Steering wheel controls - easily removeable?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2022
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From: Dallas Metroplex
Steering wheel controls - easily removeable?
I just got through watching A-Rod's excellent video about installing a heated steering wheel, to get some pointers.
What I'm trying to determine is how easy it is to just loosen the steering wheel controls on my '20 XLT, just enough so that I can run a leather steering wheel wrap underneath the controls at the spokes (for a clean install, so as to not overlap the control surfaces with leather).
Is it possible to just lift the edge of the controls near the wheel spokes without having to disassemble the wheel components (air bag then controls)? I just don't want to try prying plastic only to have it bust unexpectedly, that'd be very bad...
What I'm trying to determine is how easy it is to just loosen the steering wheel controls on my '20 XLT, just enough so that I can run a leather steering wheel wrap underneath the controls at the spokes (for a clean install, so as to not overlap the control surfaces with leather).
Is it possible to just lift the edge of the controls near the wheel spokes without having to disassemble the wheel components (air bag then controls)? I just don't want to try prying plastic only to have it bust unexpectedly, that'd be very bad...
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 1,821
Likes: 897
From: Dallas Metroplex
Just for grins, I opened my case of plastic body spunges and such, and I was able to gently lift the edge of the left-most bezel at the spoke position and where the buttons are located. I didn't go very far beyond that point as I didn't want to break the plastic (no idea just where and how that bezel is attached).
So, I might be able to push the leather underneath that bezel for a snug fit (and use some 3M double-sided tape to secure it). It would be nice to know just where that bezel attaches to the steering wheel and how, as I haven't been able to find a clear photo of a steering wheel minus the airbag (and paused videos aren't too helpful thus far).
I guess I'll eventually be reduced to removing the airbag to get the answer as to how that bezel attaches to the steering wheel, and if it's easily removed and reinstalled. Either that, or take the risk and try wedging the leather under the edges of the button bezels (and hope I don't bust the plastic)...
So, I might be able to push the leather underneath that bezel for a snug fit (and use some 3M double-sided tape to secure it). It would be nice to know just where that bezel attaches to the steering wheel and how, as I haven't been able to find a clear photo of a steering wheel minus the airbag (and paused videos aren't too helpful thus far).
I guess I'll eventually be reduced to removing the airbag to get the answer as to how that bezel attaches to the steering wheel, and if it's easily removed and reinstalled. Either that, or take the risk and try wedging the leather under the edges of the button bezels (and hope I don't bust the plastic)...
www.DieselCurrent.com
Joined: Nov 2024
Posts: 363
Likes: 235
From: Lake County Ohio
Just for grins, I opened my case of plastic body spunges and such, and I was able to gently lift the edge of the left-most bezel at the spoke position and where the buttons are located. I didn't go very far beyond that point as I didn't want to break the plastic (no idea just where and how that bezel is attached).
So, I might be able to push the leather underneath that bezel for a snug fit (and use some 3M double-sided tape to secure it). It would be nice to know just where that bezel attaches to the steering wheel and how, as I haven't been able to find a clear photo of a steering wheel minus the airbag (and paused videos aren't too helpful thus far).
I guess I'll eventually be reduced to removing the airbag to get the answer as to how that bezel attaches to the steering wheel, and if it's easily removed and reinstalled. Either that, or take the risk and try wedging the leather under the edges of the button bezels (and hope I don't bust the plastic)...
So, I might be able to push the leather underneath that bezel for a snug fit (and use some 3M double-sided tape to secure it). It would be nice to know just where that bezel attaches to the steering wheel and how, as I haven't been able to find a clear photo of a steering wheel minus the airbag (and paused videos aren't too helpful thus far).
I guess I'll eventually be reduced to removing the airbag to get the answer as to how that bezel attaches to the steering wheel, and if it's easily removed and reinstalled. Either that, or take the risk and try wedging the leather under the edges of the button bezels (and hope I don't bust the plastic)...
www.DieselCurrent.com
Joined: Nov 2024
Posts: 363
Likes: 235
From: Lake County Ohio
I have come across other videos of guys installing Amazon carbon fiber wheels. They showed swapping buttons. I just don't recall enough of the details to be a help.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 1,821
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From: Dallas Metroplex
I was initially attempting to locate a leather wrapped take off steering wheel (say, from a Lariat or KR), but they're rarer than hen's teeth. And those that do have them want a fortune for them. So, decided to try wrapping my existing wheel, instead.
I never considered shopping for another wheel on fleaBay, but might see what's available in that venue. Never know, might just find a used OEM wheel.
I never considered shopping for another wheel on fleaBay, but might see what's available in that venue. Never know, might just find a used OEM wheel.
www.DieselCurrent.com
Joined: Nov 2024
Posts: 363
Likes: 235
From: Lake County Ohio
I remember the Arod video, maybe reach out to him and see what his customer did with the takeoff wheel?
I believe your 20 has the same wheel as a 15-20 F150. Should be plenty of wheels out there.
car-parts.com should have some local to you.
I believe your 20 has the same wheel as a 15-20 F150. Should be plenty of wheels out there.
car-parts.com should have some local to you.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2021
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From: East TN
I just got through watching A-Rod's excellent video about installing a heated steering wheel, to get some pointers.
What I'm trying to determine is how easy it is to just loosen the steering wheel controls on my '20 XLT, just enough so that I can run a leather steering wheel wrap underneath the controls at the spokes (for a clean install, so as to not overlap the control surfaces with leather).
Is it possible to just lift the edge of the controls near the wheel spokes without having to disassemble the wheel components (air bag then controls)? I just don't want to try prying plastic only to have it bust unexpectedly, that'd be very bad...
What I'm trying to determine is how easy it is to just loosen the steering wheel controls on my '20 XLT, just enough so that I can run a leather steering wheel wrap underneath the controls at the spokes (for a clean install, so as to not overlap the control surfaces with leather).
Is it possible to just lift the edge of the controls near the wheel spokes without having to disassemble the wheel components (air bag then controls)? I just don't want to try prying plastic only to have it bust unexpectedly, that'd be very bad...
https://www.f150forum.com/f118/adapt...2/#post5435397
Unless they changed something, the plastic trim pushes into grommets with pointed posts. You will not be able to adjust the seating depth with screws or anything like that.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 1,821
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From: Dallas Metroplex
Wow, that's a HUGE help, thanks! I never found that thread when searching earlier (or, overlooked it), but the picture showing how the trim piece with the controls attaches (via those tapered posts) is very helpful. I guess I should've known that for ease and speed of assembly going down the line in the factory it makes sense to just push and snap that trim into place. Many years ago that trim would've been held in place by small screws, I'm sure. Actually, that would be my preference, as it would've been a more solid attachment to hold the leather wrap in place.
OK, I'm no longer intimidated by that trim piece breaking, when I pry up the areas around the three spoke areas. I won't even have to remove the airbag. I reckon I'll have to see if it will snap back into place with the edge of the leather wedged beneath it, but I'll get it sussed somehow.
Thanks again for the link!
OK, I'm no longer intimidated by that trim piece breaking, when I pry up the areas around the three spoke areas. I won't even have to remove the airbag. I reckon I'll have to see if it will snap back into place with the edge of the leather wedged beneath it, but I'll get it sussed somehow.
Thanks again for the link!
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