Steering Wheel Swap
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2018
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Steering Wheel Swap
Afternoon all and Happy 4th!
I've searched and found some good write ups on the infamous XLT to Lariat leather steering wheel swaps. Having watched the YouTube videos, I decided to give it a try as I just hate the plastic wheel. The videos made the swap look pretty easy and straightforward but I'll be damned if I'm not having a helluva time getting the airbag to pop out. I was wondering if anyone out there that has done this or at least attempted has any tips or tricks. I have a 2017 F250.
Thanks for the help!
I've searched and found some good write ups on the infamous XLT to Lariat leather steering wheel swaps. Having watched the YouTube videos, I decided to give it a try as I just hate the plastic wheel. The videos made the swap look pretty easy and straightforward but I'll be damned if I'm not having a helluva time getting the airbag to pop out. I was wondering if anyone out there that has done this or at least attempted has any tips or tricks. I have a 2017 F250.
Thanks for the help!
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 764
Likes: 30
Yes - they can be a bit difficult to get the airbag to release.
I have some suggestions ...
- First, make sure you disconnect the battery, bleed off the residual power, and wait 1/2 hour before doing any work on the wheel
- Make sure you're using a true rod (metal or wood) that is just about the same diameter as the hole for the release. Using something too small will make the alignment more difficult. (note - I've not had luck with tapered tips; blunt works best for me)
- Gently push the rod in until you feel resistance; put your finger/thumb on the rod to "measure" the distance. Do this on both sides. If you're not coming up with the same approximate distance, then you're not hitting the release mechanism correctly.
- When you push a rod in to release the hook, you must also push in the airbag to help release the retainer hook, then you should feel a slight release; while still holding in on the rod, then pull the airbag out with your fingers at the top/bottom edges on that side
- Repeat the above on the opposite side
- The airbag won't "pop" out of the seat it sits in; you'll have to gently pull it out even after it's released from the locking retainer mechanism
- Once released, be careful to not pull out too far without releasing the electrical connectors
There are a few YT videos that do a decent job of illustration.
I have some suggestions ...
- First, make sure you disconnect the battery, bleed off the residual power, and wait 1/2 hour before doing any work on the wheel
- Make sure you're using a true rod (metal or wood) that is just about the same diameter as the hole for the release. Using something too small will make the alignment more difficult. (note - I've not had luck with tapered tips; blunt works best for me)
- Gently push the rod in until you feel resistance; put your finger/thumb on the rod to "measure" the distance. Do this on both sides. If you're not coming up with the same approximate distance, then you're not hitting the release mechanism correctly.
- When you push a rod in to release the hook, you must also push in the airbag to help release the retainer hook, then you should feel a slight release; while still holding in on the rod, then pull the airbag out with your fingers at the top/bottom edges on that side
- Repeat the above on the opposite side
- The airbag won't "pop" out of the seat it sits in; you'll have to gently pull it out even after it's released from the locking retainer mechanism
- Once released, be careful to not pull out too far without releasing the electrical connectors
There are a few YT videos that do a decent job of illustration.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 306
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by dnewton3
Yes - they can be a bit difficult to get the airbag to release.
I have some suggestions ...
- First, make sure you disconnect the battery, bleed off the residual power, and wait 1/2 hour before doing any work on the wheel
- Make sure you're using a true rod (metal or wood) that is just about the same diameter as the hole for the release. Using something too small will make the alignment more difficult. (note - I've not had luck with tapered tips; blunt works best for me)
- Gently push the rod in until you feel resistance; put your finger/thumb on the rod to "measure" the distance. Do this on both sides. If you're not coming up with the same approximate distance, then you're not hitting the release mechanism correctly.
- When you push a rod in to release the hook, you must also push in the airbag to help release the retainer hook, then you should feel a slight release; while still holding in on the rod, then pull the airbag out with your fingers at the top/bottom edges on that side
- Repeat the above on the opposite side
- The airbag won't "pop" out of the seat it sits in; you'll have to gently pull it out even after it's released from the locking retainer mechanism
- Once released, be careful to not pull out too far without releasing the electrical connectors
There are a few YT videos that do a decent job of illustration.
I have some suggestions ...
- First, make sure you disconnect the battery, bleed off the residual power, and wait 1/2 hour before doing any work on the wheel
- Make sure you're using a true rod (metal or wood) that is just about the same diameter as the hole for the release. Using something too small will make the alignment more difficult. (note - I've not had luck with tapered tips; blunt works best for me)
- Gently push the rod in until you feel resistance; put your finger/thumb on the rod to "measure" the distance. Do this on both sides. If you're not coming up with the same approximate distance, then you're not hitting the release mechanism correctly.
- When you push a rod in to release the hook, you must also push in the airbag to help release the retainer hook, then you should feel a slight release; while still holding in on the rod, then pull the airbag out with your fingers at the top/bottom edges on that side
- Repeat the above on the opposite side
- The airbag won't "pop" out of the seat it sits in; you'll have to gently pull it out even after it's released from the locking retainer mechanism
- Once released, be careful to not pull out too far without releasing the electrical connectors
There are a few YT videos that do a decent job of illustration.
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