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Problems pulling off the Steering Wheel???

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Posted by: maskmarkman

Anyone ever have problems taking off a steering wheel off the column? I just popped the bolts out steering wheel while trying use a puller and stripping the treads out of the wheel!

Yeah, It seems that Ford used some cheap pop metal in the steering wheels... Anyway, I need to get it off to fix the power tilt in the column. I supposes, I could get the BFH out and risk it......

Posted by: turn_on68

Quote:

Originally Posted by maskmarkman

Anyone ever have problems taking off a steering wheel off the column? I just popped the bolts out steering wheel while trying use a puller and stripping the treads out of the wheel!

Yeah, It seems that Ford used some cheap pop metal in the steering wheels... Anyway, I need to get it off to fix the power tilt in the column. I supposes, I could get the BFH out and risk it......

Please keep us informed. I need to swap steering wheels as the leather on mine has been pealing off for quite some time now.

Posted by: Russo

Quote:

Originally Posted by turn_on68

Please keep us informed. I need to swap steering wheels as the leather on mine has been pealing off for quite some time now.

I'm in the same situation, mine is in a pretty bad shape. What are you thinking of replacing it with? I remember reading somewhere that the cobra steering wheel is an almost perfect fit. If that's an option that's the way I'd go, cause the cobra one is thicker than the mark viii, has a nicer feel to it.

Posted by: maskmarkman

I seen a post from Feb 10 that said that they was going to replace their Mark steering wheel with a 97 Cobra wheel. They was saying they was identical to the Mark wheel? It would need to be identical or you would be replacing the Air bag and thats big bucks. I have some replace quoits for mine from a salvage yard for about $65.00... with shipping.

I am going to try to pull mine off with another type of puller for my column has pulled out of the dash and needs fixed or replaced. The tilt and telescopic wheel wasn't working at all and when I pulled on it, it came out of the dash serveral inchs. Now, its out pulled out dash and some ball bearings feel out and just hanging on by a cable and serveral wires that are from blenker / wiper switch. If another puller won't pull the wheel off the column. I'm going to my big hammer out and beat it to death. I sure if I do that I will be replacing my column as well but its in bad shape now and would most likely cost a bit for the parts to repair it anyway? It might be cheaper to replace the column then to repair it anyways... I will let you know what happens soon.

Posted by: smittman

I had this same problem with my 96 Town car but was able to remedy it by drilling out the two stripped holes, all the way through the hub, and tapping it to the next size larger bolt hole. Then using my standard wheel puller, the steering wheel popped right off.
Actually this is the reason I joined this chat group, trying to find this solution. I was worried that drilling through the hub would damage something but there is no danger, nothing there to worry about.
Sam Mittman, Eureka, KS

Posted by: rlysmthn

Oh yes I forgot to mention---once you have drawn the puller tight and a little bit more you strike the thightening screw with a hammer a couple of times, never, never tighten it so much that you pull out all the threads, strike the puller bolt, and that will do the trick, (look at the top of it, it is designed for that) this will relieve the stress on the wheel, that is the proper use of the tool, You must use the right bolts, (match the threads) and screw them all the way in , there should still be threads left, try again, by the way did you mark the steering wheel position? I have removed over 100 steering wheels of all makes good luck.

Quote:

Originally Posted by maskmarkman

Anyone ever have problems taking off a steering wheel off the column? I just popped the bolts out steering wheel while trying use a puller and stripping the treads out of the wheel!

Yeah, It seems that Ford used some cheap pop metal in the steering wheels... Anyway, I need to get it off to fix the power tilt in the column. I supposes, I could get the BFH out and risk it......

Posted by: rlysmthn

PLEASE DON'T BEAT YOUR CAR TO DEATH, iF YOU DID NOT HAVE A BAD COLUMN THEN YOU COULD BUY A LEATHER LACE ON COVER FOR THE WHEEL OR EVEN THE EXTRA THICK ONE AND PAD THE WHEEL, PLEASE DO NOT KEEP ON BREAKING YOUR CAR, ITS NOT NICE

Quote:

Originally Posted by maskmarkman

I seen a post from Feb 10 that said that they was going to replace their Mark steering wheel with a 97 Cobra wheel. They was saying they was identical to the Mark wheel? It would need to be identical or you would be replacing the Air bag and thats big bucks. I have some replace quoits for mine from a salvage yard for about $65.00... with shipping.

I am going to try to pull mine off with another type of puller for my column has pulled out of the dash and needs fixed or replaced. The tilt and telescopic wheel wasn't working at all and when I pulled on it, it came out of the dash serveral inchs. Now, its out pulled out dash and some ball bearings feel out and just hanging on by a cable and serveral wires that are from blenker / wiper switch. If another puller won't pull the wheel off the column. I'm going to my big hammer out and beat it to death. I sure if I do that I will be replacing my column as well but its in bad shape now and would most likely cost a bit for the parts to repair it anyway? It might be cheaper to replace the column then to repair it anyways... I will let you know what happens soon.

Posted by: Russo

quote from the website:
"M-3601-B Fits 1994-04 Mustang V-6, GT and Cobra.
Features thicker, racing-style rim section, covered in perforated and smooth black leather. Uses OE airbag and cruise control switches (Not included). Direct replacement for OE steering wheel."

http://www.fordracingparts.com/parts...tKeyField=3827

that looks like it might work on a mark, what do you all think?

Posted by: 2001LS8Sport

Buy a cheap wheel on eBay for a regular Mustang and see how they fit. If it works, step up to the Cobra or FR500 wheel. (which is even nicer)

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