STX steering wheel

Tom Thomson · Jun 23, 2011

The steering wheel on my STX needs to come off but it really really doesn't want to. The cross bolt thru the wheel hub and shaft is well and truly stuck. After using a hammer driver and then an air impact gun the phillips drive in the screw head is kind of wallered out. Not enuf room to get on the head with vise grips. Any thoughts?
tommyt

Tom Thomson · Jun 25, 2011

Well you guys, I got it out. If anyone else wants to remove his steering wheel, don't even try to unscrew what appears to be a phillips head bolt. THERE IS A TRICK!!! The thing that suprises me is that none of you JD experts knew about it or worse knew and decided not to say anything. Am I wasting my time on this forum?
tommyt

RayFromOntario · Jul 5, 2011

Ummm, I'm no expert, so are you just going to keep me hanging ????

What's the big 'trick' to get it off.
I'm glad you figured it out !!! :thumbsup:

Tom Thomson · Jul 6, 2011

Ray
The trick is that the "bolt" is not threaded, it is splined and driven in. The biggest screwdriver in the toolbox won't turn this puppy. I guess the phillips cross recess is just to sucker the new guy. Take off the nut on the other side, use a soft drift and a small hammer (don't bugger the threads) and tap it out. I am dissapointed that no one responded to my initial inquiry.
tommyt

RayFromOntario · Jul 6, 2011

Tom Thomson said:
Ray
The trick is that the "bolt" is not threaded, it is splined and driven in. The biggest screwdriver in the toolbox won't turn this puppy. I guess the phillips cross recess is just to sucker the new guy. Take off the nut on the other side, use a soft drift and a small hammer (don't bugger the threads) and tap it out. I am dissapointed that no one responded to my initial inquiry.
tommyt

Thanks Tom. What was your reason for removing the steering wheel in the first place ?