avon searider 4m steering problem

[Dino89]

hi
my searider steering wheel has rusted to bits ,want advice before getting to work with a hammer!!
undone the nut looks like there is a key way locating the wheel , one problem is there are 2 screws rusted in position tried impact driver but wont budge
hows the best wayy to proceed and where is the best place to get replacement wheel that will fit!

just looked at it again once the nut is removed should the wheel just pull off and the screws are not removed?
attached photo

[Limey Linda]

Your should not need to remove the screws. I suggest: soaking in penetrating oil for a few days then buy/rent a 3 prong puller to get it broken free. Put a lot of tension on the puller but not enough to bend the wheel then give the end of the puller a sharp blow with a hammer.
Hope this helps. T
Edit: just looked at the pics. again. Suggest putting the screws back and tight before using puller.

[Dino89]

thanx have started the plus gas! . the screws that you see are all there are ,looks like the others have rusted away will buy a set of pullers from screwfix any ideas on size and replacement wheel i will need
thanx again Dean

just another thought would it be worth cutting enough of the wheel away to get the puller located on the ali cast behind the steering wheel space permitting!

[Downhilldai]

It looks from the photo that if you take those screws out, the wheel will come away, leaving a cast hub unit which fixes to the steering helm. You may find it easier to get the puller onto the hub than the wheel.
Good luck with it - these jobs often result in a new helm being purchased too
Loads of different steering wheels available - they all tend to have the standard 3/4" morse taper to connect to the helm unit so are pretty universal. Just choose one you're happy with. Be careful of getting something too big, as you may find it awkward in a bucket seat Searider.

[Limey Linda]

Yes, get the puller claws behind the hub casting if you can.

[Dino89]

Thanx for replies getting puller monday had plenty of plusgas going in so hopefully it will come off .the screws holding the wheel are rusted solid ,also looking at the thread that secures the wheel its been crossed and stripped at the first half dozen threads so might yet have to purchase the whole unit as well will feed back once the wheel is removed

[IBWET]

Originally Posted by Dino89

Thanx for replies getting puller monday had plenty of plusgas going in so hopefully it will come off but looking at the thread that secures the wheel its been crossed and stripped at the first half dozen threads so might yet have to purchase the whole unit as well will feed back once the wheel is removed

I did this job on a similar boat some time ago and it was a bugger,from memory there are plastic components (in the hub) that will not take anything like the heat you'll need to loosen the woodruf key. I eventually got it off employing the puller already mentioned but had to re thread and fit a smaller nut on the shaft.

[Tim M]

Getting steering wheels off is a nightmare. If you can't get it off easily I'd be tempted to use an angle grinder and cut it off, replacing the helm and possible the cable too. If it's quite old and in a state you might find a new system will make it a lot easier to drive. Probably wouldn't cost you more than £100 with the new wheel.

[Dino89]

do you know what thread it is on the shaft probabaly could do with running a die down it
what size did can it be taken down to ?

where is the best place to purchase whole new steering kit for the searider with fibre glass screened front end?

[walruz]

Originally Posted by Tim M

Getting steering wheels off is a nightmare. If you can't get it off easily I'd be tempted to use an angle grinder and cut it off, replacing the helm and possible the cable too. If it's quite old and in a state you might find a new system will make it a lot easier to drive. Probably wouldn't cost you more than £100 with the new wheel.

I replaced the teleflex cable on my 5.4 SR and that alone was over £100. My local chandler (Chris on St Marys) is a fantastic bloke as the first one I got was too short and he happily took it back and supplied the longer one needed and only charged the difference for the extra length.

BTW if anyone is looking to sponsor someone, Chris and some other local lads have entered the 4 crew rowing competition from New York to Bishop's Rock lighthouse that is being held next year. We can't have our American friends beating us in that as they did in the original America's Cup can we .

Ian