F53 steering wheel removal

[bruce91]

2008 f53 chassis.

I have to remove the steering wheel to replace the clockspring. I lost my cruise control and horn.

I removed lower cover, center cover, ignition switch and the center torx bolt. I got to the point where you put a wheel puller on it, torqued down on the puller center bolt real good, nothing. wacked the puller bolt a few times still nothing. Am i missing something? I have read not to put to much tension on the puller as the aluminum steering wheel casting could break.

[Kenrbass]

Not trying to be smart with you, but did you pull the big nut off? Sometimes a rubber hammer around the exterior helps jar it, but putting a bind on the puller and popping the center bolt of the puller usually work.

[bruce91]

Originally Posted by Kenrbass

Not trying to be smart with you, but did you pull the big nut off?

No big nut, T50 torx bolt that secures the wheel to the splined shaft

[Kenrbass]

That being the case, I would use the bolt backed out a few threads to support the puller. Less chance to damage the open end of the shaft that way.

[GypsyR]

Not sure on the F53 chassis but on the Super Duty trucks with the big Torx bolt I've not been using a puller and don't see a really good way to attach one. On those I pull the steering wheel back towards me and to the left and then to the right, down, up, and so forth in a rocking pulling motion. Sometimes it takes a few minutes but they eventually let right loose. It's good to leave the nut on a couple of threads in case it comes off too suddenly and hits you in the teeth or something.

[fred42]

This is from the 2007 chassis workshop manual, not sure if 2008 was similar:
------------------------------

Steering Wheel
Removal and Installation

Place the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position and turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
Remove the steering wheel horn switch. For additional information, refer to Section 413-06 .
Disconnect the steering wheel switch electrical connector.

Loosen the steering wheel bolt.
Make a reference mark on the steering wheel and the steering column shaft for alignment during installation.
Using a suitable steering wheel puller, separate the steering wheel from the steering column shaft.

NOTE: Install a new steering wheel bolt.

Remove and discard the steering wheel bolt and remove the steering wheel.
To install, tighten new bolt to 38 Nm (28 lb-ft).
Carefully route the steering wheel switch electrical connector and harness through the opening in the steering wheel.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.
------------------------

[MMoody]

You might try a heat gun on the hub.

[GypsyR]

I like this: "Using a suitable steering wheel puller, ...". In my case, a pair of modestly strong arms. I wouldn't use a heat gun, too much vulnerable plastic in close vicinity.
I've pulled hundreds of steering wheels in my time. Back in the 1970's and '80's there a LOT of steering wheels you were NOT getting off without the proper puller setup. Pretty much everything domestic and for sure GM products. This has changed and nowadays a wheel that requires a puller is the exception.

[US1]

I’ve had good luck smacking the end of the puller with a hammer while it’s under tension. The shock usually does the trick.

[bruce91]

Got back from a month long trip and started at the wheel removal attempt again. I put the puller on it .... again, some PB blaster on it and tapping it several times, Nothing. I left the puller on under tension and came back to it 2 days later. Tightened up the puller and another wack or two and presto the wheel popped loose. For the life of me who knows why it was so stuck.

So now with the steering wheel off i was able replaced the clock spring.

My cruise control and horn now work.

[twinboat]

Great, you know what they say,

" Don't force it, use a bigger hammer "

[donr103]

Great job..