Steering wheel removal problem.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,159
Likes: 31
From: Orange Park Florida
Steering wheel removal problem.
Hey Fellows, I decided to put my new Steerin Wheel on my 1987 C4 today. The Wheel that is on the car is very nice but I had a new one.I had installed the one I was removing so I am not a novice on the procedure. I have run into a problem and can not get the wheel off, so I am hoping somebody here can help, It seemed simple and I have consulted my service manuals. But the wheel has stuck like there is a retaining clip or something holding it from coming off, the manual does not show a retaining ring or clip between the wheel and the nut. Any help anyone can give is appreciated. thanks, gary
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,159
Likes: 31
From: Orange Park Florida
Yes, I had bought a puller and replaced the ugly wheel that was on the car when I bought it.I removed everything rquired after consulting the manual as a refresher course since it had been awhile.I didn't see or the manual did not call for the removal of any C clips or retaining rings.
Last edited by gman35; Oct 12, 2019 at 11:06 PM. Reason: typo error
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,953
Likes: 550
From: Mission Viejo CA
On an '87, if you can remove the nut, you have already removed the snap ring. Put the top of the nut flush with the end of shaft, and the wheel should pop loose from the splines with the puller. Then remove the nut all the way. I'm presuming you've already removed the lock lever.
Installing the wheel is a different matter! The tele center shaft will slide into the column and prevent you from reaching the threads for the nut! You'll need to make a 5/16 NC headless screw, with a slot to tighten the screw, to lock the center shaft in a position high enough to give you access to the threads after you install the wheel.
Installing the wheel is a different matter! The tele center shaft will slide into the column and prevent you from reaching the threads for the nut! You'll need to make a 5/16 NC headless screw, with a slot to tighten the screw, to lock the center shaft in a position high enough to give you access to the threads after you install the wheel.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 1,402
Likes: 287
From: Brisbane Australia
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
I use an Alen bolt also call a socket cap bolt to hold the telescopic shaft on installation.
i have removed my corvette steering wheel and many others without a puller. It’s a bit brutal so I would use a puller if you can. It’s not beautiful but hear is how I have done it many times.
Undo the steering nut and leave it flush with the top of the shaft. Sit in the drivers seat and get your knees behind the wheel and apply force the try and force the wheel up and off. This won’t remove the wheel until you do the next step. With the force applied to the wheel from your knees use a hardwood drift and a hammer and give the end of the shaft a tap.
i know this is not an elegant engineering solution but it works. A short sharp tap should do it. If you have to wail on the shaft with the hammer and drift then stop because you can bend the end of the shaft or do other damage.
I know there will probably be a hundred posts telling you to never do this and they are right but if you are careful it will work every time.
i have removed my corvette steering wheel and many others without a puller. It’s a bit brutal so I would use a puller if you can. It’s not beautiful but hear is how I have done it many times.
Undo the steering nut and leave it flush with the top of the shaft. Sit in the drivers seat and get your knees behind the wheel and apply force the try and force the wheel up and off. This won’t remove the wheel until you do the next step. With the force applied to the wheel from your knees use a hardwood drift and a hammer and give the end of the shaft a tap.
i know this is not an elegant engineering solution but it works. A short sharp tap should do it. If you have to wail on the shaft with the hammer and drift then stop because you can bend the end of the shaft or do other damage.
I know there will probably be a hundred posts telling you to never do this and they are right but if you are careful it will work every time.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,159
Likes: 31
From: Orange Park Florida
Thanks for the help guys... todays update: I put some pb blaster around the area where I see the steering wheel has given and is coming off the shaft. I have finally had some success in getting it to budge. I can't explain how come it is being so tough, The new wheel on there was put on about 8 years ago, and is very nice. I am only removing it because I have a nicer one. I am progressing slowly because I do not want any unforeseen problems. Next question: does anyone need a good deal on a oem (Thick Rim) 1987 steering wheel?? I also have a super nice 1991 oem black steering wheel if anyone needs one, Thanks, gary
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,228
Likes: 698
From: Clifton Park, NY ............Clearwater, FL ... 85 Original Owner
Thanks for the help guys... todays update: I put some pb blaster around the area where I see the steering wheel has given and is coming off the shaft. I have finally had some success in getting it to budge. I can't explain how come it is being so tough, The new wheel on there was put on about 8 years ago, and is very nice. I am only removing it because I have a nicer one. I am progressing slowly because I do not want any unforeseen problems. Next question: does anyone need a good deal on a oem (Thick Rim) 1987 steering wheel?? I also have a super nice 1991 oem black steering wheel if anyone needs one, Thanks, gary
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,953
Likes: 550
From: Mission Viejo CA
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Clifton Park, NY ............Clearwater, FL ... 85 Original Owner
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 41
Likes: 24
From: Illinois
Just make sure the nut is installed on the 1st couple threads of the steering shaft, otherwise u'll mushroom the shaft. Then install your puller, put a reasonable amount of pressure on the puller and whack the end of the puller... should pop loose.