Replacing Steering Wheel

[Bass Cat Boats]

I went though this recently with my Cougar FTD. I tried the mallet trick but it did not work for me. Mine was really hard to get off. I had to use two different pullers from Autozone before it came off. It was stuck so bad that it broke the first one and I had to go back and get a bigger heavier duty one. I do like the new wheel much better than the original. Good luck.

[Bass Cat Boats]

We straddle the wheel with our thighs under the wheel and facing backwards, over set a long socket in deep well and hit the socket forcing the wheel base in on the taper and they will usually pop loose from the thigh pressure. Leave the nut on a few threads when you do this.

[toledobasser]

Thanks. There is an Auto Zone in Many….18 miles away. I know thats not far but I was hoping to get it done without having to make the trip for a special tool. If I cant get it done BCBs way then Ill have no choice. I love the look and feel of the new steering wheel. I cant wait to get it installed and put it to use.Jim EbarbMany, LA (Toledo Bend Lake)2004 Cougar/ 225 OptimaxHumminbird Helix 12 Chirp SI on BalzOut Mount at bowLowrance HDS 7 at bowHumminbird Helix 12 Mega SI on Ram Mount at ConsoleLowrance HDS 8 in dash at console

[Ryan2005]

I also tried everything with mine including BCB suggestion and couldnt even budge it. Finally I went to Sears and bought a heavy duty three arm puller and had it off in 5 min just make sure you leave the nut on the end of the shaft. When it breaks loose it pops off fast. If you go get a puller make sure you get the three arm type I tried the cheaper two arm pullers first and couldnt get them two work. Hope this helps

[jrskinner]

I just reused the old steering wheel base. I didnt see any harm in it seeing as though everything lined up and fit fine.

[rydogggg]

I whacked mine like bcb said and it popped right off

[toledobasser]

I havent had a chance to try it yet but thanks for all the responses. jrskinner, I removed the old steering wheel from the old base and attempted to put the new one on. I was able to put the new wheel on but when I go to put the center cap on, the bolts are too big for the holes. So…..I either have to find some bolts that will fit or go ahead and pull the old base as originally planned. I also took a look at doing it BCBs way. With the blinker trim there, it is pretty difficult to get a leg in behind on that side of the steering wheel and get any kind of prying force without doing damage to the trim lever. It looks like I will be finding a steering wheel puller to try to do it right. Last edited by toledobasser on December 3rd, 2012, 10:26 pm, edited 1 time in total.Jim EbarbMany, LA (Toledo Bend Lake)2004 Cougar/ 225 OptimaxHumminbird Helix 12 Chirp SI on BalzOut Mount at bowLowrance HDS 7 at bowHumminbird Helix 12 Mega SI on Ram Mount at ConsoleLowrance HDS 8 in dash at console

[PhilAddison]

You can bend the pro trim switch without breaking.

[jrskinner]

toledobasser wrote: jrskinner, I removed the old steering wheel from the old base and attempted to put the new one on. I was able to put the new wheel on but when I go to put the center cap on, the bolts are too big for the holes. So…..I either have to find some bolts that will fit or go ahead and pull the old base as originally planned. I reused the original bolts as well. Everything went back together just fine using the old stuff.

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