Steering Wheel upgrade. What am I missing?

[BIGGUSBLOCKUS]

Working on removing the original steering wheel on my 232. I have removed the center emblem cover and the 3/4 " nut. My understanding is that the wheel should come off at this point. I have tried lightly hammering on the center shaft and pulling while rocking the wheel...no joy. I have tried a gear puller, nope. Any chance I'm missing something? What should be an easy upgrade is turning out to be a major project. That's boats I guess. My bad luck with fasteners is legendary, I have always had to fight uphill it seems. Any advice from those who have done this before?

[AsLan7]

Working on removing the original steering wheel on my 232. I have removed the center emblem cover and the 3/4 " nut. My understanding is that the wheel should come off at this point. I have tried lightly hammering on the center shaft and pulling while rocking the wheel...no joy. I have tried a gear puller, nope. Any chance I'm missing something? What should be an easy upgrade is turning out to be a major project. That's boats I guess. My bad luck with fasteners is legendary, I have always had to fight uphill it seems. Any advice from those who have done this before?

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Sounds like a fun Sunday project BGBUS.

Have you used any PB Blaster or WD-40 sprayed onto the center shaft where the locking pin is?

That should help free up the metal tightness. Then you keep tapping on that center shaft like you mentioned above (I put the nut back on slightly so as to not damage the threads while pounding) and continually rotate and apply back pressure to the steering wheel. More PB Blaster, then repeat. Should eventually break loose off of that wedged locking pin.

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[cmattj]

Ahhhhh PB Blaster! Music to my ears A7.. yes everything A7 said!!

I’m sure your referring to the PB Blaster “ Catalyst Penetrating oil” as we use that at work religiously .

Yes spray the shaft threads at the hub several times ( ever minute 3-5 times) , as it will draw down into the taper. . Then go take a 1 hour break .

Use your puller as you tap from the side ( I’m terrified of tapping hard on boat Steering shaft racks as there sloppy anyway) and try to bend that puller
She will POP so be ready!

[Big Block Power]

You need constant pulling pressure upwards them like A7 said put the nut on so you don't screw up the threads and whack your shaft. A quick firm whack. It will break loose.

[BIGGUSBLOCKUS]

a2.jpg

Got it off! Just had to pull harder. Surprised at the amount of force required.

Here's the new one installed. Cobalt center decal forthcoming. The center self-aligns like a Bentley hubcab!
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a1.jpg

[Big Block Power]

Is your old Decal the same size as the new center? Is just a thick decal you can prob pop off and put new adhesive on or just buy one for 7 dollars. Lol

[Thane]

Looks great!

[akorcovelos]

What's your plans for the OE wheel you pulled off?

[whitelightning]

Wow, nice upgrade. It's the little things in life...………….

[BIGGUSBLOCKUS]

What's your plans for the OE wheel you pulled off?

Hadn't really thought about it..do you have a use for it?

[akorcovelos]

yes, I bought an aftermarket 3 spoke to upgrade my ugly stock one, but I like the factory 3 spoke a lot better. Shoot me a PM if you decide to offload it.

[brianrounds]

Nice new wheel. I'm about to do the same!

[Ytmsn]

Looks good Bigassblock! I think changing the wheel is the best way to upgrade and modernize the helm. I added the stainless kick plate to mine too and that really tied it all together.

[tnewton640]

Where did you buy the new wheel? I have seen some like this on eBay?

[AsLan7]

Where did you buy the new wheel? I have seen some like this on eBay?

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Hello tnewton640. Welcome to the Cobaltchat forum. So glad you found us!

eBay does sell them as does greatlakesskipper. Should be an easy upgrade for ya.

What type of boat do you have? Any pics? We love them here.

Feel free to start a new thread if you have the time.

Again, welcome aboard mate!



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