Thread: Steering column dowel stuck on 1960 Bel Air - How to remove?

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Well, I am trying to change steering over to a rack and pinion set up, but of course much of the things, including one of the joints on the shaft needs to be replaced so I must remove a dowel to proceed. Problem is that damn dowel is tightly seated and doesn't budge. Tried penetrating oil, heat on the shaft, etc, etc...but it's not budging. Directions just say to hit it with a punch and hammer...sounds super easy!

Anyways, do you all have some magic to remove this?

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Maybe the shaft is bouncing too much when you hit the pin???? Might try a piece of tubing against the other side of the shaft over the pin, have someone hold steady pressure on the tube with a pry bar or something, then hit the pin with the hammer and punch.... Just a thought, sometimes they can be a real booger to get out!!!!!

Use a large C clamp and two deep sockets one larger than the pin on the receiving side (fits over the pin) and one smaller than the pin on the push side (small enough to go through the hole easily), tighten the clamp until the pin is out.

Thank you...I was able to do the c clamp & socket routine, though on the push side, I can't get a smaller socket to stay on the end without wanting to go wonky. With sockets slipping over both ends, I was able to get it moved (kinda broke loose and then moved easier), but limited by the socket. So now I'm further along, but still not far enough! Thanks for the help!

Socket over the pin on the receiving side, c-clamp atop the pin on the other until the pin is flush with the shaft. At that point use a bolt that's smaller diameter than the pin, just longer than the shaft diameter, and position the bolt atop the pin, pushed by the c-clamp. Might need to enlist another set of hands, one to hold the socket & bolt, the other to work the c-clamp. Once it broke loose you might try driving it again?

Just remember tha C Clamps are persable tools----weld on what you need for the job at hand-----then hang it up when your done---you can replace the clamp at any hardware store-------probably half the C clamps or visegrips around here have been welded into an alien life style tool