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Freezing the steering wheel off
Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2013 8:40 am
by Texbillhs
I have about as much pressure as I dare on a steering wheel puller and still it isn't budging - used penetrating oil - have been tapping it. The next idea is to put dry ice in the tube so it shrinks. I no longer have access to a pipe freezing kit - does anyone know if CO2 is sold in cheap aerosol cans?
Possible CO2 source
Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2013 9:21 am
by capescw
If you have a MIG setup (gas), if the cylinder is inverted (valve down), it will spew liquid CO2 when opened. This is NOT a safe practice, but if done EXTREMELY carefully, might help with your problem!
Another alternative would be a CO2 fire extinguisher, as they are refillable.
(Boy, am I gonna get flack on this)
Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2013 10:10 am
by Bretto
Dry ice is cheap and I'd think easier to get than CO2 in liquid form since most grocery stores sell it. and is colder than its liquid form.
Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2013 10:47 am
by RICKG
Norco sells liquid nitrogen. Might check into it..
Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2013 10:58 am
by wesk
You are correct in feeling the need for a liquid refrigerant since it would be very difficult to quickly insert dry ice inside the steering tube so that the tube shrinks before and faster than the hub of the steering wheel. I would avoid anything with Oxygen in it. Nitrogen is the best bet. I have always used a puller with penetrant then if needed a tapper then if needed heat on the hub.