Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Replacing Steering Wheel
Posted by murray06 on 08/17/11 - 12:21 PM
#1
I have a 04 Nantucket with the black plastic steering wheel. I want to change it out to the chrome spoke wheel. Its a sea star system. Anyone have any advice on how to do it? Thanks.
Posted by Joe Kriz on 08/17/11 - 12:47 PM
#2
Sure.
Take the nut almost all the way off so it is level with the top of the shaft.
Wiggle the wheel and pull towards you. The nut will stop it from coming all the way off.
If that doesn't work, you pull on the wheel while someone else uses a wood or plastic mallet and hits the top of the nut and shaft...
If it still doesn't come off, then soak the shaft where the wheel attaches and try doing the same steps above a few hours later or the next day.
Posted by JohnnyCW on 08/17/11 - 12:48 PM
#3
Remove the steering wheel cap and then the nut off of the steering shaft. Sometimes the wheel can be a bit stubborn so a little penetrating oil of your choice can help. I've used a gear puller to remove stubborn wheels but that too can be challenging depending on the existing wheel design. I don't like tapping or banging on the shaft especially if its a hydraulic unit. There should be a shaft key there somewhere so don't lose it when the wheel comes off. Purchase a stainless spoked Destroyer wheel of similar diameter accommodating the same shaft size and type (usually a 3/4" tapered shaft) then install. I install the new wheel with a bit of marine grease on the mating surfaces between the wheel hub and the shaft to avoid them sticking down the road. Easy peazy.
Posted by bmw90w on 08/17/11 - 1:51 PM
#4
Whatever you do, don't think you are quick and careful enough to remove the wheel without leaving the nut on, your'e not! Those steering wheels hurt when they come flying off!
Posted by Sebastian on 08/18/11 - 5:21 AM
#6
X2 on what Johnny said. I had to resort to a steering wheel puller to get mine off. It was the 3 claw kind from Harbor Freight. In hindsight, leaving the nut on may have been a good idea.
Posted by JohnnyCW on 08/18/11 - 6:54 AM
#7
Sebastian wrote: In hindsight, leaving the nut on may have been a good idea.
I also agree about leaving the nut on the end of the shaft. The wheel can pop loose with some energy and leaving the nut to contain the wheel is definitely a good practice.
Posted by SeaLevel on 08/19/11 - 4:42 AM
#8
Leave the nut on the shaft but make sure the wheel puller is applying pressure on the end of the shaft and not on the nut