TheSamba.com :: View topic - Steering wheel removal

Tue Sep 08, 2009 12:54 pm

I had never seen this. Very nice write up.

Sat Nov 07, 2009 5:30 pm

awesome. i got my steering wheel off using this technique. then i took everything else off in order to get to the ignition switch. Now that my ignition switch is fixed i dont know how to put it all back together. i have a very good idea but im confused as to what order some things go.

Is there some sort of diagram that shows the order of things?

Sat Nov 07, 2009 5:44 pm

Tue Dec 15, 2009 1:48 pm

this is great, just what i was looking for. thanks for the write up and pics.

Thu Aug 05, 2010 11:42 pm

"Cut a slot in two large washers 3 1/2" OD by 1 5/8 ID. Place washers under the wheel so that the slots do not line up. The top washer should contact the heads of the screws which hold the turn signal cancellation tab which is mounted to the underside of the wheel. One washer would probably do the trick if you align the slot properly and make sure you press against the cancellation screws:"

Please explain the importance of the large washers. They're only necessary if you use a puller, right? ... If I'm changing the wheel for a new one, can I get the wheel off without the puller? ... Thanks.

Steve

Fri Aug 06, 2010 12:57 am

Glad I have a late bus! That's a whole lot of work.

Mine consisted of:

Pry off horn button with fingernails.
Undo nut with fingers :!:
Lift wheel off with 0 effort :!: :!:

Yeah. Wrong I know.

Fri Aug 06, 2010 6:14 am

[email protected] wrote: can I get the wheel off without the puller? ... Thanks.

Steve
Stranger things have happened, maybe if you have arms like Popeye, most early wheels are one with the column and need the puller. The washers prevent screwing up the steering wheel which you'll likely want to hang onto to put back when you discover the new custom one sucks.

Fri Aug 06, 2010 6:33 am

I'd be a little worried about my face/teeth pulling it off with just my arms... ahahah, i can picture it now THOK!!! #$%^#$% steering wheel#@$^@# thesamba #@$%@ dentists

Fri Aug 06, 2010 7:05 am

I got a pretty good deal (sale) on a replica Just Kampers wheel bought through CIP1. I know it's the same wheel many vendors carry. No, I wouldn't change to another aftermarket style wheel. ... Just over a year ago a local shop had the current wheel off to repair electrical elements, including the turn signals and horn, so I know the wheel isn't "frozen" on from the factory. ... I've removed steering wheels on my Ghia and SB, and always leave the large nut (loose) on to prevent any violence. ... Thanks

Fri Aug 06, 2010 7:14 am

The wheel on our '71 came off with just a wiggle. The '72 I used the washer method, once. After that because I lubed it before I put the wheel back on, it has been and easy removal.

Fri Dec 10, 2010 11:44 am

I'm going to attempt pulling my steering wheel to get to the ignition cylinder.
Does anybody know a good source for the 3 1/2" OD by 1 5/8 ID washers?
Went to ace hardware and they only have up to 2" OD.
Going to try home depot later but I think these are going to be harder to find than that.

Also, Anchovy made a comment in the first post about the steering wheel lock. Are all '71s supposed to have the lock? I don't believe mine locks.

Fri Dec 10, 2010 12:15 pm

Professor Dred wrote: I'm going to attempt pulling my steering wheel to get to the ignition cylinder.
Does anybody know a good source for the 3 1/2" OD by 1 5/8 ID washers?
Went to ace hardware and they only have up to 2" OD.
Going to try home depot later but I think these are going to be harder to find than that.

Also, Anchovy made a comment in the first post about the steering wheel lock. Are all '71s supposed to have the lock? I don't believe mine locks.

whoa big boy. You don't need to pull the wheel for that.

Fri Dec 10, 2010 12:27 pm

aeromech wrote: Professor Dred wrote: I'm going to attempt pulling my steering wheel to get to the ignition cylinder.
Does anybody know a good source for the 3 1/2" OD by 1 5/8 ID washers?
Went to ace hardware and they only have up to 2" OD.
Going to try home depot later but I think these are going to be harder to find than that.

Also, Anchovy made a comment in the first post about the steering wheel lock. Are all '71s supposed to have the lock? I don't believe mine locks.

whoa big boy. You don't need to pull the wheel for that.

Hmm ok. Thanks for the abundance of info you provided aeromech. I'm basing this off of Ratwell's link to this page here

Can you give me an idea of how to remove the cylinder with the steering wheel on? Please keep in mind this is for a '71. Maybe I overlooked something but all signs point to removing the steering column, which includes removing the steering wheel.

Edit: Maybe I should have reworded that, I want to remove the tumbler as well. Not just the cylinder. Mine is sticking when I put the electrical switch in and I cannot remove the key unless I fiddle with it. Thought I could remove the tumbler, then the cylinder and clean it all up.

Fri Dec 10, 2010 1:23 pm

Send me a PM and I'll explain everything

Fri Dec 10, 2010 4:21 pm

Dred, I have a '71 and have replaced the keylock and the switch both without steering wheel removal. Not easy, but doable.

Fri Dec 10, 2010 6:47 pm

So okay, I was mistaken. I removed the whole steering column and turned it upside down. Then I did the coat hanger trick to reach around the back and push in the spring and removed the key-lock. and then removed the set-screws and pulled the cylinder out.
I just thought, after all the reading I did, that the whole assembly had to be off the steering column... nope.

Well, I figured out why I don't have a locking steering wheel, and it's apparent that I should. The outer steering column tube was turned so the lock mechanism was always in the unlock position. Why? Well, because the fork that drives the lock is broken. Not to mention its pretty torn up all over on the inside of the cylinder. So checking around for a new cylinder but I think the key-lock is still good.

Thanks guys.

Thu Feb 17, 2011 12:17 pm

Great write up! It reminded me that I had a steering wheel puller in my tool box.....Got it out and it took a few seconds to pop the steering wheel off.

I forgot about the tool, as I bought it at a garage sale years ago. :wink:

Mon May 16, 2011 11:08 am

Professor Dred wrote: Does anybody know a good source for the 3 1/2" OD by 1 5/8 ID washers?

Sheesh. Me too... can't find this size anywhere around here. Biggest I found was 3" OD 1 1/4" ID... so close... and yet so far. Small town living sometimes has it's disadvantages. No one has a 3 arm gear puller either so had to order from the interwebs. :?

Mon May 16, 2011 11:20 am

I just pulled the wheel off a 1971 bus a few days ago. I have a puller specially made for the job and sold here in the classifieds:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=478847

Even using this puller the wheel didn't comes off easily. I've found several that come off with a loud "bang". My point is that removing your wheel can easiely damage it. Be careful and try to use the right tool.

Mon May 16, 2011 1:07 pm

aeromech wrote: My point is that removing your wheel can easiely damage it. Be careful and try to use the right tool.

Yes thanks aeromech, point taken, which is why I ordered the arm puller after gingerly trying hand rocking/rubbet malleting etc etc. She ain't budging. Shoulda scrounged classifieds here first. Will remember that next time. My steering wheel is already really cracked up, which is why I'm removing it. Going to try to JB it all back together and re-paint it. We'll see.