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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Steering boss removal

Hi I am trying to remove a Mountney steering wheel boss from an early column . It’s not in the car so difficult to get much leverage on it . Thinking I meet need a leg puller unless any of you have some good ideas but what size puller would I need ? They seem to be advertised in inches is that diameter or length of legs ?
Mike Fairclough

I assume you have tried holding the boss in one hand and givng the column a sharp hit with a hammer with the other.

Trev
T Mason

The boss is almost certainly aluminium alloy and the column steel, so applying some heat (with a hair dryer or hot air gun) might help when applying a sharp tap to the end of the column.

Beware of damaging the thread on the end of the column when tapping it - perhaps refit the nut to protect the thread (don't ask me how I know...).

Good luck!
Jon
Jonathan Severn

Both good suggestions thanks , hadn’t thought about the heat gun idea. It’s just such an unwieldy thing to get in a vice or anything as I don’t want to damage the column or boss . It’s difficult to get anything solid behind the boss due to the plastic horn ring
Mike Fairclough

Always good to leave the nut on after undoing it a bit so the wheel doesn’t go flying when it comes off. Even more important when pulling it towards your face if still on the car!!

The heat gun is a good idea.
John Payne

Thank you all , success in part thank you . I put the nut back on and managed to support the boss and hit the centre of the column . Unfortunately the threads are pretty much shot presumably by a previous owner or a rather youthful exuberant former self
Mike Fairclough

There was a factory special tool:
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vl-churchill-bmc-1950s-factory-501333900

If not, try PlusGas and patience plus hammering down with your fists/rubber mallet on one side of the wheel then another. Or instal the column and try the fist hammering down method. Loosen the nut first and put it back on a few turns.

Also, what is more valuable - column or steering wheel boss? If the former, there is always the careful hacksaw option to remove the ali cast latter.

Good luck
Mike
M Wood

Afternoon
I had problems removing mine a few years back, tried everything.
Someone suggested John Twist of university motors. Look him up on You tube & see the video. It worked a treat for me
Nigel Axtell

The John Twist method doesn’t work if you have an early car where the horn wire comes out of the end of the column.
Dave O'Neill 2

This thread was discussed between 02/02/2021 and 06/02/2021

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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