Topic: 1967 GT500 Steering Wheel Removal

[kkupec02]

Trying to remove steering wheel so I can replace harness. Horns work at horn, but no power from steering wheel harness. I have lubed and pulled and tapped with rubber hammer to no avail. Could something be holding it up? Do the 2 horn wires that attach to horn button on wheel have to go through hole as steering wheel is pulled off? If so, that is what may be holding it up.

[ruppstang]

A steering wheel puller is what you need. Most auto parts stores will loan them.

There are contacts pads on the wheel base that touch the turn switch contacts. No direct wire from the turn switch to horn button.

[jwc66k]

Trying to remove steering wheel so I can replace harness.

A steering wheel puller is what you need. Most auto parts stores will loan them.

A Mustang Service Manual would also be a good idea.
Jim

[Bob Gaines]

A steering wheel puller is what you need. Most auto parts stores will loan them.

There are contacts pads on the wheel base that touch the turn switch contacts. No direct wire from the turn switch to horn button.

A steering wheel puller could potentially ruin a 67 Shelby steering wheel. It will do more harm then good . 

[Bob Gaines]

A Mustang Service Manual would also be a good idea.
Jim

Service manual is a necessity in 67 Mustang /Shelby ownership and good advice on its own merit. A Mustang service manual is worthless for any help in regards to removing a 67 Shelby steering wheel.

[Bob Gaines]

Trying to remove steering wheel so I can replace harness. Horns work at horn, but no power from steering wheel harness. I have lubed and pulled and tapped with rubber hammer to no avail. Could something be holding it up? Do the 2 horn wires that attach to horn button on wheel have to go through hole as steering wheel is pulled off? If so, that is what may be holding it up.

I will tell how I have removed I dare say over a 100 odd 67 Shelby steering wheels. Loosen the steering wheel nut and back it off until the top surface of the nut is flush with the top of the shaft. I use a air hammer tool along with a air hammer attachment that i have made by cutting the shaft so as to have a shaft with a flat top.  I have a helper firmly grip the steering wheel rim with both hands  across from each other while putting firm pulling tension on the rim (not pulling so hard as to bend anything) . At the same time I put the air hammer blunt end on the top of the flush nut and shaft. A quick  second or 2 rat a tat tat of the air hammer and the steering wheel comes off. It typically comes off quick and to the surprise of the puller helper so he needs to be ready. If it doesn't come off quickly a longer time with the air hammer. That is the quickest and best way that I have found. A slightly different strategy with a brass shaft and a hammer may get the same results but is harder and more dangerous to you or helper and to the steering shaft IMHO.     

[Bob Gaines]

FYI check the contacts on your steering column switch harness to confirm no power .If you are lucky it will be only the switch. If you have power at the posts then next check continuity between each individual horn wire and the corresponding contact ring on the bottom side of the wheel. You should have continuity between each wire and bottom contact ring  . If encountering no continuity between a wire and corresponding bottom ring then you have discovered which wire that has come discontented deep inside the epoxy matrix of the inside of the wheel. Sometimes you can get lucky and find that a coating has developed on the two contact horn switch posts or the bottom contact rings.Sometimes the coating will insulate the horn contacts and cause the no horn problem.  Regardless while the wheel is off those contact points need to be cleaned with lacquer thinner or similar solvent to dissolve the coating and then lubricate with dielectric grease. I hope this

[Bob Gaines]

Hopefully you will not have a broken wire inside the wheel . If you do then PM me for phone contact info as a described fix will take more typing then I care to do.

[ruppstang]

I have not pulled off a 67 Shelby wheel but going by what Bob posted I think the same could be accomplished by installing the wheel puller and just slightly loading it then giving the jack screw a sharp whack with a hammer. I have had good success pulling other thing with this technique.

[kkupec02]

Thanks all. I did look at Mustang service manuals that I have and Bob is right. No details about a Shelby steering wheel pull. I also tried YouTube to no avail. I will try a brass punch on steering shaft tomorrow while pulling on wheel from behind with my knees. The wheel started to come off today, but never broke free. I spoke to the prior owner today who said that 1 of the 2 horn contacts on the wiring harness is broken. He said he torqued the heck out of the nut when he put it back on which is why I am having a hard time I guess. Maybe I am pulling up the 2 piece steering shaft a little?

[Bob Gaines]

I have not pulled off a 67 Shelby wheel but going by what Bob posted I think the same could be accomplished by installing the wheel puller and just slightly loading it then giving the jack screw a sharp whack with a hammer. I have had good success pulling other thing with this technique.

Marty a 67 Shelby wheel does not have screw threads to mount a steering wheel puller . The edge between the steering column and the bottom of the 67 Shelby wheel hub is typically less then a 1/8 inch so not enough room for a grip type puller.   

[Bob Gaines]

Thanks all. I did look at Mustang service manuals that I have and Bob is right. No details about a Shelby steering wheel pull. I also tried YouTube to no avail. I will try a brass punch on steering shaft tomorrow while pulling on wheel from behind with my knees. The wheel started to come off today, but never broke free. I spoke to the prior owner today who said that 1 of the 2 horn contacts on the wiring harness is broken. He said he torqued the heck out of the nut when he put it back on which is why I am having a hard time I guess. Maybe I am pulling up the 2 piece steering shaft a little?

If you are lucky your approach may work . If not try the same technique with two people  . FYI if you don't have access to a air hammer they can be bought with attachments for about 20.00 from harbor freight . Best of luck with your way.

[kkupec02]

That's the funny thing. I have the wheel out somewhat so I can't even get the shaft even with the nut. The wheel is almost off. I just can't get the wheel that last 1/4 inch or so.

[ruppstang]

Thanks Bob!

kkupec02 perhaps some pictures may help us help you.

[Bossbill]

And do not apply pressure to the actual rim but to the spokes.

The weld of the rim to the spokes is pretty flaky. I have had the entire outside wood rim separate from the spokes. The fix was very expensive.