Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Steering Wheel

Posted by carter samford on 02/26/11 - 7:59 PM
#1

I have a 95 Montauk. I need to remove my steering wheel from the helm. The boat has the original Destroyer style stainless steering wheel. Does anyone have a trick for pulling the wheel without damaging it or the tapered shaft? I need to save my helm also.
Thanks

Posted by carter samford on 02/26/11 - 8:13 PM
#2

Thanks for the quick answer. This is not working, that sucker is on there. The nut, shaft and wheel are super clean.
There is no corrosion at all, the boat has been kept indoors it's whole life. I also put some S'OK penetrating oil on it and it has been soaking for a couple days and it still won't budge.

Posted by WhalerEric on 02/26/11 - 8:13 PM
#3

If the wiggle and pull doesn't work... thread the nut back on until it is flush with the top of the helm shaft thread. Grab a buddy and a brass rod and hammer. While you are pulling out firmly on the wheel, your buddy can center the brass rod on the helm nut and strike rod with the hammer. It should come loose with a couple blows. You could also apply a little heat carefully to the wheel hub around the helm shaft if it is really corroded.

Posted by gacto on 02/26/11 - 8:14 PM
#4

Remove center cover and retaining nut. Spray Kroil, penetrating oil, allow to sit 1/2hr. Try the wiggle pull method. If that won't work, buy or rent a wheel pulled. Willcome right off.

Posted by kamie on 02/27/11 - 6:09 AM
#5

Don't use a wheel puller, it can bend your wheel. if it's stuck there is no substitute for time and patience. Spray the PBBlaster on, thread the nut back on so it extends above the shaftt, wack the nut with a hammer a couple times and wiggle. Wack it a couple more times while gently pulling on the wheel. If it doesn't come off, walk away and repeat the next morning and then the next afternoon if necessary. It will come off, it just takes time, and be ready when it does as it will give way all at once. On my 18 it took me 3 days to get it off the first time.

Posted by bmw90w on 02/27/11 - 11:54 AM
#6

Exactly what Kamie said. That worked for me. It is tough to get it over that little wheel key it slides over. Some penetrating spray and some good wacks should take care of it. Good luck

Posted by Bake on 02/27/11 - 5:22 PM
#7

just to add to what the other guys said, I use a flat bar to apply pressure under the wheel while a tap on the shaft with the nut back on flush. I puller will bend the wheel. A good flat bar will give you the pressure needed to pop it off.

Posted by Guts on 02/27/11 - 5:36 PM
#8

I didn't have any problem using a wheel puller but not all wheel pullers are created equal. I will say when I reassembled the wheel I did use some anti-seize on that tapered shaft and key-way. The next time I took it off, to put the hydraulic system in I had no problem removing the wheel, pulling on the wheel at nine and three o'clock and a slight tap in the center of the tapered shaft and it popped right off.

Posted by dsutley on 03/02/11 - 4:22 PM
#9

While applying pressure from pulling it straight off take a hammer and tap the center threaded shaft. You may have to have someone else help you so you can pull while the other person taps with the hammer. I just did the same thing last week with mine.