I need to remove the wheel from the steering post on my 1985 O'Day 31 to install an auto pilot. I thought this would be straight forward but when I took off the wheel nut the wheel wouldn't budge on the shaft. I tried tapping on it with a block of wood and a small hammer but still no movement. I can't see any clips or anything else that should keep it from coming off. Is it just frozen on the shaft? I sprayed boshield on it but to no avail. Do I need a wheel puller? Thanks for any help! Richard
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Been there, done that!
Yes, you will need a wheel puller. If it does not come easily, use a torch to heat the outside a bit. Mine was frozen on by rust and salt. However, when I sanded off the rust it was actually a bit loose on the keyway. You should use anti-aeize paste when replacing. Thanks Jim W
Yes, you will need a wheel puller. If it does not come easily, use a torch to heat the outside a bit. Mine was frozen on by rust and salt. However, when I sanded off the rust it was actually a bit loose on the keyway. You should use anti-aeize paste when replacing. Thanks Jim W
wheel off
Rich; The first time I took the wheel off my Bene it was a pain in the rear, but I wanted it off to make it easier to move around in the cockpit. Use a spray tube or straw to get some Liquid Wrench behind the wheel and onto the shaft. Put the puller on, put some tension on it and tap the hub with a small sledge hammer on a brass drift. Gradually increase puller tension and keep tapping all around the hub. The corrosion will break free. (I wouldn't use heat. The hub may discolor) Good luck.
Rich; The first time I took the wheel off my Bene it was a pain in the rear, but I wanted it off to make it easier to move around in the cockpit. Use a spray tube or straw to get some Liquid Wrench behind the wheel and onto the shaft. Put the puller on, put some tension on it and tap the hub with a small sledge hammer on a brass drift. Gradually increase puller tension and keep tapping all around the hub. The corrosion will break free. (I wouldn't use heat. The hub may discolor) Good luck.
Heat is the very last resort
But it is better that getting the wheel stuck on or breaking the spokes (some pullers don't fit well. Discoloration easily removed by steel wool and metal polish. Why CAN'T they use anti-seize when the wheel is first put on? Grrr,,,,,
But it is better that getting the wheel stuck on or breaking the spokes (some pullers don't fit well. Discoloration easily removed by steel wool and metal polish. Why CAN'T they use anti-seize when the wheel is first put on? Grrr,,,,,
thanks for the replies.
Now I guess I have to find out where to get a wheel puller. Thanks again. Richard
Now I guess I have to find out where to get a wheel puller. Thanks again. Richard
Sizes.
There are different sizes Richard but you will recognize the one you need. It will have about a 3/8" to 1/2" spindle with 5 or 6 inches of travel. It is mainly a matter of reach. On my Edson wheel the "fingers" would have to go on the back of the hub. That would be about four inches from the center of the shaft. One advantage of tipping the guys after launch and haulout? You can usually get what you need from the marina shop.
There are different sizes Richard but you will recognize the one you need. It will have about a 3/8" to 1/2" spindle with 5 or 6 inches of travel. It is mainly a matter of reach. On my Edson wheel the "fingers" would have to go on the back of the hub. That would be about four inches from the center of the shaft. One advantage of tipping the guys after launch and haulout? You can usually get what you need from the marina shop.
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