Help With Removing Hub from Steering Column

[Nick Mesich]

I am currently in the process of rebuilding my Tele Steering Column out of my 1966.

I have removed the steering column from the car and have pulled the Steering Wheel down to the Horn Contact Assembly. I am now at the Steering Wheel Hub.

I have attached my Steering Wheel puller to the hub and it seems that I am applying a lot of force to the Center bolt in an attempt to pull the hub, but it's not budging. I am afraid of damaging something if I continue to apply force.

I have the chassis Service manual and it does not show that there are any clips or bolts holding the hub on.

Am I missing something or will it just take continued applied brute force.

Any Tips would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Nick

[Joe L.]

Re: Help With Removing Hub from Steering Column

Nick------

You are wise to be cautious about this. The steering hub puller bolts are threaded into a zinc diecast hub. The threads can easily be stripped on this part if too much force is applied to the "pusher" bolt. Quite frankly, it's always terrifying to encounter this "stuck hub" situation and it's VERY common.

My advice:

1) treat the steering shaft-to-hub interface with a good penetrant. Something like Kroil, PB Blaster, or GM heat valve lubricant. A few applications are in order and let it set for awhile between applications:

2) after performing (1), install the puller. Make sure that the bolts that thread into the hub are FULLY engaged in the threads (i.e. threaded in as far as they will go). Then, turn in the "pusher" bolt until you feel like you've applied as much pressure as you're comfortable with. Next, hit the head of the pusher bolt several times SMARTLY with a hammer. Repeat the tensioning of the pusher bolt and hammer whacks treatment until the hub releases.

[Nick Mesich]

Re: Help With Removing Hub from Steering Column

Thanks Joe,

I found that it's always cheaper to ask in advance, then have to regret a decision in haste.

Will give that a try.

Overnight soak of Penetrating oil it is.

Nick

[Nick Mesich]

Thank you John Z. for all the help..

I finally had a few minutes in the shop today and followed your instructions John Z.

Let the Hub sit in Penetrating fluid overnight, attached the Steering wheel puller ensuring that the two bolts are screwed in as far as they can go, tighten center bolt to add pressure

Give it a few good WHACKS with a good sized hammer!!!

Tighten the center bolt again.

Give it a few good WHACKS again.

And WHALA!!!!

That Hub just popped right off.

John, I really appreciate your Experience and Expertise and the value you bring to this forum.

AWESOME!!! :cheers:

I love this forum.

I'll keep you updated on how the tele Column rebuild is going.

Hope you all have a Great Week.

Nick

[John H.]

Re: Thank you John Z. for all the help..

Nick -

You can thank Joe Lucia, not me