Steering Wheel Thread Size

[emann]

Does anyone know the thread size for the nut holding a BE steering wheel on?

After 20 years in storage, I can't find mine and I've tried a few sizes and can't get anything to fit.

Is it Metric? That's my next attempt.

Thanks,
Ed

 

[jlaird]

Tis metric and is a very thin nut, it must be thin.

 

[emann]

After not being able to get anything to work, i did find that VB has the steering wheel nut in their catalog (thought I had checked before).

Anyways, I've gotten the nut and cannot get it to screw onto the steering column.

It seems to be the correct size and thread, but it will not start.

Maybe the column threads are buggered up, but they look ok.

Any ideas how to clean up the column threads? I don't think i can recut them since they're such an odd size.

I really think its just the very start of the threads that are a problem the rest looks really good. Don't need to screw this up, don't want to have to find a new column.

Getting tired of driving around with a steering wheel that's not attached !!!! Also makes it so I can't get the horn switch to stay in place.

Thanks for any ideas.
Ed

 

[bugimike]

Can you "chase" the threads out or clean them up with a very thin file? Tape off the threads except for the last 2 and then chamfer the end of the shaft with a fine emery paper and retry the nut!

 

[emann]

Mike, thanks, i'll try to clean them out with a file. Maybe that will help.

I'm just so leary about doing anything that will leave me with a hunk of useless metal.

when you say chamfer the end, do you mean get rid of the first few threads?

 

[Trevor Jessie]

My column is ovaled on the end from me beating on it in a fit of rage when I first removed the steering wheel. I did exactly as Mike said, and I was able to get the nut back in place. It is still tight, but I feel it is secure. And I have my anger issues under control now. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif

 

[bugimike]

Mike, thanks, i'll try to clean them out with a file. Maybe that will help.

I'm just so leary about doing anything that will leave me with a hunk of useless metal.

when you say chamfer the end, <span style="color: #FF0000">do you mean get rid of the first few threads?</span>

Yes, just the first couple! Do it at about a 45* angle. Tape off the rest of the threads so as not to damage them.

Is your column solid at the end or tubular with the horn wire through it?

 

[emann]

solid at the end.

 

[bugimike]

You have a little more "meat" there to work with! Just wrap the threads you are not going to file real well, you don't want to mess them up!!! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif
And go GENTLY when trying the nut back on so that you don't start cross-threading!! When you have it clean, the nut should spin on quite easily! Clean up the threads with WD40 or some such too (also works as a lubricant to get it on smoothly).

 

[emann]

Thanks very much !!!!

I'll be giving this a try.

It was so frustrating to finally get the nut and still not to have made any progress last night !!!!

If this works, that'll be one more little thing done, only 7000 left to do!!!

 

[bugimike]

7001!!! There's always at least one forgotten item!! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/jester.gif

 

[emann]

yes, the list keeps getting longer instead of shorter - even when i do make progress !!!!