ANGST- Opportunity to tell me to chill about a "nutless shaft"

[billschroeder5842]

If I was to give myself advise, I'd tell me to chill out and relax.

BUT I CAN'T 

I got a "Tuff" steering wheel for my 75 roadrunner to replace the stock. I tried to take off the current steering wheel and I used the typical "steering wheel puller". It has bolts that went into the steering wheel and the center shaft that when tightened should pull the steering wheel off.

WELL...

I removed the shaft nut and started to tighten and begin (or what I thought) to pull the steering wheel, it noticed that the steering wheel was giving me more trouble that ones had in the past. I applied some WD40 and applied more "elbow grease."

Well, my elbows were so greased that at a point, I found that the steering wheel did not (not) budge against the puller and tightening the steering shaft actually began to  "mushroom" at the top and slightly split the steering shaft. (!!!)

So, the mushrooming effect means that there is no way to remove the steering wheel and no way to put on the nut back on the shaft.

I'm worried about a "Nutless Shaft" (please insert "Top Gear" snicker here) as a safety issue.

I've resigned myself to not having a Tuff steering wheel (for sale shortly if interested) but am concern about the lack of nut on the shaft.

If I'd advise myself, I'd say don't worry about the lack of nut. I'd tell me that if the steering wheel was so stuck it would not come off even causing a shaft mushroom, that it is pretty much attached--with or without a shaft nut and not worry.

So, please tell me to Chill-axe or go ahead and seed my obsessive nature with anxiety.

[Dino]

Will it come off?  Probably not.  Can you drive it safely as is? Probably so.  Would it be wise to put a small weld or some JB on the wheel and shaft?  Yeah I think so.   

You can still have your cake and eat it but it means buying snother shaft.  I don't know how eager you would be to do that job, but I wouldn't blame you if you didn't.

[Patronus]

You could put some welds on it where it's covered by the horn. That heat will likely allow it to be pulled. If not, tack it in a few spots and live with it. If it needs to happen, you could cut it off. Grind the shaft and install the new wheel.

[billschroeder5842]

I've not given up yet!

I'm going to take the car to a friend with a body shop. We may be able to grind the mush room part enough to "smooth it" so that the nut can get started. It will "seat" just fine if I can get it past the top 3 or 4 threads.

He has a puller so I might be able to help as well.

I'll keep everyone posted.

[HPP]

Some time with a Dremel will eliminate the mushroom and allow the nut to go back on.

Conversely, careful application of heat and a small piece of wax may be enough to cause it to release. Heat the shaft, dab the wax on it. The heat will draw the wax in to the splines and provide a friction reducer that may allow it to come loose.

Would I blow off having a nut secured to it, no.  While its stuck like heck now, I wouldn't want to risk the odd bump breaking it loose.

[billschroeder5842]

**Update**

Kudos to Jerry from Hollywood Finishes in Keller Texas. Jerry ground down the bump and re threaded the nut for me. My "shaft is now nutted." (Visit and say Hi to "Dodge" the super cute Mastiff)

Now I need to get the steering wheel off. I've got penetrating lube working and I've smacked the wheel with a hammer a few times. I've tried the puller for a bit, but for obvious past reasons, I'm a bit hesitant.

Any other ideas to get the steering wheel off? I'd love to get the factory (super boring) steering wheel off and get the Tuff Steering (super cool) wheel on, BUT I'm not going "shrooming" again.

[Dino]

**Update**

Kudos to Jerry from Hollywood Finishes in Keller Texas. Jerry ground down the bump and re threaded the nut for me. My "shaft is now nutted." (Visit and say Hi to "Dodge" the super cute Mastiff)

Now I need to get the steering wheel off. I've got penetrating lube working and I've smacked the wheel with a hammer a few times. I've tried the puller for a bit, but for obvious past reasons, I'm a bit hesitant.

Any other ideas to get the steering wheel off? I'd love to get the factory (super boring) steering wheel off and get the Tuff Steering (super cool) wheel on, BUT I'm not going "shrooming" again.

IF you can do so safely, heat the wheel around the shaft so it expands. 

Alternatively you can uncouple the shaft from the box and take the column out as a unit.  It should be a little easier once you have the whole thing  on  a workbench.

[A383Wing]

I usually leave the nut on the shaft and use the puller against the nut and shaft end at the same time.....tighten the puller as much as you feel is good without damaging anything, then give the end of the puller a sharp wrap with a hammer and it should pop off

[billschroeder5842]

Well...

"HAMMER TIME!"

I'm going to soak it over night with some more solvent, put on the puller, snug lots and smack it with the hammer.

More to follow...

[A383Wing]

just make sure the flat end of the puller is pressing against the shaft and nut together

[Bob]

 Let Jerry do it.

[billschroeder5842]

A383WING-- great advice!

I put my puller on the steering shaft and tightened WAY down.

I gave it two good (real good) smacks with a hammer then checked it.

The puller pulled smoothly and the steering wheel came off with no issues.

Tension then a smack. That is all it took.

Thanks!

[A383Wing]

    

[six-tee-nine]

A383WING-- great advice!

I put my puller on the steering shaft and tightened WAY down.

I gave it two good (real good) smacks with a hammer then checked it.

The puller pulled smoothly and the steering wheel came off with no issues.

Tension then a smack. That is all it took.

Thanks!

see, old school tricks never let you down.

[HANDM]

Anyone reading this in the future.... ALWAYS keep the nut on the shaft while pulling....
I too almost f'd up the shaft on the column

[captaindodge]

Most important never use the puller alone. It is just to put a strain on the part and the shock of the hammer blow lets  it release from the taper!