The FSM says to use some special tool to remove the steering wheel (86 pickup). Judging by the diagram, and the fact that removing the main 19mm nut made no difference, I'm guessing the tool is basically a gear puller with specially-shaped jaws. Has anyone suggestions on how to remove the wheel with not-special tools?

 

Buy a puller set or rent one from the parts store. They make a special tool for it, but I think a small gear puller could work.

 

-take the bolt off
-put it back on so all threads on the shaft aren't showing
-bear hug the steering wheel
-the nut should stop the body blow, but if it let's go it's gonna be a thud so watch your teeth

If this doesn't work steering wheel pullers are cheap. They're pretty much universal, instead of puller arms they use bolts to make the force happen.

 

You need one of these.


You can rent one from Autozone.
http://www.autozone.com/in_our_store...ring_wheel.htm

 

you dont "need" a puller, atleast i didnt. loosen the center nut and then do a few hard thumps with the side of your fist on the top, bottom, then left, and right sides a few times. mine came off after a few rounds of hitting it and a little wiggle from side to side. also like JDMSLIK said remember to put the nut back on a few threads or you might hit yourself in the face.

 

Mark the wheel so it goes back on exactly where it came off.

 

Yep, sometimes you dont need a wheel puller. I was able to get mine off by putting all my body weight into it. Good thing I left the nut on there or I wouldve knocked myself out

 

make a puller. Take a piece of steel and drill 2 holes in it the distance between the threaded holes. Leave the center nut on a bit and then thread bolts through the plate you made with the center of the steel resting on the center nut. Crank away....

 

I have a 1988 that I bought in 1989. In 1989 I needed to remove the steering wheel to replace the brass pin for the horn. I borrowed a steering wheel puller from my neighbor because the shop manual says to use one.

I replaced the pin again last year. I was too lazy to borrow the puller again. I just pulled it off by hand this time. It does help to remove the nut first....

 

where is the brass pin? i think thats what i need to get to cause my horn doesnt work anymore unless the steering wheel is a certain position

 

on the back of your wheel is a brass ring, there should be wear marks on it. line it back up and look behind the wear marks. It's a simple spring and plunger that frequently goes bad.

You can use spacers to bring the ring closer in a pinch too.

I think I broke my nose by forgetting to put that nut back on one day when the wheel was totally jamed on... so the watch your teeth thing....yea... lol

 

my steering wheel lost its center ring for the horn...the plunger post was fine, but i had to resolder the ring and orange silicon it back on (aftermarket wheel- grant/ quick release)...

took a while
but in all honesty, i just yanked the wheel off.
i think you also have to turn the key to remove or release the steering wheel lock too...

 

x2 On putting the nut back on. I wish I had found this thread before I removed my wheel. Catching a flying steering wheel with your nose/face is definitely not recommended. I still have the scar.