Any Pointers on removing the steering wheel

[denders]

All - We are prepping our 3607 aft cabin for a spring move. The bimini structure is down ,electroncs removed. I am now looking at removing the steering wheel. Any suggestions ? If you look in the 2 pictures there are 4 bolts holding it on so it seems obvious but I don't want to be cleaning up hydraulic fluid .

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[Viper]

Are you asking about removing the steering wheel or the helm pump, or both? The helm pump shaft should be tapered and while a wheel often comes off without tools, sometimes you need a puller. If you have to remove the lines from the pump, as long as you don't have a pressurized system, just unthread the fittings, cap them off and mark each one with the respective letter on the body of the pump so you know where they go back on. It will get a little messy as oil will leak from the lines and pump so be prepared with a pan, rags, etc. On each line, I usually tie a rag around it as a stop so oil running down the line will get caught by the rag and doesn't follow the line down somewhere you can't reach to clean it up.

If you have a pressurized system, you'll have to relieve the pressure at the remote reservoir before doing anything.

[denders]

Thanks Viper, I am hoping to just remove the wheel. I went back and forth with the transport company about maximum height allowed. If we pull the wheel ( and the rudders and props ) - I think we squeak by with an inch or 2 to spare. As a non-mechanical person .... what does a "puller" look like ? The system is pressurized so if we go that route , the reservoir is under the aft cabin bed ( so a least we know where to look ).

[denpooch]

I just did mine this year and it's pretty simple. The only tool you need is a rubber mallet.
I got under the center plate - loosened the nut holding the wheel to steering mechanism- and while 'pulling' or forcing the wheel away from the dash and toward you - slam that center shaft. ( when loosening the nut let it protrude over the top of the bolt..giving you a bigger target for the mallet)
The wheel comes off.
I found this on a blog:

"Ayuh,... It takes a 2 Knee'd puller...
Loosen the Nut til it's Flush with the shaft,...
Apply All the upward pressure you can with your Knees,...
Then Wack the Nut with a BFHammer,... 1 Good Blow is usually All it takes..

[denders]

thanks - that is the level of mechanical ability I have . I will give it a try next time we are up at the boat

[Viper]

I use a steel or plastic mallet because you want to "ping" the shaft for the taper to let go which you can't do with a rubber mallet. Rubber will work though if the wheel isn't stuck on that bad. As dp mentioned, you want to loosen the nut until it just protrudes above the shaft, you want to hit the nut and avoid hitting the shaft. Just be careful how hard you slam the shaft, I've seen too many helms leak and threads ruined as a result.

If pinging the shaft doesn't work, you'll need a puller. The proper type is one that you can bolt to the existing bolt holes in the helm. You can try the hook type on the hub of the wheel but you might distort it if the wheel is really jammed. Make sure the nut is in the same position described earlier, it will prevent the wheel from flying of once she lets go. A universal kit like this works fine...
https://www.amazon.ca/DASBET-Harmonic-Balancer-Puller-Steering/dp/B07D6B97JV/ref=asc_df_B07D6B97JV/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=336440277027&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3435540315656048725&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1002373&hvtargid=pla-819564252895&psc=1

[denders]

Thanks all - Will try the Ping technique first , will let you know how it turns out.

[g36]

A good whack always helps

[SplashyLady]

Remember to leave the nut on when you ping it. That will prevent from damaging the shaft threads. While putting pressure on the wheel, you will actually hit the nut, not the shaft, and the wheel should pop loose. Then unthread the nut and pull the wheel off. Al little PB Blaster or WD-40 sprayed on the nut/shaft beforehand won't hurt either. Once you get the wheel off, put the nut back on to protect the shaft while the wheel is removed.

Good luck!

[denders]

Thanks to all who chimed in - went up to the boat today , one rubber mallet whack and the steering wheel is off. All topside removals are complete , now the rudders and props.