330GTC Steering Wheeel Hub Removal

[tinbender]

I am trying to get a look at the headlight switch on the steering column on my 330GTC. I have removed the steering wheel and the ring nut. It looks like the hub is just slid over the column, but it does not want to slide off, and I don't want to damage anything. I have tried tapping on it with a plastic hammer but no luck. Should I use a puller?

I had Tom doing some work on my car recently and he tried to get me to let him have my switch rebuilt, but hardheaded me wasn't convinced I needed to do anything. I should have listened to Tom.

[tyang]

Hi Terry,

The steering column hub is a tapered fit to the steering shaft, but often needs a puller. Try some heat on the aluminum hub and a sharp tap from a plastic or lead hammer. The hub puller you use has to push against the hollow steering shaft, but be careful not to damage the threads. You'll probably end up pushing the horn button contact into the shaft when you push against it, but it can be fished back out with needle nose pliers after you get the hub out.

If you're sending out the switch for rebuilding, you may consider sending the whole column out so you won't have to pin out the connectors when you get it back.

Tom

[tinbender]

Success!!! Thanks for all of your suggestions. The heat gun and the plastic hammer did the job.