Steering Wheel: Service and Repair

Refer to Technician Safety Information for Air Bag Arming and Disarming.

1. Remove air bag module mounting nut using a socket wrench from back side. Wait at least one minute after disconnecting battery ground cable before doing any further work on vehicle. SRS system is designed to retain enough voltage to deploy air bag for a short time even after battery has been disconnected.

Fig. 11 Air Bag Clockspring Connector Removal:

2. To remove clockspring connector from air bag module, force lock outward and pry it with a suitable screwdriver as shown, Fig. 11. Ensure no undue force is applied when connector is removed. The removed air bag module should be stored in a clean, dry, flat place with pad cover facing up.
3. Remove steering wheel using suitable puller.
4. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:

Fig. 13 Air Bag Clockspring Alignment:

a. Line up the "Neutral" mark of clockspring with the mating mark to center clockspring, Fig. 13. If clockspring is not centered, problems such as intermediate failure of the steering wheel to turn or broken ribbon cable in clockspring could occur. As a result, they might hinder proper operation of SRS, resulting in serious injury.