Ford 4000 Steering Wheel

[DrPhil]

I've got a 1971 Ford 4000. I need to replace the rubber grommet beneath the steering wheel. I went to take off the steering wheel, but couldn't get the nut to budge. The nut was rusted, but I wanted to make sure I was turning it right....(don't want to cause more of a problem)

Is it rusted, is that my problem? It does unscrew to the left, right? Do I need a special tool?

[Soundguy]

If it's rusty.. that's your problem.. Good penetrating oil and just keep working at it.. sometimes if you can manage to smak just the nut.. like using a socket to avoid the center, smack it medium force to swage the threads. You can also do this 'around' the flats of the nut if you can get to them. ( i don't have a 4000 to compair the steering wheel setup to )

don't deform the nut and shaft.. just 'medium' hits.. break rust bonds.. etc.

Soundguy

[Dave1953]

I have a 1968 5000 that I replaced the steering wheel, cap and the rubber grommet. Best of my rememberance the nut unscrews counterclockwise. You will definitely need a wheel puller to get it off (steering wheel). I think your best option if you are not going to replace the wheel is to take a sharp single edge razorblade and carefully make a cut in the grommet, stuff the grommet in and let the cut be underneath the steering shaft. Probably will never even notice it. I've done it many a time.

Dave

[namvet69]

I like what Dave said, I had to replace the whole steering wheel one time and it ain't worth it. Cut the grommet.

NV