Teleflex wheel removal

[kauboy]

I am having a lot of trouble removing a Teleflex steering wheel from my '69 Del Magic boat. The central hub and shaft seem to have rusted together. Along with that, there is a woodruff key in there as well. I believe that I could break the rust free if I could get the woodruff out, but that is my problem. I don't know how to remove it. There is a very small square slot where it is located, but I don't know what or how to use a tool to get it out.

I am new to boating and have just recently found this forum. There is a ton of great information here and I am hoping that the knowledgable members will be able to help me find a solution to my problem.

Thank you.

[jyasaki]

Most keys I've seen (not sure about yours) have a semi-circular key sitting in a semi-circular groove. The key is shaped like a shallow "D", and the groove is as if it was cut by placing a cutting wheel on the shaft, rotation parallel to the shaft.

You most likely won't be able to remove the key until you get the wheel off.

Try using a bunch of penetrating solvent (Break Free, Kroil, PB Blaster, etc.) and a pulley remover. Gentle heat application might help, too (be careful if you've used an oil-based penetrating solvent, or have recently applied *any* penetrating material.) A couple of whacks with a hammer may also help to break the corrosion bond, but may mar things a bit.

Luck;

jky

[Limey Linda]

Use penetrating oil. Kroil is the best. Do not be in a hurry, soak it for at least 24hours and then give a sharp but light tap with a heavy mallet. Warming with a hair dryer always helps.

[kauboy]

These are great ideas. Keep 'em coming since I will probably end up having to try them all

[bedajim]

Hi

I had to remove mine used some oil and left it over night, then a set of three legged pullers.

When it starts to move it will come off very easily as the shaft has a taper

The key can only be removed after the wheel has been removed as it is a woodruff and the curved section is in the shaft. After you have removed the wheel if the key is still tight you can normally remove them with a screw driver by tapping down from the top lightly with a soft hammer

It's a good idea to put the nut back on the shaft after the wheel is removed to protect the threads.

[jwalker]

You need two people and a sizeable hammer. One person has to pull hard on the wheel while the other strikes the end of the shaft very firmly. If the puller can get to the other side of the wheel and push with feet, it is easier for the other to strike the shaft. If the helm unit is to be reused, put the nut onto the end of the shaft to protect the threads.

As an alternative: If you are able, drill and tap two holes into the boss, one each side of the shaft. Make a strap with two clearance holes on the same centres as the tapped holes and bolt this across the end of the shaft. As the bolts are tightened it will pull the hub forward. When it is suitably under pressure, strike it dead centre so as to shock the end of the shaft.

It's worth putting a couple of tapped holes into a new steering wheel boss to make removal easier in the future. Also, apply grease to the taper on assembly.

[Andy]

Use a puller ... only way! Hitting is a hammer can cause damage to the helm

[Paul F]

Agree with JWalker, 2 people job. but make sure as quoted put nut back on lightly 1. to protect threads. 2. To stop you wearing the wheel in face when it does pop.

Paul

[jwalker]

Originally Posted by Paul F

.... 2. To stop you wearing the wheel in face when it does pop.

Didn't think of that, cool.

[kauboy]

I have tried the hammer method but couldn't get it to budge. Andy, what puller would you recommend? The gear puller I bought is too flimsy and twists too much to hold a good straight grip.