Where can I get a socket to remove the steering wheel nut?

Post by **MGFmad** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 8:18 pm

I am going to fit a replacement steering wheel as my old one is badly faded, anyone know where I can buy a socket to remove the nut (3/4 whitworth from the spanner sizes thread)

Post by **PSL184** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 8:20 pm

I got mine from a guy on here who gets whitworth stuff now and again... Try sending a pm to "harrymango"

Post by **paulhumphries** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 8:26 pm

Get a 33mm as virtually the same as 3/4W (you would need small feeler gauge to tell difference

) as far easier / cheaper to find.
I have a deep 33mm socket and suitable for bottom pulley / starter dog nut as well.

Paul Humphries

linearaudio · Post by **linearaudio** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 8:44 pm

paulhumphries wrote:Get a 33mm as virtually the same as 3/4W (you would need small feeler gauge to tell difference ) as far easier / cheaper to find.
I have a deep 33mm socket and suitable for bottom pulley / starter dog nut as well.

Paul Humphries

But 1/2" drive! 3/4" drive easier still to find, but too large outside diameter to fit in the recess

Post by **bigginger** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 8:58 pm

H'fords sell 33mm 1/2 inch drive, which does the job perfectly

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 8:59 pm

The largest socket in my set fits the bill. I'm sure halfords will have one if you can't get it anywhere else. Top tip when removing that wheel - don't take the nut right off - just loosen it. Otherwise when you bang the underside of the wheel to get it to slide up the splines- it leaps off and smacks you in the face!

Post by **paulhumphries** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 9:02 pm

I'd already got a full set of 3/4" drive sockets and like it's been said they are too big so I bought another 33mm deep impact socket in 1/2" for around £4.50 from an accessory shop.

Paul Humphries

Post by **MGFmad** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 9:17 pm

Excellent - thanks for the replies. I don't think I have a 33mm socket but I know someone who will!

Thanks for the tip BMC - I will do that.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 9:56 pm

Any one with a Mini will be bound to have one - fits various Mini things ! You may well find the nut has already been assaulted with a chisel - that's the usual way to loosen these nuts!

Post by **Matt** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 10:01 pm

Its 1 5/16th in AF size ;)

Post by **bigginger** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 11:04 pm

bmcecosse wrote:You may well find the nut has already been assaulted with a chisel - that's the usual way to loosen these nuts!

*sighs* In your experience. I've never seen it, but I've only owned six of the things and worked on lots more

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 11:22 pm

Ah but my experience is so much greater than yours Andrew!
[That's a joke Andrew - don't go off in the huff!]
Steering wheel nuts - and rear hub nuts - very often chiselled! I'm not saying it's right -just what i've seen.

Post by **rayofleamington** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 12:04 am

You may well find the nut has already been assaulted with a chisel - that's the usual way to loosen these nuts!

I've had 15 or so Minors and all the ones I can remember had chisel marks (nt from me though apart from my first Minor)

Post by **alainmoran** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 2:18 am

mine has chisel marks ... umm ... some of which might be mine

Post by **mike.perry** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 10:21 am

You were right first time 3/4 whit. on a 1/2 in drive.
Before you remove the wheel mark its position on the spines with tipex or something so you can line the new wheel up square.

Post by **PSL184** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 2:27 pm

mike.perry wrote:.....the new wheel up square.

Mine is round

Post by **mike.perry** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 4:01 pm

Sorry, getting confused with Allegros!!!

I meant lining the wheel up so that it was in the correct position on the splines. Its one of those things that bugs me when I'm driving a Minor with the steering wheel 30 degrees out.

Post by **PSL184** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 4:46 pm

I was yanking your chain Mike, but I agree... Very irritating when a wheel is not properly aligned. Anyone know why the chrome spoke Minor wheels "appear" to be fitted 180 out when correctly aligned....? I would normally expect the Y position rather than the ^ position if you know what I'm on about

Post by **bigginger** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 8:05 pm

They don't! It gives you something to rest your hands on AND a useful 'straight ahead' indicator - OK, the second one's rubbish, unless you're entering the RAC this year...

Post by **PSL184** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 8:53 pm

I was taught to drive and hold my hands at "ten to two" therefore the other way up would provide my suitable hand resting place... You young'uns...