Steering Wheel Puller?

[Rallye]

Does anyone have a good suggestion for a steering wheel puller for my Manta? Any tips to doing it sanely??

Thanks,
Elwood

[First opel 1981]

I just use a universal steering wheel puller like this one


balpuller.jpg

[Rallye]

Looks good to me. I thought that someone said that you needed something different than the standard puller. Maybe I was confused about which car.

Thanks for the response. I think I will go to the Autognome or Advanced to rent/borrow one....

Elwood

[timemachine]

Elwood,

I got a generic puller at Pep Boys. Had to buy a couple bolts/nuts at Home Depot, since what came with the kit were bolts for threaded pull points in standard wheels that don't fit the Manta. But the whole deal was under $20 and works fine. Lots of parts stores have them.

The one thing you want to be careful about is not to distort the splines or "mushroom" the steering shaft as you apply pressure to it. Make sure your puller stays centered on the steering shaft and doesn't wander to the edges as you tighten. The puller I got was simple, just two bolt slots in parallel with the center hole for the bolt that pushes on the shaft. The end of the bolt that pushes against the shaft is isolated by a little insert so that the bolt itself does not grind at the shaft as you tighten it. Will be obvious once you see it.

Jim

[Bill Hoffmann]

I also use a standard harmonic balancer puller. All that I would add is that I have ground three long bolts' heads to a 'T' shape so they can be inserted and turned 90 degrees to lock in, deep along side of the shaft. I believe they can be threaded in also, but I prefer not to do it that way. I think you will see what I mean. Also, put a drop of oil in the center where the screw bears on the steering shaft, and on the threads of the puller also. Finally, once you apply some tension, give the end of the screw a light tap with a hammer on occasion, which will usually make it pop apart without using too much force.

Bill