have a 05 f150 and would like to change steering wheels (plastic to leather wrap) but need to know how to remove airbag without it going off. i know to disconnect the battery before starting. any special tools required?

 

If you will look an the sides of the square plastic trim that is attached to the back of your wheel, you will see two plastic plugs. If you pry these out, you will have access to the heads of an 8mm bolt (one on each side). Guys on here have said these plugs can be removed without scatching and marring them. I was unsuccessful in doing so. I just bought new plugs from the dealer for $2.50 each. I figured it better to scratch the plug instead of scratching the housing on the wheel. Once you remove these bolts, the air bag assemble is raised away from the wheel. This exposed the wiring harnesses that need to be unplugged to completely remove the air bag. I put a small piece of electrical tape on the edge of my 8 mm socket. The bolts are at an angle. The tape helps the socket hold onto the bolt until it is removed from the hole and away from the housing. I did not need a puller to remove the wheel. Just a good firm, pants staining pull separated the wheel from the shaft. The install is the exact opposite. The tape trick is good for the install. If you drop the bolt trying to thread it, you have to pull the wheel again to retrieve it. This is a very easy install. Follow the instructions above. They are very thorough. Make sure you wait 10 minutes to make the air bag safe.

Good luck!!

 

thanks for getting back with your response. i've been real busy at work and haven't had time to work on changing steering wheels. hoping to get to it this weekend. seems alot to pay for the small plugs but then again everything is high from the dealers.

 

Why not a use a leather steering wheel cover? I did and get compliments on it all the time. Just my two cents worth.