Remove steering wheel on 84 911?

[jbirkett]

Can anyone give me a quick way to remove the steering wheel? I have removed the horn cover and the nut holding the wheel in place, but can not find a good puller to actually remove the wheel. I need to replace the turn signal / light dimmer switch and assume you have to remove the steering wheel to do this.
This is on an '84 Carrera. I found myself almost stranded when smoke started coming out of the steering column. The smoke stoped, but now my headlights are stuck in high beam mode.
Thanks in advance.
John

[speeder]

John, You really shouldn't need a puller, just give it a good whack or two w/ the palm of your hand on either side from the front (dashboard) side, it will come right off. It's a tapered press fit, but a mild one, the key is a sharp blow as opposed to pulling on it. Hit it on the left, then the right, etc.....

(If it's really on tight you do not want to just pull on it, you could wind up in the ER w/ it stuck to your forehead).

[carreradpt]

John, you don't need a puller, it just slides off. It should be on a splined shaft and you should just be able to wiggle it back and forth while pulling and off it comes. And yes you have to remove the wheel to change the switch.

[Dan Owens]

John,

You may want to put a scratch mark or pencil mark on the hub where it meets the column shaft so you can align it easily when you go to put it back on. Also be careful under the dash with the wire connector plug in. If I remember correctly your going to be right beside the ignition switch and have to attach one or two wires to the back of it. Make sure all the wire connections are tight on the back of the switch both before and after you make your connection there. Mine were really loose and a couple fell off. It was a bit confusing trying to get them all back on since I hadn't paid too much attention to there order prior to starting the job.

[jbirkett]

Thanks all, I will be working on this tonight!!!

[stomachmonkey]

To replace the turn signal switch you should remove the light switch knob. There is a plastic retaining ring with 2 small holes on the dash side, it will allow you to pull the switch out from under the dash. There are a LOT of wires going to it so it's best to see what you are doing.

Remove and replace one wire at a time.

When you get in there you will understand.

Scott

[Westy]

While we're on steering wheels, my upgraded wheel is a little to the left while the car is tracking straight. In older American cars they said not to remove the wheel and straighten it out, but to have the alignment done. Is this the case with P-cars? I mean, the alignment seems fine. With no hands on the wheel the car runs straight and true. Any thoughts?

Thanx, Brian

[jbirkett]

In my case the wheel is spot on at the present time, so if when I get done with the switch it is off, then I SCREWED up. In regards to all the replies to my post, I did notice last night that as I wiggled and pulled it did loosen up, so I guess a few sharp pounds of the wrist later today it will come off.
Thanks again,
John

[masraum]

In a 911 because of the rack and pinion you can have a perfect alignment and an off center wheel. What you would need to do if you could not straighten it out by moving the wheel a spline or two is adjust both tie rods equally until it's straight, but I think I'd try adjusting the wheel a spline or two first.

[Westy]

OK, That was my question. Thanx