remove horn button and other items, as necessary, to get down to the six retaining screws for the steering wheel. Remove them and swap wheels. Reassemble in reverse order.
Re-connect battery.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 254
Likes: 3
From: Tampa Bay Florida
There's no better memory than a digital camera with a macro setting. It never forgets what it saw. Take a pic at each step of the disassembly and follow the "trail of crumbs" back to the starting line.
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