[180diablo]

Hey fellows,

First off ... very long time no talk on here. I have been absent for quite some time (yep, still alive).

Anyways, over last summer my Diablo's steering wheel (top half) is broken on the inside on both sides and wiggles back and forth with each wave. Not very safe as the leather is only thing holding it together. Plus not good for steering. I know I need a replacement steering wheel for this summer. I just did some searching around on here, but did not find info on how to replace the steering wheel. I have done Google searches (Youtube), but finding videos / info specifically for Mariah's has been hard.

Main questions:
1) What to look for when purchasing a replacement steering wheel (hub size, shaft size etc)
2) What is involved to remove / replace the steering wheel?
3) Is a steering wheel puller needed to release the wheel?

Any help / info guidance is appreciated. I will be talking to my marine to see what they are offer in terms of product and installation. I would like to do it myself (just because). But if additional tools are required, it's easier to leave it up to them.

Thanks!

[180diablo]

Following up on my own response,

I came across this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PHNAQWXGMA

As the steering wheel is the exact same as my existing, I have to believe it is just that easy to replace the steering wheel. Now to decide on a new wheel..

This is the style of wheel I have been looking at (probably $300 Canadian). One of the versions with the Burl inserts.

Fantasy Wheel - Decorated Inserts - 3/4" Tapered Shaft - Schmitt Ongaro Marine

[GaryDoug]

I highly recommend that is you have to "tap" on the shaft to try to remove the wheel, that you keep the nut in place loosened a bit, maybe 1/8". That way if you bung up the threads, you may be able to straighten them by unscrewing the nut. Better yet, unscrew the nut until it is flush with the end of the shaft.

Also, the nuts are tightened fiercely at the factory. So it is not unusual to find the shaft threads stripped so badly that the nut will not come off and it turns but won't move upward. If that happens post back here for some tips to fix that.