steering column removal

[Brad]

Gday all.
           I'm trying to remove the steering column from my FC van and I can't separate either the pitman arm or the steering wheel from the column. My steering wheel has no holes to screw the bolts into.Is there a special puller for the steering wheel? and If so where do I get one.I think I might be able to leave the pitman arm on and pull the column out through the front after removing wheel ,gear stick and indicator stalk?
        The car is bare from the firewall forward and is totally striped inside.
        Any thoughts on this are welcome as right now I'm stuck with a complete steering column rolling around on the floor  .
                     Thank's Brad.

[Royal]

Hi Brad
 I always find if you loosen the nut on the wheel a couple of turns and grab the wheel either side at the centre bar and put all your weight behind it and move your weight from left hand to right hand it will release( hope that sounds right ) make sure the column is attached too the body so you can get some leverage on it .
                           Cheers
                             Roy

[mcl1959]

There is indeed a special puller, but it is very hard to find now
If you cant beg, borrow or steal one, another way to get the wheel off is to loosen the wheel nut a couple of turns and with one person pulling on the wheel, have the other person give the centre of the steering shaft a sharp rap with a hammer.  Best to use a brass drift to save the threads on the steering column shaft.

Ken

[Glenn 'Stinky' Stankevicius]

You can adapt a harmonic balancer puller, I have used one for other wheels, you may need to make a special attachment for the FC wheel though.

[Rabbitoh]

I had success with a cheapy ($18) steering wheel puller from Supercheap. Had to grind two flats on opposite sides of a couple of long shaft bolts, which are then passed through the rectangular holes in the steering wheel boss (and then turned 90 degrees to hook up). At the other ends of these bolts, goes a large washer and nut (after passing through the puller tee piece).  
Works like a bought one!

[Brad]

 Thanks for the replies.
                       I found a page in the GMH FB Shop manual that has pics of the special tool required for the pitman arm and steering wheel puller.
                     So It looks like I'll be getting out the angle grinder ,gas axe and welder to fab up both .
                 You just gotta love them old holdens hey  
                               Brad.

[Brad]

 Steering column is now out of car .
                Thanks to all who took the time to reply.
                        Brad.