Steering Wheel - Removal

REMOVAL

Special Tools:






WARNING:
- Do not place a non-deployed airbag face down on a hard surface. The airbag will propel into the air if accidentally deployed. Failure to follow this instruction may result in possible serious or fatal injury.

- Disconnect and isolate the battery negative (ground) cable before beginning steering wheel removal or installation. This will disable the airbag system. Failure to follow this instruction may result in accidental airbag deployment and possible serious or fatal injury.

- Allow the airbag system capacitor to discharge for two minutes before removing the steering wheel or any airbag system component. Failure to follow this instruction may result in accidental airbag deployment and possible serious or fatal injury.





1. Adjust the steering wheel so that the tires are in the STRAIGHT-AHEAD position.

2. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.

3. Remove the driver airbag (3) Driver Air Bag - Removal.





4. Disconnect the wiring connector (2) at the clockspring.





5. Holding the steering wheel (4) firmly in place, remove the steering wheel retaining bolt (4) from the steering column shaft.

CAUTION:
Do not bump or hammer on the steering wheel or steering column shaft when removing the steering wheel.

NOTE: The jaws should point outward from the center of the steering wheel for removal.

6. Install Gear Puller (L-4407A) (1) and OTC(R) 7929A Steering Wheel Puller Leg Set or equivalent and loosen the steering wheel.

CAUTION:
Do not attempt to rotate the clockspring rotor once the steering wheel is removed. The clockspring must remain centered in its travel to avoid overextending the clockspring inner parts, causing the clockspring to become inoperative. If removed and handled properly using the correct procedures, it should remain in the "centered" position. If there is any question as to whether the clockspring is in the "centered" position of travel, perform the clockspring centering procedure before installing the steering wheel.





7. Holding the steering wheel firmly in the STRAIGHT-AHEAD position, release the steering wheel from the steering column shaft splines using the wheel puller (1). Remove the steering wheel from the column.