Steering Wheel, 74 CJ5

[es335]

OK-I give up! I can NOT get the steering wheel off of my 74 CJ. It appears to be the stock wheel. I have tried taping with a hammer-no luck. Bought a puller-won't budge. Sprayed with PB blaster, tried puller again-bent the puller. Assume the center nut is the only fastner on the wheel??? Any suggestions would be helpful

 

[jzjames]

I went through this the other day. 80 CJ, steering wheel would not come off! Started to bend the puller bolts.
I finally got it off with the puller.

It worked when I was able to get the puller cross bar down as close to the steering shaft as I could get it.
I had to get the 2 puller bolts shorter to get the puller cross bar down close to the center shaft, and I guess with the better position of the puller, it reduced the flex on the 2 bolts, and I was able to turn the MF off.

Hope this helps.

 

[es335]

Unfortunately for me, my steering shaft is the old style which only has one nut-right in the middle of the shaft (ie no holes on the side to use for bolts found on the more conventinal pullers). I just talked to a buddy that has a repair shop. He is stating they use a Brass Drift and a Big hammer. One guy pulls the wheel as hard as possible (Knees behind the wheel), the other carefully SMACKS the brass drift while being centered on the shaft. He has pulled a few in this manner and did state you really have to watch where/how you are pulling as the wheel tends to "fly" off! Will keep you posted though!!!

 

[Hedgehog]

Pull the whole shaft and work on it on the bench. Pulling the shaft is easier than you might think. The only thing holding it in place is the knuckle or universal joint next to the fire wall. The secret is to stabilize the back of the steering wheel and tap out the center splined shaft, once it starts moving it usually comes of easily.

 

[Posi]

Steering Wheel Removal Tips on The Jeep CJ3B Page

 

[hdgapeach]

For God's sake, if you're going to pull it off while it's still installed in the Jeep, turn the nut back on the shaft a couple of turns. I friggin' forgot to do that pulling a '66 Mustang steering wheel and when it finally did come off, it broke my nose!! That nut will keep it from flying off when it pops lose.

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