Edson Wheel removal

[Euphoria2011]

Does anybody know how to remove this wheel?
I was thinking of removing the Raymarine ST4000 Mrk2 wheel pilot and inspect and/or replace the drive belt.

Oh, and i didn't think I was successful in getting rid of that annoying air bubble in the compass but after messing with it for an hour, I had it down to a very small bubble, of which i gave up to leave well enough alone, but when I got back to the boat the following weekend, the small bubble had disappeared, wow

 

[RAD]

You should be able to pull on it near the center and it will come off, there's a key way that's being stubborn ......if not try putting a few blocks of wood behind it and the pedestal and pry between the blocks

 

[jibes138]

Get a gear puller, should be available at most tool places or auto parts stores. At harbor freight they are about 18 to 25 bucks depending on if you want three or four legs. Don't go hammering or prying on the pedestal, I recently priced up a replacement pedestal, over 3 grand for all the parts, the base is about a grand, the cheapest wheel is about 600. A puller sounds cheap compared to the potential to damage some really expensive equipment.

 

[Panta Rei]

Air bubbles..... They will come and go as the temperature changes. Compass makers use a vacuum chamber/ device when filling to prevent bubbles from appearing.
You can do the same by placing the mineral oil (no need for special "compass oil") in the refrigerator or freezer prior to filling. I do not get bubbles even in winter.

After two months of work repairing the damage from someone trying to pull my prop off, I can testify to the benefit of a good wheel puller penetrating oil and patience.

While you are waiting for the penetrating oil to work, you might want to check the aluminum bolts that hold down the pedestal. Mine were corroded to the point I could break them off with my fingers. I can see someone fall against the pedestal and breaking it free from the cockpit floor. The helmsman would be in for a treat trying to steer with the wheel in his lap.

Warning , you will not likely be able to loosen the aluminum nuts on the bolts. The will be too corroded. Just see if if you can easily twist the bolt in two. It they seem solid , leave them alone.
Edison sells the bolts.

 

[Panta Rei]

Get a gear puller, should be available at most tool places or auto parts stores. At harbor freight they are about 18 to 25 bucks depending on if you want three or four legs. Don't go hammering or prying on the pedestal, I recently priced up a replacement pedestal, over 3 grand for all the parts, the base is about a grand, the cheapest wheel is about 600. A puller sounds cheap compared to the potential to damage some really expensive equipment.

Right on!!!!!