darn steering column...

[69-GT]

alright guys...i know someone will be able to tell me what i'm looking for so here it goes...

I removed the stering column from the car...lost keys, steering locked...not good. So i would like to remove the ignition all together and put a push button start. My problem is...i removed the wheel, and then there is a center post which has a thread/nut holding the piece to the column...(?? sound too confusing). How do i remove this piece(the wheel bolts to it) so that i can get to the ignition?? am i supposed to use a puller of some sort, or should it just pull right off one i remove the retaining nut?

[baronbors]

Un-thread the theaded nut from the center post and then use a wheel puller to remove the steering wheel- should just pop off!

[69-GT]

nevermind guys...i did what i should have done in the first place...read previous threads on the subject. I heated up the splines(like it said in another post), and then tried the steering wheel puller, and it FINALLY popped off. Thanks anyways.

[namba209]

Originally Posted by baronbors Un-thread the theaded nut from the center post and then use a wheel puller to remove the steering wheel- should just pop off!

Tom, I really hate to disagree with you, but in this case I will. The steering shaft that the nut goes on is way to soft to take completly off and use a steering wheel puller on. My suggestion (in this regard) is to loosen the nut until it reaches the top of the shaft, then use the wheel puller. That way, if the threads get screwed up, which can happen, the nut can be backed off the shaft to kinda sorta restore the threads.

[baronbors]

Guess I have been lucky so far but you have a good idea that should be safer.

[opelbits]

I tend to leave the nut on the shaft, not so much to protect the threads (which is a good practice, even with balljoints/tie-rod end, too), but really so I don't have the puller and the hub pop-off and land in my lap. Like the Baron syas, it's 'safer'.

[baz]

on the column its also saves a wheel in the teeth if you are doing it the physical way and yanking up and down on the wheel

[GTJIM]

Originally Posted by 69-GT nevermind guys...i did what i should have done in the first place...read previous threads on the subject. I heated up the splines(like it said in another post), and then tried the steering wheel puller, and it FINALLY popped off. Thanks anyways.

Here is one thread about the way to do this job - heat is always a good addition!

http://www.opelgt.com/forums/3b-stee...g+wheel+thread