jsp_333 279 #1 Posted April 23 Does anyone know the technique for removing the worm gear from the steering column of a 551 suburban It appears to be held in place by a roll pin but I'm not 100% certain. Or is it something else? Can I just punch it out or will I damage something? Cheers Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,410 #2 Posted April 23 The illustrated parts list shows a pinned gear Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Achto 29,336 #3 Posted April 23 (edited) 3 hours ago, jsp_333 said: Can I just punch it out or will I damage something? Should be a common roll pin. Support the shaft and feel free to punch it out. Edited April 23 by Achto 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 59,516 #4 Posted April 23 Unless you have the good fortune to own the only Suburban that doesn't have a rusted up roll pin be prepared to administer lots of penetrating oil. 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jsp_333 279 #5 Posted April 24 Thanks Mr. West. I've seen posts about using a special tool to get the pin out of the steering wheel. Is that required here or can I just whack it with a punch until it comes free or I get the punch stuck? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 66,336 #6 Posted April 24 50 minutes ago, jsp_333 said: Thanks Mr. West. I've seen posts about using a special tool to get the pin out of the steering wheel. Is that required here or can I just whack it with a punch until it comes free or I get the punch stuck? Often times people wedge a 2x4 or the like between a tree and the steering shaft. I imagine you could do similar on this job, to keep the stress off the frame and components. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 51,563 #7 Posted April 24 3 hours ago, jsp_333 said: using a special tool to get the pin out Use roll pin punches... https://www.amazon.com/SEDY-6-Pieces-Starter-Punch-Install/dp/B08725T7KM/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=60VEYXJGBZZJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.3xDH_n9cyyNkWPhvAsY3v7OF-lqmAXLUoxu2nNdyUGGJx5i6-rKnpDJAGhbYJlKo6jAcmPzNZDZ4raDLA_FLkWeSeHepkvlFtFROzPi0xtW6dIq3JHTPps9JjWDFHBxjtqKBoItgLi5oB5B1t5dCLbx6M_gGuO5IW4a8goL04l8kXRk3UxTzJSB0HUpt8kBJwvjtSTJBlitkMQDh0t7bvCaje0Fjv4Gp7kIawUfRfsJ0cLjCsBL6O3jJmTlYKsmWMT2-IxoxFOmRVjG7Ipu4wzPY_jD3SHkU_cfxbwr8DA0.LjOJVlArcZx-J-0r2NLfD4FnBiJ2eBdXesu5USLdl6A&dib_tag=se&keywords=roll+pin+punch+set&qid=1745506152&sprefix=roll+oin+%2Caps%2C189&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jsp_333 279 #8 Posted April 24 As always ...thanks all. Ordered the roll pin punches this morning from Amazon then went outside to set it up on the bench vice. Took a couple of taps at it with a punch I had lying around - It popped right out. Was not expecting that. I'll take it. Next... 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 59,516 #9 Posted April 24 1 hour ago, jsp_333 said: It popped right out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jsp_333 279 #10 Posted April 25 50 minutes ago, 953 nut said: On 4/23/2025 at 6:56 PM, 953 nut said: Unless you have the good fortune to own the only Suburban that doesn't have a rusted up roll pin be prepared to administer lots of penetrating oil. Apparently I am the guy that owns that Suburban Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 17,950 #11 Posted April 25 1 hour ago, jsp_333 said: Apparently I am the guy that owns that Suburban The lower roll pin on the gear is MUCH easier to remove than the steering wheel one. If you got the steering wheel pin out someone has definitely been there before you. Glad you got it! What's the issue with the gears? Is the fan gear stripped? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 9,211 #12 Posted April 25 @jsp_333 very lucky on that pin removal , make a point of doing a KROIL SOAK , days out on any tough spot , let the vibrations . functional movement of regular use , start a rust drip tracking , then a size to size flat pin punch , gets it going . pete Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jsp_333 279 #13 Posted April 26 (edited) On 4/24/2025 at 9:20 PM, wallfish said: The lower roll pin on the gear is MUCH easier to remove than the steering wheel one. If you got the steering wheel pin out someone has definitely been there before you. Glad you got it! What's the issue with the gears? Is the fan gear stripped? There should be a merit badge or some special designation for anyone who can get the roll pin out of a steering wheel. I had to get the worm gear off to slide off the steering column support tube. It had been cut free of the hood support tower by the same numbnuts who tried to put a bigger engine in it. I think it will be easier to weld back in place if I don't have to fight with the hood while I'm trying to do it. Edited April 26 by jsp_333 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 17,950 #14 Posted April 26 2 hours ago, jsp_333 said: I think it will be easier to weld back in place if I don't have to fight with the hood while I'm trying to do it. Cut the lock collar off as it can be replaced with a split collar when you're done. That way the hood is off the shaft Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jsp_333 279 #15 Posted April 27 cool, didn't know they were made like that Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
