Grant steering wheels are very popular among enthusiasts worldwide for their cost and simplicity. One of the trademarks of Grant wheels is their simple installation and removal, the latter of which can be accomplished in 15 minutes with basic hand tools. Whether you want to upgrade to a better steering wheel or simply correct a misalignment by the original installer, removing a Grant wheel is even easier than installing it.
It's crucial that you get the wheels pointed straight ahead before removing anything, as failure to do so prior to installation is the main reason for a crooked steering wheel. You can have a friend help you to do it visually, but the best method is to back the car up to the end of the driveway, and drive it forward about 20 feet to where you'll be installing the wheel. After you get things straightened out, disconnect the battery and horn button wire to prevent potential shorts.
On most models of GT wheels, the button simply unscrews with a counterclockwise turn, but some may require removal of three retaining screws that come up from the back of the wheel spokes. Remove the spring-loaded plunger and horn switch as an assembly, and make sure to keep all parts together for easier reassembly.
Remove the three screws (shoulder bolts) securing the wheel-retaining ring to the hub, and lift the ring out as an assembly. Remove the shaft nut retainer clip, being very careful not to bend it. These clips are hard to come by for most cars, and even harder to fabricate. Remove the large nut in the center (shaft nut) with a deep-well socket while a friend holds the wheel steady. This is where most people go wrong and accidentally turn the wheel, so caution is advised.
Mark the top of the center post with a grease pencil or some Wite Out for reference, and pull the wheel from the post. You can either use a specialty steering wheel puller like those manufactured by Grant (part #5891, $16.99 retail), or you can fabricate one out of a piece of plate steel. Thread the supplied screws into the shoulder bolt holes, and hand-tighten them until they're snug against the puller and steering column. Rotate the top bolt one full turn, and do the same to the next one. Continue incrementally tightening these three bolts until the steering wheel pops off and lands in your lap.
