Technical 1951 Chevy Sedan steering wheel removal

Hi Everyone, so am I going to need a steering wheel puller on the 51...it's a slpined shaft...In the past on a few other cars was able to remove the nut and washer and pull it off by hand... just curious, my friend has puller should I need it.. thank you... Hope everyone is having a great weekend... cheers Rob

 

You absolutely need a puller, yanking on the wheel can crack it, even if it works. A damper puller works if you don't have a dedicated steering wheel puller. Undo the nut but leave it on flush at the top to avoid mushrooming the end of the column. Also, I've had issues getting the horn ****ons off of 51-52 Chevy cars. Its like the wheel plastic shrinks around it. They're supposed to push in slightly and turn but sometimes they really fight.

 

You gotta be careful!!!!!!!

When you use a puller make sure the steering shaft is properly pushed against with a cap...something.....
Use common sense.
Do not destroy the end of the steering shaft with a puller. It's hollow and it's threaded, make sure it's supported.
Use penetrating oil on the splines, you may want to treat it several days before the pull.

 

I found the store-bought puller absolutely useless on my '47 Chevy, the small boltholes (3/8"?) were too close together on the steering wheel to line up with the puller slots. Hopefully your '51's are spaced wider apart, otherwise you may have to make one like I did.

 

I was looking at the steering wheel that came with horn ring on it... they are pretty close together when looking.. will try the puller and see what happens... I may have to make one also

 

Last chance effort, I've used is to loosen the nut, to the end of the shaft, so it protects the threads. Sit in the seat, pump up the brakes with both feet on them. knees pushing up on the wheel from the bottom. Pull up on the top of the wheel with your left, and use a br*** hammer to hit the nut, with your right.
This can get it off, even if the puller doesn't. But if it's hopelessly seized, heat, and possible damage to the wheel is the very last resort.

 

I made a simple puller myself, one piece of s****metal and three bolts, used it several times

 

Like Acres, I made a simple puller. Used it on several projects and it always works.

 

Thank you all for the advice...was able to use my friend's steering wheel puller this evening... about three cranks on the puller and it was off