Incarcerated Steering Wheel

[friendlyfred]

This steering wheel is stuck on my car. I can't determine how to rotate the hub counter-clockwise to remove it, and the the rest of the wheel.
I was able to remove it and install it in the normal way but now I can't turn the hub. Any help would be appreciated.

[TheTorch]

Fred,
If you mean the horn pad, you push in while turning counter clockwise. It will beep when you do this if the battery is hooked up.

If you mean the steering wheel itself is locked because the ignition lock is jammed, put the key in, turn the steering wheel a little one way or the other without too much force to enable you to turn the ignition key and unlock the column.

[friendlyfred]

I can't turn the hornpad counter-clockwise. It's jammed on something, maybe one of the machine bolts is backing out. Does this hub come apart from the front without damage?

[jim amato]

You have to press with enough force to overcome the horn cuff, which hardens with age

[friendlyfred]

Thanks Jim and Torch.
I d/c'd the batteries and pushed the horn hard enough to overcome the horn cuff. The hornpad won't turn AT all. It must come apart from the front??
Thanks,
I can't wait to solve this mystery. And be able to remove my hanging tach....

[Hugh Lindberg]

Can you take a rubber strap wrench to remove the hub?

[friendlyfred]

I'm afriad too much force on the hub will break it Hugh.

[Scott A]

The horn puck does not come apart from the front.

Only the rear.
This one is a reproduction. And is very very hard to ‘Turn’ on.
The bumps in the springs are either too tall or too stiff.
Sometimes when it’s too tight, I have to break the springs to make them weaker, but I do this on assembly, and you have to know where to do it.

I would find a young person, and have them turn 10-20 degrees counter clockwise.
My wrist just cannot do this stiff part any more.

I really doubt any screw has loosened. And you don’t need to push in.

Don’t use a metal tool or lever.
The rubber belt tool suggested could probably work.

In the future, the bat wing version has a lot more leverage, to overcome the springs.
The pucks are more difficult.
Sometimes you bend a spring, or even crack one, but you can get another, or tweak to work.
Given the good condition of your car, nothing is broken at the moment.

[mepstein]

Use one of the round rubber grippers that you use to open metal caps on glass jars. It’s just on there tight. I’ve removed a bunch of them and some are tougher than others.

[friendlyfred]

Thank you guys. Scott those pix are exactly what I have. Now I'll force the issue with abandon. Then weaken the springs on reassembly of this or the original 40cm wheel.
This forum is a wonderful place..