getting the steering wheel off

[james.ed]

Hi all,

I need to get to the horn cable at the base of the steering wheel. having looked at the manual I feel completely unprepared without a 'steering wheel removing device' as stipulated. anyone know the size of the nut.. guessing i can use a ratchet thingy to release it if i get the right chuck thingy for it. anything i should watch out for when it comes off?!

[simmitc]

Glad that you're looking for the correct socket - do not be tempted to use a chisel or similar, it will ruin the nut. I'll check the correct size later, but for the time being.... (a) disconnect the battery, (b) remove the horn push, (c) Loosen the nut but do not remove it, (d) strike the wheel from underneath with your palm. It will move quite easily, and the nut stops it from flying off and hitting you in the face. Once the wheel is loose, then remove the nut completely and then the wheel.

[bmcecosse]

Short sharp blow with a chisel and wee heavy hammer works a treat - and it hardly marks the nut - certainly doesn't 'ruin' it! Most minors show signs of the nut having been 'chiseled' over the years.......

[mike.perry]

3/4 Whitworth socket. If the steering wheel does not move then a hand on either side of the rim and wiggle it.

[james.ed]

thanks all.. i'll be off to halfrauds tomorrow then!

[bmcecosse]

Bet they don't have one - they may have a chisel though....

[TomLS]

Been looking to remove the wheel myself. Either spend £8 on a single 3/4W socket on the internet (good luck finding any Whitworth sockets on the highstreet - it always was a stupid system any way) or use a chisel as I will now be doing!
If its anything like my landy steering wheel be prepared to make a puller or get some wooden blocks and a lump hammer to beat it off the splines...

P.S unless you remove the circlip and spring under the horn button / disconnect the battery while you use a socket, be prepared for the horn to sound continuously whilst you undo the nut

[mike.perry]

Any decent tool shop should be able to get a 3/4 Whit socket

[Declan_Burns]

I use a 34mm Proxxon thin walled socket.
Regards
Declan

[katy]

1&5/16" AF also fits

[traveller1]

Just done this for my first time in 40 years. Measured the nut with a pair of simple dividers . Borrowed a 33mm socket from a farmer. Next day went to Halfords but they only had impact type sockets, with thick walls- could have been too tight a fit inside the wheel. Went to local tool distributor and got a 1 5/16" AF as recommended - although 33mm is a very good fit. It really wasnt a problem removing the nut and a firm fist thump loosened the wheel. Just remember to get everything aligned so the wheel looks symetrical when you replace it. Actually I put the wheel back on upside down and wondered why the spokes looked good but the horn wouldnt fit! Price was under £10 with a lifetime guarantee.