Alfetta steering wheel removal

[fiatosca]

I cannot seem to remove my Alfetta steering wheel even after several attepts with a cheap auto parts store puller. It is so stuck that the puller arms have bent. Is there a good quality steering wheel puller out there or should I just hit the shaft with an air chisel to try to vibrate it loose?

[italcarnut]

I use just a regular puller. Remove the main nut and soak the shaft with penetrating oil for a few days. Turn the nut on the puller and when it gets really hard, tap the shaft with a hammer. Should just pop right out.

Good luck.

[Biba69]

Eons ago before I began restoring Alfas for a living, all I could find was a somewhat pricey Proto (4043-B) steering wheel puller. It has always done the job and has by now pulled dozens of (generally very stuck) wheels. I keep a separate bag of bolts and washers just for pulling steering wheels. I fully agree with italcarnut that the trick is to put a lot of tension on the wheel, then give it a good rap. I'm sure it's not rusty but a squirt of PB Blaster down teh splines won't hurt. I've left the puller in tension overnight to find that it has popped free by morning.

Do yourself a favor. When replacing the wheel, put anti-seize on the splines and just make the nut snug. I guarantee you it won't just come off some day. If it should ever loosen, you'll hear some rattling and then just tighten the nut back up. Often when taking a car out for its 'first drive' I don't even put the nut on or if I do, I just make it finger tight. Yes, I tighten it later.

Biba

[sfalfa]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biba69 I keep a separate bag of bolts and washers just for pulling steering wheels. Biba

[fiatosca]

I have tried all of the above to no avail. I think the problem is with the puller that I am using. It has hooks rather than threaded ends and as such does not get a good purchase on the wheel. I have actually deformed the first few threads due to the pressure on the shaft so I'll have to chase those with a tap.

[ToonRboy]

fiatosca, If the Alfetta steering wheel is anything like the GTV6, I know exactly what your going through!...After renting a steering wheel puller (with hooks) which kept popping off the shaft because pull pressure wasn't even, I lubed it with penetrating oil, & let it sit. Pounded the b-jeezus out of it from behind - just suceeded in mangling the wheel...

Does your wheel have two small threaded holes? I barely noticed mine. Anyway, buy a standard Sears puller (which you can get at auto parts superstores), go to the hardware store and buy a length of threaded rod (it's metric - I'll get that to you). Cut it into a couple of 6-8" lengths, add washers and nuts. Thread the rods into the holes in the steering wheel, slide puller centerpiece in between with centerbolt backed off a bit (also, change the tip to one that'll stay on). Install washers and nuts to snug down. Torque down center bolt. You'll be surprised at how easy it pops off. I'll post a pic tomorrow of what I'm talking about - I might have some extra rod if you want it - gratis.

[ToonRboy]

OK, the Puller is Craftsman 947626 and the rod is M6-1 (course methinks)


I can't seem to locate the spare rod, but if you can't source one, I'd be glad to send you mine - 'long as you send it back (need to pull my steering wheel again to work on the column switch).

-Just let me know.

[gt601]

You could also look for the OE tool. I happen to have one and it works great. I even use it for other cars.

Paul

[A_Alfa]

I did exactly as ToonRboy did, put some anti seize and when puller, installed as described (threaded, with nuts and washers), is making good pressure I tapped gently around the back of the steering wheel rim with both hands , it popped out after over 15 years not being removed.

Good luck

[sh0rtlife]

dont get to frustrated with it...it will eventualy give...

[Inner Circle]

I just came upon this thread and as I was dissecting my Spider anyway, I gave it a try with the thread+puller method.
As the puller arms ain't worth a dime (I already have some experience with them), I had to quickly 'manufacture' a suitable piece of metal with three holes to combine with the puller, that...


...got the job done in about 15 minutes, but got somewhat dented in the process. (The screws weren't damaged as I bought them specifically for pulling earlier, they were the strongest in the shop.)


I banged on the steering wheel softly but it didn't care. It popped free while I was wrenching the puller.
All in all, it was amazingly easy, not to mention fast, destruction-free and cheap, at least compared to my earlier attempts. So thanks for the tip :-) (The little holes are M6 and 60mm apart. I checked my Alfetta GTV and even my Sei and they both have these little holes, although the layout is different.)

[Biba69]

What's a Sei?

Biba

[sfalfa]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biba69 What's a Sei? Biba

[116_Veloce]

Do NOT use any power tools as you stand a good chance of damaging the column and the machined, knurled end.

You can fabricate a puller, with a very thick middle piece (at least 1" in thickness). I recommend long, hardened allen-head screws to catch the two threads. The middle screw should also be as big as a possible, and at least as big as the steering rod itself and with a fine thread to produce as much torque as possible. A small screw can get in the middle of the column rod and splice it or cause a 'mushroom' head, expanding the end, ruining the rod and getting your wheel stuck for good. Once you have the right tool it is indeed a 15 minute job.

[Inner Circle]

Quote:

a big 6 cyl. car with transaxle