Steering wheel removal ?
 

I'm trying to remove a bad steering wheel from an IH 1450 Hydrostatic !
Yes, I first removed the nut ! I tried to tap it off with a rubber hammer,
No Go. Now I've got a Big,(probally too big) puller on it, and it won't break
loose with a 12 ince crescent wrench ! Next I'll try a 36 inch Snap-on
breaker bar. If that won't work the "Sawzall" is next. Anyone got any ideas?
It isnt threaded on, is it ?

I went to the hardware store and bought a nut the same size as the nut that held on the steering wheel, and a bolt that would thread into it, as long as I could, like 3-4". Threaded the nut halfway on the steering shaft and then the bolt down into the nut and tightened with a wrench.

I got on the tractor and put my knees under the steering wheel pressing up on the wheel. I then whacked the bolt with a big ball peen hammer a couple of times and the wheel popped loose.

Did you try this.....??? Click on link... Steering

Just an FYI, you WILL destroy the lower bearing race doing this, so you'll be putting new bearings in the column if you proceed with that.

Soak it in PB Blaster or Kroil or something like that for awhile. Patience is key. I think I soaked this one for 3 or 4 days before I got it loose. The steering wheel is splined to the steering shaft. Here is the puller I made. I have only used it once, but it removed the most stubborn steering wheel I have ever encountered.

Matt, that's very possible. Mine didn't look good when I took it apart. :bigeyes:

I was planning on rebuilding the whole unit anyway as it was VERY sloppy but I might have contributed to what all needed replaced.

A 36 inch breaker bar on a heavy duty puller wouldn't take the wheel off. Pounding
with a 3 pound hammer split the hollow shaft and mushroomed it down in 3 pieces
like peeling a banana. I finally resorted to the Sawzall, made a cut to the center of the
wheel and wedged it open with a small chisel. The wheel still wouldn't come off.
I had to make another cut on the other side in order to srread it enough to remove it.
The shaft was tapered, and rusted on.

Problem solved!:angry:

I hope the steering wheel gets a proper send off for its many years of service!! Yikes. Matt has a good system that is proven to work (see his other threads/posts that lead him to his innovation) and his was brought about by necessity after he realized the old bolt trick ruined the lower bearing race by imprinting into it. I was fortunate on my O that some PB blaster for 1 day and then a good forceful pull took it right off. Soaking it in Blaster and patience are definitely worthwhile!!! Oh well, learn to live and live to learn!! It's off and you can proceed to other matters.

Cub Cadet 123