Remove Fly Bridge Wheel

[Cheechako]

1985 Tiawanese Trawler (Hershine). Restoring woodwork on flying bridge. Removed all the louvered doors to sand/refinish, but one door won't open far enough to allow me access to the hinge screws (see photo, first frame). The wheel is blocking the door.

I removed the wheel cap and found a large nut holding the wheel to the shaft (frame 2), but once the nut was removed, the wheel does not budge and I can't figure out how the wheel can be taken off the shaft. It does not appear that the wheel is engaging the shaft threads.

There is a small slot in the base of the wheel, and I think maybe a little pin fitting into the slot (frame 3) ? On the exterior of the shaft (behind the wheel) is a small (rusty) pin that looks like it is designed to fit into some tool that keeps the shaft from rotating (frame 4).

Is this a pressure fitting? Any suggestions?

 

[Larry M]

We have the same wheel. Ours came off fairly easily which I know doesn’t help you though. Try a wheel puller? You’re right, the notch is a key to keep the wheel from spinning.

 

[bayview]

I see a key slot in the third PIX. The wheel is stuck. Try some WD40 etc and but the not back on loosely and give the shaft a whack while pulling. If not then get a puller.

 

[kenk]

Put the nut back on, but not all the way. Have someone pull on the wheel as you hit the nut hard with a hammer. This should break the wheel loose. The wheel is on a tapered shaft.

 

[Larry M]

Be very careful using any physical force. If you have hydraulic steering, you can damage the seals by pulling or hammering on the wheel/shaft. The wheel puller is not an impact tool.

 

[Larry M]

Here are a few pictures of different wheel pullers from the internet.

 

[RT Firefly]

Greetings,
Mr. C. The last picture in above post (#6) is EXACTLY the way to remove the wheel. It is most probably on a tapered shaft with a keyway (that "slot" is the keyway). Do NOT under any circumstances go to bashing and pulling on the wheel or the shaft for reasons mentioned....ie: potential damage to the innards of your steering mechanism.

 

[rwidman]

Put the nut back on, but not all the way. Have someone pull on the wheel as you hit the nut hard with a hammer. This should break the wheel loose. The wheel is on a tapered shaft.

The guy who worked on my steering did this but the helm was going away to be rebuilt. He said never to do this on a helm you want to keep using.

On the other hand, it can be hard to get a wheel puller to fit properly between the wheel and the helm.

When you put it back together, don't forget the key.

 

[AusCan]

Put the nut back on, but not all the way. Have someone pull on the wheel as you hit the nut hard with a hammer. This should break the wheel loose. The wheel is on a tapered shaft.

This method works well without damaging anything if you use a hard rubber hammer.

 

[Cheechako]

Greetings,
Do NOT under any circumstances go to bashing and pulling on the wheel or the shaft for reasons mentioned....ie: potential damage to the innards of your steering mechanism.

Thanks to everyone for their advice. I suspected this was probably a tapered fitting. After inspecting the steering mechanism behind the bulkhead, I decided against using brute force (hammers) to dislodge the wheel and consulted my keyboard and TrawlerForum instead. Your advice has helped me to understand...

1) The end of the shaft is tapered, so this is a pressure fitting
2) The slot is a "keyway" which prevents the wheel from slipping/rotating over the shaft when turning
3) The wheel is not threaded or screwed onto the shaft, but simply lined up with the keyway and jammed into the pressure fitting by tightening the end nut.

I do not have a wheel puller, but I will ask around the marina to see if there is one I can borrow. I suspect this is the safest means to the end result. If I can't find one, I may try the suggestion of using thread lubricant and gently tapping the nut while someone pulls on the wheel. I do plan to re-use the wheel and steering apparatus, so emphasis on gentle/safe.

If the Forum doesn't hear back from me right away, its because I am back at work and not at the boat for a few weeks.

My steering mechanism (and I) thank you !!

 

[rwidman]

If you can't borrow a wheel puller, you can rent or buy one. Try an auto parts store.

 

[kthoennes]

Around $20 at Harbor Freight. You can jury rig your own with a two-by-four with a hole drilled in the center, two c-clamps of the right size, a big all-thread bolt, two nuts and a big washer (from personal experience when I was nowhere near a tool or auto store) but that's a lot of messing around if you can just buy one for around $20.

 

[MVDarlin]

Wheel puller is more commonly referred to as a "gear puller" inexpensive purchase at any auto parts store. The key installed to keep wheel from spinning is known as a "woodruff" key. You have them on your prop shafts as well where they connect to the transmission

 

[Cheechako]

Success

Success !! The wheel came off easily.

I bought a 5-ton geer puller at AutoZone. The tip is tapered, so I drilled a countersink into the end of the shaft to prevent the puller from migrating. Then I applied some Liquid Wrench to the shaft. After a few cranks on the puller, I heard a "pop" as the wheel broke loose. I hope the video uploads (you can hear the "pop").

My dad rec'd Liquid Wrench for stuck bolts, screws etc. I was skeptical, but after the wheel was off, the shaft and interior of the wheel housing were slippery with oil. It did penetrate.

Also the tiny brass hinge screws on the remaining locker door would not back out, so I put a dab of Liquid Wrench on them too...and then they backed right out with ease. Another addition to my tool box... an "essential oil".

Thanks to everyone for their input

 

[Cheechako]

Video Link

Video was too large to upload to TrawlerForum, so try this DropBox link...

Dropbox - File Deleted - Simplify your life

Thanks again....

 

[Forkliftt]

Nice job and a great video!

 

[Peter B]

Video was too large to upload to TrawlerForum, so try this DropBox link...

Dropbox - File Deleted - Simplify your life

Thanks again....

It never ceases to amaze how much easier any job is if one has the 'right' tool, eh..?

 

[OldDan1943]

It never ceases to amaze how much easier any job is if one has the 'right' tool, eh..?

And the space to store all the 'right tools' too.

 

[psneeld]

Save that gear puller and keep it omboard.

Just had to buy one to dismantle my anchor wundlass.... even one that size was barely long enough.