Steering wheel removal

[country_ck]

I just swapped k-frames on my 67 barracuda from a 74 valiant , and I plan on keeping the power steering. I already disassembles the steering column out of the valiant and have it ready. My problem is that someone must have TRIED removing the steering wheel on the barracuda once before and they stripped the threads and my puller will not fit. I've tried everything I could think of to get it off. Any thoughts. Also does anyone know where you can buy a coupler or atleast the seals and clip. Both of the ones I have are shot. Thanks Chris

 

[AdamR]

The coupler rebuild kits you can get off of ebay for $25.

 

[country_ck]

I put the column back in the car for now. I put the nut back on loosely and was tapping it with a brass punch, and the column shaft shortened, It's only about an inch off of where it needs to sit. What did I brake???

 

[RedFish]

A hammer will mushroom the end of the shaft if you hit it repeatedly. Leave the nut on about full thread. If it wont budge...
Where the 5/16 threads are gone and you have a clear 5/16 hole, tap it to 3/8 fine thread. all you really need is a piece of flat bar on top of the shaft with 2 holes drilled through. Tightening the bolts will pull the wheel off.
The coupling rebuid kits include no instructions. have a copy here somewhere. You may find yourself reusing one of the covers you have. Bending the tangs on the new one properly is not easy.
Good luck

 

[country_ck]

Thanks. I'm getting frustrated so I am going to take a break. Both of the covers I have are fairly mangled. Can I just heat the plastic and remove the bottom part of the shaft and install the other(I read this on another post)? What would hold the shaft in place once you do this?

 

[SGBARRACUDA]

I put the column back in the car for now. I put the nut back on loosely and was tapping it with a brass punch, and the column shaft shortened, It's only about an inch off of where it needs to sit. What did I brake???

The column is designed to collapse in the event of a wreck. What you did was collapsed it a little, you should be able to tap on the coupler out by the steering box and extend it back where it needs to be. I have also been able to remove the steering wheel by wrapping my arms behind the wheel up close to my chest and rock your body back and forth while pushing on the floor with your feet, caution leave the nut on the shaft loosely so the wheel doesn't release suddenly putting you in the back seat!

 

[green1]

Put it back in, screw the nut back on flush, lift the wheel with your knees, smack the nut with a hammer- off.

 

[country_ck]

I'll let you guys know. For now I'mm waiting for it to cool off. Thanks For the advice.

 

[69DARTS]

The coupler rebuild kits you can get off of ebay for $25.

maybe cheaper from the dealer also

 

[country_ck]

I am now beyond mad. I CAN NOT get the steering wheel off. I think I might take it to a guy I know and see if he can press it off. Thanks for the help. Chris