Steering Wheel Puller

[nessa]

Okay so I'm trying to pull the steering wheel on my 99 Ranger to replace the clockspring and I'm a bit confused. All the wheel pullers I found at Auto zone and Checkers are the wrong kind. I could really use some help with what the part is called so I can see about getting my hands on one today. Here's a pic:

 

[rwenzing]

An ordinary "steering wheel puller" will not work in this application.

A universal 2-jaw gear puller that will span across the "PULL" marks is what you need to pull a Ranger steering wheel. You can get one at most tool or auto parts stores.

There are many different kinds. Here's one example:

 

[nessa]

Thanks Bob. YOU ROCK!

 

[Tbars4]

i just pulled mine off without a puller...but you do have to watch out and not hit yourself in the face with the wheel when you do it this way though, lmao

 

[rwenzing]

One other thing...

To get the clockspring harness off, you will need to remove the ignition switch too. This is not difficult.

You should already have the battery disconnected. Using your key, turn the ignition switch to the unlocked position and then use a punch or small screwdriver to depress the retainer pin. The switch will pull out. Then you can carefully remove the small plastic clip/wiper that is attached to the clockspring harness. Reassemble in reverse order.

 

[nessa]

I actually got stuck on that part. My blue clip got broken and a piece stayed inside because I didn't know I had to remove the ignition switch first. So I'll take it off then fish out the little blue piece that's left and put it all back together tomorrow. Thanks for the pic. I couldn't figure out for the life of me how to get the switch off.

 

[BrooklynBay]

That's why they say a picture is worth a 1,000 words.

 

[rwenzing]

There may also be a small black module in the way of removing the cable. I think it's the PATS key transceiver and I think 99 was the first year for PATS. It comes off easily, just one screw IIRC.

 

[briwayjones]

i just pulled mine off without a puller...but you do have to watch out and not hit yourself in the face with the wheel when you do it this way though, lmao

Yours must not have been stuck on there very tight. I stuck a 6" gear puller on mine cranked it down tight and it sat on there for about a minute before the wheel finally popped off.

 

[SportDave]

I'm about to replace the clockspring on my '01 Sport. I pulled the steering wheel off fine from the donor Explorer at the junkyard, but I'm wondering about how the re-install will go. I've never dealt with steering wheel removal before...will I just be able to slide the steering wheel back on? Or...?

 

[Joe Dirt]

Yes- it will go on enough by hand, and tightening the steering wheel bolt will pull it the rest of the way down. Not to worry...

 

[SportDave]

Sweet! It fixed the horn!

But the cruise control is still not working

Looks like the previous owner did some "custom" wiring under the steering column, so I'm betting that has something to do with it...

 

[Weeks]

I have the air bag off but I am confused about what kind of puller I need and how to set it up. A picture of the puller and how to set it would be great! It's a 2003 explorer and I'm removing the wheel so I can repair a broken shifter. Any help would be great. Thx