77 beetle Steering removal (plus ignition switch help)

[moosetacular]

i am trying to remove my steering wheel so i can get back to replace my ignition switch. i've looked at alot of online guides but i cant figure out what the trick is to removing the big plastic cover.
my steering wheel looks like this.

Thanks guys

[jcmyers]

need steering wheel puller once you get past the cover I believe (can get them at any autoparts place)

not the same, but similar I think
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=310527

[Tim Donahoe]

It's easy. Just dig your fingers in between the cover and the wheel--that small space that colsses when you press for the horn--and wedge your fingers in and pull towards you (as you're sitting in the seat, of course).

It will seem like you broke something, but not to worry.

Do one arm at a time.

Tim

[Tim Donahoe]

You won't need a puller on your year.

Just loosen the nut; take it out; and yank on the wheel.

Watch out for your chin!

Tim

[DUBSLIFE5150]

what tim said. you just have to pry at the spokes with your fingers. everytime i do it i get scaredd that i broke it. but it'll be fine. you dont need a puller. atleast i didnt. you will need a good size socket. forget what size.
_________________
'72 beetle mutt
stock 1600 dual port engine.

[jcmyers]

good to know! haven't had to remove mine yet

[DUBSLIFE5150]

oh yeah! what tim said again. When you feel the need to pound on the rear of the steering wheel with the palms of your hand, watch your face. i still feel that one! ahaha
_________________
'72 beetle mutt
stock 1600 dual port engine.

[Glenn]

[19super73]

My method is taking the neg lead off the battery, large flat head screwdriver to gently pop each corner off the horn cover and then, as mentioned, loosen the nut until it's only a few turns on the spindle, then grab and pull without ending up breaking your nose.
_________________
1970 Campmobile [url=https://www.vw-mplate.com/mplate-47260.png]Click to view image[/URL]
1970 Fastback 1600 TL
1971 Doka [url=https://www.vw-mplate.com/mplate-14845.png]Click to view image[/URL]
1973 Super Beetle
1973 Westfalia [url=https://www.vw-mplate.com/mplate-31892.png]Click to view image[/URL]
1974 412 Variant
1975 La Grande Bug
1984 Vanagon

[moosetacular]

OK, i pried off the cover with a large screwdriver, it really scared me how much force it took to pry off, now it's stuck somewhere in the center? am i missing something?

thanks

[19super73]

[moosetacular]

[Tim Donahoe]

Moose, you have a 1974-on. It has a special cross housing that requires you to do as the last few posters said. Just twist and turn--but don't yank it up too far until you take off the horn wire.

Have fun removing that nut, by the way. Some are on pretty tight. You have to sort of hold the wheel with your thighs as you turn the socket.

Tim

[moosetacular]

after i got the steering wheel off and got the turn and wiper switches out (pull those 2 hoses) i fought to get the key ignition out (took way too long, i drilled the hole in the wrong spot, Doh). whats the trick to get the ignition switch out? Do i have to pull the whole steering column out?

Thanks

[Joel]

Take the column out and you'll see how the switch removes.