How do I remove steering hub from column?

[Don H.]

Trying to repair the windshield wiper, headlight dimmer,turn signal lever on my '77. I'm at the point where I want to remove the "hub" from the steering column with a puller, however a 5/16 regular thread bolt won't work, a fine thread 5/16 won't work....so I'm thinking it must be metric??? So 8 mm regular thread won't work, and a 8 mm fine thread won't work. It doesn't look as though "bubba" has been there before me.
Any suggestions?

[Harmon C.]

Re: How do I remove steering hub from column?

On a 73 their are three taped holes 5/16 fine thread as I recall. Try different bolts. Where is our steering column expert Jim Shea-- ?

[Richard M.]

Re: How do I remove steering hub from column?

And if someone in the past used 5/16 course thread to remove the hub, the threads are likely damaged. A correct tap or thread restorer should be used to clean it up.

[Don H.]

Re: How do I remove steering hub from column?

Boy....things sure used to work better when I was younger. Turns out the threads were 5/16-24 so when I attempted to clean up the first hole with a fine thread tap I could tell it was cutting too much so I stopped and tried the 5/16-24 tap on the second hole and it worked as it should. I didn't ruin the first hole and was able to run the 5/16-24 tap thru it. End result I got the hub off. Thank you guys for your input....thanks Don Hooper for "repairing" my post

[Don H.]

Re: How do I remove steering hub from column?

Don
glad the board was able to help you sort out your problem. Now, on to the next one!
take care.