TR2/3/3A Minor TR3 question

I am still working on the 3 I recently got - eliminating all the fun stuff the PO hid for me *big-o-sigh*

I found that I have the adjustable steering wheel - now my question:
The bakelite "nut" that locks the wheel to the steering column should be freely turnable (of course is not).
If I sit in the driver seat do I turn the fastener clockwise or counterclockwise to loosen the wheel?

The nut is sooooo stuck and I don't want to go in and break the bakelite with a wrench just by applying too much pressure pointing into the wrong direction...

Thanks for any clues on how to get that thingy working!
Joerg
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazyeyes.gif

Sorry to here your a brand new owner of a surprize package.It happens all to often. Soak the ajst nut in penetrant,wrap with a shop rag the use a adjst oil filter wrench to grip and turn.

A strap wrench may do it too... the kind with a rubber strap is pretty gentle on that guy.

Sorry... sold my TR3 with the adjustable hub & don't recall which way it turns. Do recall that it could be adjusted across the entire range... from 'too close' to 'much to close'.

Aloha Joerg,

Sitting in the car turn the nut clockwise to loosen. George suggestion of the strap wrench is good for this along with things like a shift knob or chromed item. Sears offers a small one with about a six inch handle. This also works well as a jar opener.

Safety fast,
Dave

MGTF1250Dave is right. It's standard thread, on the back side of the wheel so it's backwards to the driver. Clockwise to loosen (as you look at it from the drivers position). Excellent idea about the strap wrench.
Use a mild penetrant like WD40 or 3 in 1 oil. PB Blaster and bakelite don't get along so well.

Thanks guys!
I will grab the tools and try to slowly work it today...

Joerg

Strap wrench...why didn't I think of that. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Okay... I'll confess something. 35 years ago I was perpetually broke and driving a 58 TR3A with a stuck adjustable steering wheel.

Went to Sears, bought a strap wrench, went out to the parking lot and unstuck the nut, went back into Sears and returned the tool for a full refund.

BTW - Harbor Fright sells a set of 3 in assorted sizes... so handy you won't want to return them.

Well..fellas...sometimes subtlties don't work, back to brashness for me.

Aloha Joerg,

I saw your post yesterday at work and at lunchtime I went out to my car to see which way to turn the nut to answer your question. The nut was so tight I couldn't turn it by hand, so I had to wait until I got home to use the strap wrench.

When you get it loose and have cleaned up the treads, I recommend you use a little anti-seize on the threads. I did last night.

George is right about the adjustment, it is very limited and I suspect you'll probably put it as close to the dash as possible.

Safety Fast,
Dave

P.S. Box, I enjoy your brashness.