The AUSubaru.com.au Forums

trying to pull the steering wheel off my mates 89 touring wagon and having no luck.. basically we got to the point of attaching it with chains and shackles to the back of my mum car to see if we could "tow" it off, so im pretty desperate is there a bolt or something in them that we're forgetting about or whats peoples suggestions as to how to get it off... cheers.

Usually just the nut in the centre of the wheel, then hold the wheel at 9 and 3 o'clock and give it a good rhythmic tug either way.. (note: this may take a minute or so)

although "rythmic tugging" is usually a winner with me its failed this time... this wheel is proper stuck.

Had the same drama with my wagon, resorted to purchasing a steering wheel puller kit from an auto store. even that was a task in itself..

Yes, unless you want to break the collapsable steering shaft within the column, get a steering wheel puller.

Makes life easy using the right tools.

there should be 2 holes either side of the center bolt, get a piece of flat bar & drill holes the same distance apart then get 2 bolts 12 or 14mm & wind them in a bit at a time & it'll pop off.

Excuse the crude drawing

taper and a spline on these babies, leave the nut on a few freds to save a quick trip to the dentist. A tap on the top of the nut may help vibrate things loose too or pop the collapse bit

if u still are having no luck, my trick is to pull hard on one side, and on the opposite side use the palm of your hand to strike the back of the steeringwheel towards ur face, then go to the hospital for new face. i have done this twice and still havent learnt!! haha

Most important - if you are doing this with a puller, leave the nut on loose, otherwise the wheel comes off awful fast.

Has anybody ever hit themselves in the face with a steering wheel?

Yes I have whacked myself in the face with a wheel.
It tends to hurt !!!
I know about collapsible steering columns etc but in desperation in the past I have loosened and left on the column nut (this was after I had hit myself in the face - you usually only do this once), put both knees up behind the wheel, keep a constant and heavy pressure with my knees and VERY gently tapped the end of the column shaft with a copper dolly or a piece of wood. Not the best for the column but it worked.

Yes Gary I too have had the satisfaction of bringing a steering wheel in contact with the face at a fair force and velocity:o. Its a highly overated experience, and just as well I have never mad that mistake again!!

LOLZ.. I bet you learn pretty fast to leave the nut on by a couple of threads

I've found by sitting on the drivers seat, loosen the column nut and then hitting the 9 and 3 points with closed fists (base of the clinched fists) for about 8 to 10 times (does make some sore hands but nothing bad) each side then pulling the wheel towards you and when it comes free, then remove nut and all is good.

If everything fails, the steering column is surprising easy to cut with a hacksaw.

Used this ape-like method (which is probably not applicable on this job) on a wreck to salvage the tasty indicator stalk with pristine lettering.

Goodluck!