Removing steering wheel
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 219
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From: Indianapolis, IN
Removing steering wheel
I was wondering what was involved in actually removing a steering wheel in a 98 ranger. I know about removing the airbag, i just need to know about actually getting the steering wheel off. Do you need any special tools (and if so, does autozone have them in their "loan a tool" program). I am wanting to replace the stock wheel with a leather one from a mustang GT. Any info on removing/installing the wheel would be greatly appreciated.
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
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From: Connecticut
Steering Wheel Removal
Steering Wheel Removal
Special Tool(s) Needed: 2-Jaw Puller
WARNING: To avoid accidental deployment and possible personal injury, the backup power supply must be depleted before repairing or replacing any front or side air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) components and before servicing, replacing, adjusting or striking components near the front or side air bag sensors, such as doors, instrument panel, console, door latches, strikers, seats and hood latches.
To deplete the backup power supply energy, disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute. Be sure to disconnect auxiliary batteries and power supplies (if equipped).
WARNING: Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) vehicle and when handling an air bag module.
WARNING: Carry a live air bag module with the air bag and trim cover pointed away from your body. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.
WARNING: Never probe the connectors on the air bag module. Doing so can result in air bag deployment, which can result in personal injury.
NOTE: Make sure the wheels are in the straight-ahead position.
1. Disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute.
2. Disconnect the battery to starter relay cable.
3. Remove the driver air bag module.
a. Remove the two back cover plugs.
b. Remove the two driver air bag module screws.
c. Disconnect the air bag sliding contact electrical connector.
d. Remove the driver air bag module.
4. Remove the steering wheel bolt.
CAUTION: Removing the steering wheel without using a puller can damage the column bearings.
5. Use the 2-Jaw Puller to remove the steering wheel.
6. Remove and discard the original steering wheel bolt.
7. Remove the steering wheel while routing the wires from the air bag sliding contact through the steering wheel.
Installation
Follow the removal procedure in reverse order. Use a new steering wheel bolt.
Special Tool(s) Needed: 2-Jaw Puller
WARNING: To avoid accidental deployment and possible personal injury, the backup power supply must be depleted before repairing or replacing any front or side air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) components and before servicing, replacing, adjusting or striking components near the front or side air bag sensors, such as doors, instrument panel, console, door latches, strikers, seats and hood latches.
To deplete the backup power supply energy, disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute. Be sure to disconnect auxiliary batteries and power supplies (if equipped).
WARNING: Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) vehicle and when handling an air bag module.
WARNING: Carry a live air bag module with the air bag and trim cover pointed away from your body. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.
WARNING: Never probe the connectors on the air bag module. Doing so can result in air bag deployment, which can result in personal injury.
NOTE: Make sure the wheels are in the straight-ahead position.
1. Disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute.
2. Disconnect the battery to starter relay cable.
3. Remove the driver air bag module.
a. Remove the two back cover plugs.
b. Remove the two driver air bag module screws.
c. Disconnect the air bag sliding contact electrical connector.
d. Remove the driver air bag module.
4. Remove the steering wheel bolt.
CAUTION: Removing the steering wheel without using a puller can damage the column bearings.
5. Use the 2-Jaw Puller to remove the steering wheel.
6. Remove and discard the original steering wheel bolt.
7. Remove the steering wheel while routing the wires from the air bag sliding contact through the steering wheel.
Installation
Follow the removal procedure in reverse order. Use a new steering wheel bolt.
