51 K Steering wheel removal update

[Skip]

I need to claify my previous question about removing the steering wheel from my 51 Kaiser Special.  It's the horn button I need to remove first, I can't see under it and I don't know how to remove it.  I don't want to damage it and I'm sure it has to come off so I can fix the horn blowing issue.  Thanks,  Skip

[Fid]

Hi Skip, I am having the same issue with my '51 Kaiser Special. It does not have a horn ring, just the button. Page 192 of the 1951 Kaiser Shop Manual says "Press down firmly with the palm of hand on Horn Button Remover and Installer KF-101, on the center medallion and turn counter-clockwise to loosen the medallion."  The back of the manual has a photo of "Horn Button Removal and Installer KF-101" tool and it looks just like a door knob with a suction cup on the end so my guess is if you push hard enough on the button and turn counter-clockwise you should be able to remove it.  I've tried on mine a couple of times but not aggressively. When I get the car out for spring, I'll try again. Otherwise, if you get your's off first, let me know any tricks etc. that you may have come up with.

[Gordie]

Hi,  if you have a horn ring, there are probably screws behind the steering wheel that requires you to stand on your head to see.  Remove these screws and the ring should come right off but do not twist it as it will break.

[Gordie]

If you do not have a horn ring and just have the horn button it has a spring under it.  Just press it down with the palm of your hand and it should turn left and release.  Your horn wire which runs up the steering shaft probably has a worn spot in the insulation which causes your horn to honk intermittently.

[Fid]

Page 192 of the Shop Manual shows a break down diagram of the steering wheel with instructions on how to remove it. No screws / bolts from the back, it all comes off from the front. Disconnect your battery before you press the horn button.

[Skip]

Thanks guys for the options on how to remove the horn button.  This is the first time I've tried this format to learn something and I have to say that it works just fine.  It's too cold in the garage to try your suggestions this month but as soon as it warms up some I will give them a try.  Thanks again for your help and I will keep you posted.  Skip

[MilesP]

I removed my steering wheel last spring. You need to be aggressive with the twist the horn button will come off be patient press hard I used a rubber cap remover it helped don't give up it will come off

[Fid]

Thanks for the info Miles! I'm definitely going to try it now when I get my car out... very shortly as it's 48

[Fabian]

Skip,

I had the same problem with my 51 Special. I sugest you soak the horn button dayly with WD-40 for atleast a week. this will loosen up the corrosion that has built up between the button and the bazel. I used a piece of rubber from an old inner tube to help with my grip on the button. Wiggling left and right after squirting it will help in loosining it. Getting the button off is the hardest part to removing the steering wheel. I hope this sugestion helps you.