Removing 240Z Steering Wheel

[maximumNVH]

Ok, so I'm trying to remove the steering wheel on my 72 240Z to replace it and I can't for the life of me get the darn thing off.

After disconnecting the battery, I removed the horn pad and shaft nut and disconnected the horn ground wire (? - black wire). According to the FSM, I should only have to remove the shaft bolt and the wheel should come off. That may have been the case 37 years ago when the car was new, but it sure appears to be stuck now.

I went ahead and removed the other hardware (two screws, plastic rings, and spring until I am left with what is in the photos (if I attached them right). I shot some PBlaster along the shaft and tried pulling again, but it feels like it won't give at all.

Is there something I am overlooking? Do I just need to muscle it more? Is it time to get a steering wheel puller? If so, what kind is best? I haven't seen one that would fit in those two screw holes very well.

Thanks,

-Ross

[J Shara]

it looks like theres another sort of cylindrical nut on the end

[motorman7]

I'd give it a sharp tap with a hammer to see if I could loosen the splined coupling. A long 3/8" socket extension and a steel hammer would do the job.

First try the tap on the nut. If that does not work, try it on the wheel hub.

[maximumNVH]

Another nut? I thought that was actually part of the spline/shaft because the shaft nut screws onto that.

I added a photo of what it looks like with everything assembled.

So now I'm really confused. If there is an extra nut on there, how the heck do I get that thing off?

motorman7 - If I understand what you are saying correctly, I should try taking a hammer to that "nut" and tapping on it. If that doesn't work, then I should use the 3/8" socket, place it over the "nut", and then hammer the socket on the wheel hub?

I just want to ensure I understand what I should be hammering before I dork something up.

Thanks!

[J Shara]

oh i see how it goes on now, did you try turning the wheel left and right and pulling it?

[maximumNVH]

Yes, I tried turning the wheel to the left and right and pulling on it. I also took a rubber mallet and tried to "persuade" the wheel to come off by gently tapping it from the back to no avail.

I'll have to try motorman7's suggestion, but I may have to wait until tomorrow.

Thanks for all of the ideas!

[geezer]

Try putting the nut back on just far enough to be flush with the shaft, then give it a good wack with a brass hammer while someone else pulls up on the wheel. Or get a puller.

[Mr Camouflage]

Put the nut back on with a little gap between the nut and the wheel, and just yank on the wheel pulling it towards you. Putting the nut back on stops you from bashing yourself in the face when it finally comes loose.

[DatsunZGuy]

When I took mine off years ago it required a shot of WD-40 and pulling the wheel toward me while rocking it side-to-side.

[IdahoKidd]

NO NO NO! Go get a steering wheel puller. You can buy one for a few bucks or sometimes Schucks Kragen O'Rilleys or NAPA will loan you one. It has two sleeves that have two bolts go through it and thread into existing holes in the steering wheel hub. There is a larger threaded shaft (5/8's or so) that goes through the puller making contact with the steering shaft. Put a wrench on the end of that shaft (the puller) and turn as though you are tightening a bolt. It will literally pop right off in a few turns. There should be only one nut on the steering wheel shaft to take off before doing this. The entire process should take about 5 minutes. You will destroy the wheel and or the steering shaft trying for pry it off or beat it off by striking the end of the steering shaft.

[maximumNVH]

NO NO NO! Go get a steering wheel puller. You can buy one for a few bucks or sometimes Schucks Kragen O'Rilleys or NAPA will loan you one. It has two sleeves that have two bolts go through it and thread into existing holes in the steering wheel hub. There is a larger threaded shaft (5/8's or so) that goes through the puller making contact with the steering shaft. Put a wrench on the end of that shaft (the puller) and turn as though you are tightening a bolt. It will literally pop right off in a few turns. There should be only one nut on the steering wheel shaft to take off before doing this. The entire process should take about 5 minutes. You will destroy the wheel and or the steering shaft trying for pry it off or beat it off by striking the end of the steering shaft.

I was considering getting a puller but I've never seen one that uses screws rather than bolts. If you look at my first couple of photos, you can see that the only holes I could thread into are the two small screw holes. I would think that they would get stripped pretty easy. That's why I was wondering if there was a different type of puller that works better with the situation I have.

[Oiluj]

There is no circular nut. It's just stuck on.

First, I'll echo DatsunZGuy, s comment. Give it a shot of penetrating lubricant front & back. Put something under the wheel to catth the drips.

Next day, put the nut on the end of the shaft with some space between the wheel and the shaft end. Pull / work the wheel and at the same time have someone tap the back of the wheel with a piece of soft wood between the wheel and hammer.

If that fails, then you do need a wheel puller. You can usually rent them at NAPA or most tool rental places. They have three arms with hooks and a central bolt that drives against the end of the steering wheel shaft. Measure the distance from the end of the shaft to the back of the wheel, as well as the wheel hub diameter to get the right size puller.

Hope this helps.