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I have a 1969 13'. I've disassembled the steering assembly, but can't get the wheel off the shaft. I've banged as much as I'm comfortable doing without damaging the shaft. Liquid wrench hasn't helped break it free. Has anyone had this issue and won? At worst, is there somewhere to get a replacement shaft (8 1/4" length x 3/4" diam)?
Jerry, if the wheel is mounted on a keyed and tapered shaft (most marine units are), then you need a gear/wheel puller. If you know a mechanical friend, he may have one...or you could take it to a shop. Be patient and soak it in liquid wrench or any other penetrant. After several decades in salt water, it could well be stuck pretty good. You may damage the wheel in the process but something's got to give if you are to fix or replace the mechanism! Not sure what steering you have (wrapped cable and pulleys?? or push/pull cable mechanical steering?), but this could be the chance to install a new system which will be smooth and safe. Good Luck and let us know what happens.
Most owners of classics have had this problem! Get some type of penetrating oil and let it soak on the threads. Next day place a piece of wood over the threaded shaft, get someone to tap on the wood with a hammer while you put constant pressure on it. DO this over and over and it may take several days of trying, but should eventually pop loose. One more thing.......some leave the nut on so when it does pop loose it doesn't hit you in the mouth. If you do this, make sure it is down far enough so the tapping doesn't hit on the nut and screw up the threads on the shaft
It likes to get stuck on that woodruff key or whatever it is called ( the moon shaped key). Wat I do is thread the nut on a few threads, then i use a rubber hammer on the bolt itself. You need to keep the nut on so when you grabbing the steering wheel, it doesn't come flying off and hit you in the face! Usually a couple of hard thumps and that does the trick.
After several attemps as mentioned above I had no success....so I fired up my propane torch and applied some heat...after a few good thumps...it finally came off.
Get some type of penetrating oil and let it soak on the threads. Next day place a piece of wood over the threaded shaft, get someone to tap on the wood with a hammer while you put constant pressure on it. DO this over and over and it may take several days of trying, but should eventually pop loose. One more thing.......some leave the nut on so when it does pop loose it doesn't hit you in the mouth. If you do this, make sure it is down far enough so the tapping doesn't hit on the nut and screw up the threads on the shaft
