1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Steering wheel removal - 82 RX-7

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 2, 2006 | 04:45 PM
  #1  
Scott1982's Avatar
Thread Starter
82, 83, 88, 82 RX-7again!
Tenured Member 15 Years
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 372
Likes: 1
From: Upstate New York
Steering wheel removal - 82 RX-7

Okay,
This is going to sound real stupid but I have removed the horn, removed the lock nut holding the steering wheel and actually tried to remove the steering wheel. Did not budge. So I took out my truster wheel puller (which I have NEVER had to use on any car) and proceeded to "pull" off the wheel. Of course I was doing this late at night and did not notice that both the steering wheel AND puller were bending. This wheel is on there real tight (and the car is so rust free, brake lines awesome, lines twisted off no problem).

I have sprayed with powerblast but was wondering if anybody else has seen a wheel on so tight. Normally, I like tight, but in this case, very bad . Of course I am afraid to bang against the unit for fear of collapsing the column.

Scott
Reply
Old Aug 2, 2006 | 05:49 PM
  #2  
woodonastick's Avatar
my fb is older than me
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 690
Likes: 0
From: San Jose
i had a similar problem. i took off the steering wheel before and then later tried agian becuase of some sounds ive been hearing. anyways it was pretty stuck on there. then i just gently wiggled it out.
Reply
Old Aug 2, 2006 | 06:42 PM
  #3  
aussiesmg's Avatar
Thunder from downunder
Tenured Member 10 Years
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,843
Likes: 1
From: Convoy, Ohio, USA
Take the wheel in your hands, left hand at 9, right hand at 3, pull back with one hand then the other, keep applying firm pressure alternately until the wheel comes free, it will work just persist.
Reply
Old Aug 2, 2006 | 06:49 PM
  #4  
Scott1982's Avatar
Thread Starter
82, 83, 88, 82 RX-7again!
Tenured Member 15 Years
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 372
Likes: 1
From: Upstate New York
Originally Posted by aussiesmg
Take the wheel in your hands, left hand at 9, right hand at 3, pull back with one hand then the other, keep applying firm pressure alternately until the wheel comes free, it will work just persist.
Thanks - will try but am going to take a picture first
Reply
Old Aug 2, 2006 | 07:01 PM
  #5  
Scott1982's Avatar
Thread Starter
82, 83, 88, 82 RX-7again!
Tenured Member 15 Years
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 372
Likes: 1
From: Upstate New York
Well,

I owe u guys a big one, pulled like mad... side to side with steering wheel puller still under tension, came right off!

Thanks MUCH!

Scott
Reply
Old Aug 2, 2006 | 07:54 PM
  #6  
Rx-7Doctor's Avatar
Lives on the Forum
Tenured Member 10 Years
iTrader: (13)
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 10,584
Likes: 12
From: Oregon
This is one of the jobs that brute force does not work. I covered this a long time ago and the trick is as others stated. Wiggle side to side at 3 and 9 o"clock and it comes right off.
Reply
Old Aug 2, 2006 | 09:06 PM
  #7  
Scott1982's Avatar
Thread Starter
82, 83, 88, 82 RX-7again!
Tenured Member 15 Years
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 372
Likes: 1
From: Upstate New York
I just can't believe I had to wiggle so much, the column feels like rubber (well maybe not)

Scott
Reply
Old May 2, 2016 | 11:54 AM
  #8  
tommyeflight89's Avatar
Senior Member
Tenured Member: 15 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 718
Likes: 99
From: Toronto Canada
This is good advice!

I have a Momo Prototipo that I will be installing on my FB and I am nervous about getting the wheel off.

How does the plastic horn button come off? I do not want to just pry at it for fear of breaking the OEM part.

Then undo the nut and use the method quoted above.
Reply
Old May 2, 2016 | 12:38 PM
  #9  
t_g_farrell's Avatar
Waffles - hmmm good
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 9,250
Likes: 464
From: Lake Wylie, N.C.
Originally Posted by tommyeflight89
This is good advice!

I have a Momo Prototipo that I will be installing on my FB and I am nervous about getting the wheel off.

How does the plastic horn button come off? I do not want to just pry at it for fear of breaking the OEM part.

Then undo the nut and use the method quoted above.
The horn button cover just peals off on my SA. Not sure on FBs how it works but I
would assume the same.
Reply
Old May 2, 2016 | 10:42 PM
  #10  
j9fd3s's Avatar
Moderator
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 31,835
Likes: 3,233
From: https://www2.mazda.com/en/100th/
FB horn button peels off too.

in a stock car, either disconnect the battery, or pull the horn fuse, as touching the wrench to the wheel will honk the horns.

then loosen the 21mm nut, the lug wrench in the tool kit works, leave the nut on though, you don't wanna have the wheel pop off and hit you in the face.

to actually get it off, i'll just rock it back and forth, sometimes you need to tap it on alternate sides just with your hands, it should eventually pop loose.

when you put it back on, put a little lube on the horn ring, and make sure you line up the turn signal cancel things
Reply
Old May 3, 2016 | 05:19 AM
  #11  
mazdaverx713b's Avatar
Have RX-7, will restore
Veteran: Army
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (91)
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 22,577
Likes: 1,273
From: Ohio
Also, be sure to mark the position of the steering wheel before you pull it. A paint mark or two punch marks in a line work great.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Th0m4s
Build Threads
25
Feb 26, 2019 02:04 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:35 AM.