pulling a steering wheel, help!

I made a home built puller for my 53 Chevy Pickup. ; a bolt with a nut that has two pieces of steel flat stock welded to it. This leaves a gap for two 5/16th bolts to pass thru and into the base of the wheel. So far it hasn't budged. It bends the washers on the the bolts. Thicker washers, same result. Used Marvel"s mystery penetrating oil. It's like it's dis-similiar metals on the splines welded themselves together, can't use the hot wrench either. Any suggestions?

 

Try keeping it wet with a 50-50 mixture of acetone and ATF for a day or so.

 

Smack the center with a hammer while the two bolts are tight,,it will probably pop loose. HRP

 

yup

 

You need a thicker piece for the center bar on your puller, it shouldn't be bending. Also, use grade 5 bolts, not grade 8. Grade 8 bolts will snap right off when pulling a wheel.

Another important thing it that your bolts/washer must be the EXACT same distance from the hub of the wheel or it wont budge.

Keep these things in mind and you shouldn't have a problem, I never need any type of oil or anything and I pull 30-40 wheels in a day sometimes that have been in place 50 years or more.

 

Even better pull back on the wheel while someone else holds a sledge on the nut and wacks the sledge with a big hammer

 

Grab the wheel at 3 and 9 O'Clock, plant your feet firmly on the floor, lift your butt off the seat with your arms, and rock your body weight left and right.

Oh, make sure the nut isn't completely removed.

 

Or just go and buy a proper puller,,,LOL

 

The local auto parts will rent you one, you have to leave a deposit for the amount of tool and they give it back when the tool is returned!

 

put some spray carb cleaner in the freezer. while it's in there, heat the the whole mess up with a heat gun as hot as you can without melting it. then shoot the carb cleaner on the shaft only (the best you can) and wack the shit out of it

 

I knew that..............

 

Torch it!............that way if it doesnt come off, you still have fun with fire!

 

I bought 1 from O'reilly for like 12 bones. It took me longer to open the package than to take my wheel off! I was gonna rent one but after I pulled mine the next week 2 buddies hit me up to borrow!

 

Holy crap , i've never seen so many answers to one question .
Buy a wheel puller & do it right . Put it in your tool box until next time.
GOOD LUCK (keep the bolts even)

 

while sitting in the seat pushing up on the back side of the wheel with your
Knees. That will work on the old straight shaft columns but will usually collapse one of the collapsible shafts.

 

Good tip, I saw someone rearrange their nose by leaving the nut off. It actually takes some strength. Best off splurging and buying a puller, I've had my K&D puller for probably 25 years.

Bob

 

Hi ....The suggestion to use carb cleaner is not a good..the fumes from the carb cleaner are very carcinogenic and could cause a severe brain damage if you breathe them from some thing that has been heated up...brake cleaner is even worse....there was a thread on the HAMB several years ago about this and how this guy was very lucky he didnt die...Just dont use it....get a decent puller.....

 

Hi Heres the site about the brake cleaner http://www.brewracingframes.com/id75.htm

 

What he said. I had a '65 GM tilt with a rough solid/clear wheel stuck on it that was jammed right on by whoever cobbed it into the car I got it from, the first puller I used on it bent and I left it to sit, not sure what to do about it. Eventually I got the Harbor Freight puller set in a plastic case for like $20, and tried that one. It wasn't the easiest pop off I've seen but it did come off with it. For what that kit costs, why screw around beating things or busting your ass trying to pop it free on your own?

 

The real-deal pullers come with a bolt assortment too. I've probably used it at least 50 times, never had one give me any sort of a fight.

Bob

 

Well, went down to Autozone and bought a cheapie $15 puller, worked like a charm. The home built wasn't pulling it straight off due to poor design and execution on the welds. I didn't put much thought into it and that was the result. Now I can pull wheels all day, so worth the money for sure.

 

This is guaranteed to crack your steering wheel at the spokes! HRP

 

I made my own puller using 2 bananas and a cantaloupe.

 

Rent the correct puller......AND,..if you DO smack the top of the shaft with a hammer...be SURE the nut is on,..and flush with the end of the shaft.....Tap gently,...

4TTRUK

 

40fordguy, why would he rent a puller when he already bought one and took the wheel off?
Joe, you'll not regret buying the puller. It makes life much easier to have the tools you need on hand. I have plenty and keep buying more. Stuff like the puller used to be expensive, but now with the cheap and inexpensive imports it makes sense to buy.

~Alden

 

...use PB Blaster to soak it first, then a good puller.

 

I would try that but cantalope gives me heartburn. think strawberries would work?

 

I know he already got the wheel off... I would say next time just take the nut off the steering shaft and go for a drive... then the steering wheel will come off easily... right at the most inopportune time.. call it the Murphy Puller

 

Go buy a cheap pul....ah nevermind.

 

i know the OP has got it off. but as long as we are talking about steering wheel pullers , here is one i made about 25 years ago that has served me well through the years