How to Remove a Steering Wheel If You Cannot Use a Wheel Puller
by Russell Wood
Removing the steering wheel from your car or truck is not a difficult task if you have the right tools, particularly a steering wheel puller. But if you don't have a steering wheel puller, taking off the steering wheel becomes a bit trickier. You have to be a bit more creative than you would be under normal circumstances and employ a few nontraditional methods, but it can still be done at home with a few more common tools.
Step 1
Unbolt the center bolt on the steering wheel using the 1/2-inch ratchet and socket. Spray the center shaft of the steering wheel, where the bolt was just removed, with the penetrating oil and let the steering wheel sit for about an hour.
Step 2
Place your hands on the 9 and 3 o'clock positions on the steering wheel. Pull the steering wheel toward you with equal force. If the wheel doesn't come off, then try pulling the steering wheel with alternating hands, trying to wiggle off the steering wheel. If it still doesn't come off, proceed to Step 3.
Step 3
Strike the backside of the steering wheel toward the center of the column with the rubber mallet, moving around side to side to try to evenly remove the item. If the mallet doesn't work, go to Step 4.
Step 4
Place the pry bar between the steering column and the steering wheel. Pry the steering wheel off of the column, moving the tip of the pry bar around the steering wheel to pull it off of the column evenly.
Things You'll Need
- 1/2-inch ratchet and socket set
- Penetrating oil
- Rubber mallet
- 24-inch pry bar
Writer Bio
Russell Wood is a writer and photographer who attended Arizona State University. He has been building custom cars and trucks since 1994, including several cover vehicles. In 2000 Wood started a career as a writer, and since then he has dedicated his business to writing and photographing cars and trucks, as well as helping people learn more about how vehicles work.
