Removal of FC-170 Steering Wheel Suggestions

cruzrkid

cruzrkid

Knuckle Buster
May 31, 2024
2
Loomis, CA
First Name
Brian
Willys Model
  1. Forward Control
Willys Year:
  1. 1963
Hi,
We have a 1962 FC-170 with a steering wheel that refuses to come off the steering column. Any suggestions for methods to remove a stubborn steering wheel?
Thanks!
 
Welcome Brian!

Here's a link to more information on the loaner program Jeff is referring to:
https://www.oldwillysforum.com/forum/index.php?threads/tool-share-program-rules.14645/

And check out this link for details on the tool, at least a couple of alternate pulling methods, and general tips:
https://www.oldwillysforum.com/forum/index.php?threads/steering-wheel-puller.15475/

You want to find a way to get a good "all the way around" upward pressure from the back side of the steering wheel hub located as close to the tube of the steering column as possible.

You need to distribute the forces evenly on the underside of the very bottom edge of that hub, or you'll destroy the "plastic" wheel covering material.

Pull the signal light switch off first, of course...
image_2024-05-31_210037873.png
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Last edited:
Just to add my two cents...I tried @diggerG ’s torch method today and found that it works as advertised.

I'd been basting my wheel spline liberally for about a week giving it a shot of PB Blaster a couple times a day, and was fairly convinced it wasn't going to come off without the aid of a Sawzall. I had even tried a couple of hillbilly homemade jigs to pull it off mechanically with no luck.

As a last resort before waiting for the Forum puller to become available, I tried the torch method, and with about 4-5 heat cycles and a half a days work I have the offending wheel proudly sitting on my shop floor.

It should work if you are patient and persistent.
 
dekeeb said:
Just to add my two cents...I tried Diggers torch method today and found that it works as advertised. I'd been basting my wheel spline liberally for about a week giving it a shot of PB Blaster a couple times a day and was fairly convinced it wasn't going to come off without the aid of a Sawzall. I had even tried a couple of hillbilly home made jigs to pull it off mechanically with no luck. As a last resort before waiting for the Forum puller to become available, I tried the torch method, and with about 4-5 heat cycles and a half a days work I have the offending wheel proudly sitting on my shop floor. It should work if you are patient and persistent.
Click to expand...
Outstanding Kris!
 
Simply go to Kaiser Willys and order their WP300 wheel puller and pop that wheel off quickly,safely and no damage to the wheel or shaft threads!
 
Hi Everyone,
Thankyou very much for all the assistance. I really appreciate it. We are going to go ahead and order that puller and see if that does the trick. We appreciate the warm welcome. Here is a picture of my son and his FC-170 he got up and running. He is planning on driving it to high school as soon as he gets his license. IMG_8218.jpg
 
Stakebed said:
Outstanding Kris!
Click to expand...
Thanks Kris!
I get plenty of credit (the negative kind) for things that don’t work so it’s a proud day for some positivity. My father (A LIncoln Engineer) could do anything remotely possible with a torch or arc welder. My brother and I both worked for him in later years at his millwright shop.
Greg (diggerG)
 
cruzrkid said:
Hi Everyone,
Thankyou very much for all the assistance. I really appreciate it. We are going to go ahead and order that puller and see if that does the trick. We appreciate the warm welcome. Here is a picture of my son and his FC-170 he got up and running. He is planning on driving it to high school as soon as he gets his license. View attachment 165499
Click to expand...
Who says kids nowadays don't have it any more? This lad is living proof not all is lost.
 
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