Wheel Pilot Installation

[Michael O']

My next project is to install an ST4000 wheel pilot on my O'Day 34. It appears that the 5-spoke Edson wheel needs a wheel-puller to remove it. I've got one and will take it with me to the boat next weekend, but I'm wondering - does the wheel have to be pressed back on? And how does that get done? Please - I don't want to have the wheel off the pedastal only to find that I can't get it back on!Thanks!Michael O'

 

[jim johnson]

wheel pilot

I have a hunter 31/1987 with wheel/pedestal. put a wp10 autopilot on it. my wheel is held on with a large flanged nut. took nut off, tapped the hub a few times and wheel came right off. there is a key in shaft and hub is keyed, a little lubrication helps. i take my wheel off every winter for storage. hope this helps. jim johnson

 

[Sean]

Steering Wheel

I think it's a good idea to only tighten the nut hand tight. If you have a steering failure, you can quickly remove the wheel and install the emergency tiller. Sean

 

[Michael O']

Thanks, Guys!

So I'll take a wheel-puller anyway, since I've got a couple, but I'll "tap" the wheel off and on. Maybe use a wood block...... Thankful I am, not to hear that the wheel's gotta' be pressed on!Michael O'

 

[richard]

you may need the puller

I had to remove the wheel from my O'Day 31 a few weeks ago to install a wheel pilot. I don't think it had been off since 1985 when the boat was built. It was a bear to get off. Started out with a small puller but ended up needing a 6" gear puller with 3 "fingers" and a lot of pressure. The good news is that after getting it off and cleaning the hub and the shaft, it now slides right off and on.Good luck.