steering wheel removal question

[rodstored-72]

I need to remove my steering wheel, does anyone know what the bolt size and threading for the 2 holes to use with the puller? the puller kit (autozone) does not have the bolt size that fits.

thank you

[Mathew21]

I'm pretty sure 5/16-18

[rodstored-72]

mathew21, thanks!! I will try when home tonight, I would think that would be a common size in a "kit"? how possible is it that my column would have "unusual" holes or not common -IE: a mexico truck column??

thanks again for your time.... hope all is well with you.

[Mathew21]

Originally Posted by rodstored-72

mathew21, thanks!! I will try when home tonight, I would think that would be a common size in a "kit"? how possible is it that my column would have "unusual" holes or not common -IE: a mexico truck column??

thanks again for your time.... hope all is well with you.

Yes I would think they would be a common size in the a kit. This is the kit I have they are in there. Did you rent the kit from Autozone? If it's a used kit maybe some bolts have been replaced with different one's.

I'm not sure on a Mexican truck column being built different. Maybe someone else with more knowledge will chime in. Make sure you update the post for anyone else searching for this information in the future.

https://www.amazon.com/ATP-Harmonic-...ts_id=15708901

[rodstored-72]

mathew21, actually I have 2 sets. one kit is basically the one you refer, the AZ kit has the "U bracket" and a "H bracket". both kits have many various bolts & none of them fit the column.... AAARRGGG...

I will for sure update, as agree that it could help future "truckers"....

[rodstored-72]

All, the 5/16-18 bolt size seemed to be correct. I was able to use the bolts I bought to screw in enough to finally get the wheel off. it is kinda tricky... in that the bolts only thread in about 3/8" so I was feeling like the bolts were not correct. I sprayed some PB Blaster around the splines & threaded in the bolts, I then used the puller (very similar to the above listed kit) and gently started to turn the main threaded "bolt" against the steering shaft. after about 5-8 turns I felt the wheel break loose & then pulled it off. I guess I was thinking that the bolts would/should thread into the holes more. Overall I accomplished the task... only due to the help of the fellow board members!! I hope that this will help someone in the future, who like me did not have prior experience or know what to expect.

thanks again for the help & information.

[lolife99]

I would run a bottom tap in the steering wheel to prevent this issue in the future.
Unless you are using another steering wheel.

[rodstored-72]

LL99, that's a good idea... I will do that. now for the hard part... I have to change the turn signal switch along with the lock cylinder & electric switch!

[rodstored-72]

all, I was able to FINALLY complete a minor column rebuild... I replaced the lock cylinder, the ign. switch & the turn signal switch. hence the steering wheel removal. as I reassembled the column I cleaned all the parts & made sure all was in good working order. as previously mentioned I ran a tap (5/16-18) thru the threaded holes in the steering wheel & chased them out good. now I can get a bolt thru the wheel & the wheel is nice & tight. just before re-installing the wheel I used some dawn dish soap & also the "purple" stuff & scrubbed the wheel real good & got most of the "stickyness" off. I think that I will rub a few coats of armourall on it (minus the handle rim) and try to shine it up a bit.
thanks to all who helped me on the question(s) & I hope this thread will also help someone in the future.

[LT7A]

Glad it worked out. I believe I've read that isopropyl alcohol is what will help remove the stickiness. And I would avoid armor all, as applying that actually softened the wheel on my Jeep and now it is sticky. Darn it. I would try something like 303 protectant.

[rodstored-72]

LT7A, thanks for the reply & info. I will do your isopropyl alcohol suggestion as well as not do the armorall....
thanks!