how to remove the steering wheel?

[rocket_rob]

Are there any tricks to taking off the steering wheel?

My '74 has an old, badly cracked wheel that doesn't match my model year. I'm switching it out with a 4-spoke that's in better shape... except I can't get the old one off!

I applied a fair amount of tourqe to the nut in the center of the wheel, but it did not budge. I was afraid to force anything too much without first asking some advice.

Are there any tricks to removing/replacing a steering wheel?

... I'm also hoping to get the horn working. Idiots in LA usually need an earful. [smile]

[Brandon]

Turn the wheel to the left to full lock, be sure to leave the ignition key in 'garage' position (pointing at the small dot on the ignition switch) so you don't damage the steering column lock and then just crank the bolt off with all your might! There isn't anything you could really break in there. Once the bolt is off, the wheel will just pop off...you don't need a steering wheel puller like with some other cars.

[Napes]

That nut is a Nyloc self-locking type. I use a long breaker bar and just grunt. If it hasn't been off in awhile some Wurth Rost-Off or AeroKroil spray might help.

Bob Napier

[JayKehoe]

a quick "hit" on the ratchet handle. I use a 1/2 inch ratchet with a small extension to a 22MM socket . The nut should not be a nylock style. It should be a 22mm usual nut, with 2 washers behind it, a wavey washer and a regular one( at least that is what my cars have had). The rust release spray sounds like a good idea, but there should not be that much mositure in that part of the car. anyway( weird).Be careful of you horn button wire extension, and of hitting anything "pretty" with the tools. The wheel nut will come off and once the splines are cleaned and lubricated, and a new nut is replaced, you should be good to go. Oh ya. if you wheel is in a traight-on position now, make a mark, if possible on the wheel and the stock for future line-up. I is a PITA to realign a wheel to exact straight position on the minute splines. Do not forget to really crank down on the nut when tightening. You do not want a wheel in your lap while driving. I do not know a torque setting: i just give it a real tight crank. A quick hit always releases it. Good luck. Jay

[Guest]

Nice steering wheel...looks like the MOMO on my '76! My car came with the MOMO...any recomendations for caring for it to prevent spliting, etc?

Thanks

Lee

[rocket_rob]

Thanks for all the tips. I'm gonna go at it this weekend... I'll post before and after pics if I get the job done.

This forum is great.