Steering wheel success

[David Rainville]

I have finally removed my 31 steering wheel and thought others might have the same problem and could benefit from how I succeeded. When trying to use a puller on the hollow shaft, the result is a mushroomed end of the shaft. I machined a plug to fit snug into the shaft, the plug had what I would call a button end, looked like a "T" in profile. the button end the size of the retaining nut for the wheel.
I used a standard hub puller in conjuction with a two piece plate to pull against that fit around the steering column. Also applied rust remover to threads to help break the bond. important to install the nut, leaveing room for the wheel to move when it releases. this also prevents expansion of the shaft.
see photos