Help - I messed up my steering wheel hub!!

[GRGT1994]

I used a universal steering wheel puller to get my stock wheel off (so I could put a new one in). And I didn't do it right. The center bolt threaded into the hub, where the retaining bold usually goes. So now the hub is totally stripped out.

Does anyone know what replacing that part entails? I am afraid this might call for a tow to the shop, but I'd like to avoid that if possible.

[I also posted this in the 94-95 section, but the hub is probably pretty similar on earlier 5.0's, and I thought someone here might have an idea]

 

[trbkrb]

Ouch, not fun. Probably the easiest thing to do is to find the correct size tap and try to rethread the hole on the column. The bolt just basically pulls the wheel in place, the compression of the wheel on the sides of the colum holds it in position. If all else fails, then you could get a larger bolt and tap the hole with the larger size threads.

Good luck!

 

[90mustangGT]

Ouch, not fun. Probably the easiest thing to do is to find the correct size tap and try to rethread the hole on the column. The bolt just basically pulls the wheel in place, the compression of the wheel on the sides of the colum holds it in position. If all else fails, then you could get a larger bolt and tap the hole with the larger size threads.

Good luck!

Yup. that is what you might have to do. If all else fails you might have to get a new collum which should be easy to find. Two sets of U-clams hold it under the dash, then the steering shaft from the passenger compartment, then a bunch of wiring harnesses, and your out.

 

[GRGT1994]

Thanks guys. I think I'll start with the tap/larger bolt idea. Can't F it up any worse than it already is. If that doesn't work, then I'll dig into the column and replace.

I appreciate the assistance.