Removed steering wheel from 1450
 

Hey folks, just wanted to share how I removed my steering wheel last night from my 1450 which may help someone later who finds this post. I had it soaking in PB Blaster for a few days. I first tried the block of wood method but wound up breaking the wood. I then tried a 3 jaw puller but it kept slipping off, not to mention it probably would have dinged up the wheel pretty bad after seeing how much force was needed.

What I wound up doing- put a flange bolt down the shaft to protect it. Then used a harmonic balancer puller I already had from a car project. To “attach” the puller to the wheel, I took the end of a ratchet strap and wrapped the spokes several times as wide as possible to help spread the force. In case something broke with force I wore my full face motorcycle helmet for safety :)

Anyway, it was no fuss, just tightened it down and it popped off with no damage. No hammering, using the knees, etc. Now, to rebuild/grease the steering box but I’m stuck at work for now….

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/i...psvkrvnjjf.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/i...psqqjsdjxj.jpg


Good idea. Looks like it took it right off.:biggrin2::biggrin2:

Well folks now that you know HOW TO do it, here's HOW NOT to do it. Don't use the 3 jaw puller and don't let the shaft of said puller ride on hollow end of steering shaft. The force CAN and WILL split the steering shaft. Don't ask me how I know.

Looks great- great idea!

This is what I used on my 1450, 129 and 108. After trying every puller I had in my shop plus one I made out of a wood block.

http://www.harborfreight.com/bearing...set-62593.html

This is route I take also. Have the exact same splitter set.

Good suggestion on the bearing splitter. It was Sunday night and all the stores were closed :biggrin2: I will get that tool anyway as I need it to rebuild the transmission on my car :beerchug: