How Do You Remove stock Steering Wheel?
#1
12-18-2003 | 03:18 PM
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From: Orlando, FL
#4
12-18-2003 | 04:31 PM
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From: SW MO
On most vehicles there is a battery back up for the air bag, so in the event of an accident the air bag can still function in a secondary collision if battery power is cut. So, you'll need to find out how long it lasts, and be sure to wait it out... Also, make sure you're grounded good, static electricity can set one off...
#7
12-18-2003 | 05:13 PM
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From: Titusville, FL
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#8
12-18-2003 | 05:36 PM
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From: Richmond, VA, USA
just disconnect your battery and wait a minute (or 3 or 4 to be safe). then remove the two circular plastic covers on either side of the wheel (side facing dash). remove two 8mm bolts, pull airbag towards you. disconnect connector to airbag. unhook any other connectors you see in there such as cruise control switch harness etc. now, loosen (but DO NOT FULLY REMOVE) steering wheel retaining bolt (probably a 15mm or T45). and start pulling like crazy. IMPORTANT, leave the steering wheel bolt (big bolt in the center of the wheel that holds the thing on) in place before you start pulling! you can remove it all the way if you like, but then reinstall it at least a few threads. if this bolt is not in place when you start pulling, then the steering wheel could pop loose suddenly and with the amount of force it will likely take to get the wheel off, theres a good chance you'll hurt yourself when the wheel does come off. could break your nose. don't worry about alignment, the wheel only goes on/off one way. well, it might go on two ways, but it'll be 180 out and hopefully you'll notice this before you put it back together! if not then you shouldn't be messing with this job to begin with. 
good luck
later,
chris
good luck
later,
chris
Last edited by superfords; 12-18-2003 at 05:38 PM.
#9
12-18-2003 | 06:49 PM
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I wouldnt recommend using the twist and pull method posted above. Use a steering wheel puller tool easily found at many local parts stores.
Using the twist and pull method, you put pressure on the tilt mechanism/pins and the soft metal around the pins can egg out over time causing a loose tilt wheel assembly. It may not hurt it the first time that you pull the wheel off, but after a couple of times it can and will stress out those parts over time.
Its alot more work to loosen the bolt, put your foot against the brake for leverage and pull and twist from side to side, than it is to just use a puller and do it the way Ford says to do it.
JMHO
AY ELF
ps; Dont worry about the airbag too much once its disconnected, there is a shorting bar that you cant see that wont allow the bag to deploy even if you hook up two wires and put 12v to it, the connector moves the shorting bar out of the way making the airbag functional.
Using the twist and pull method, you put pressure on the tilt mechanism/pins and the soft metal around the pins can egg out over time causing a loose tilt wheel assembly. It may not hurt it the first time that you pull the wheel off, but after a couple of times it can and will stress out those parts over time.
Its alot more work to loosen the bolt, put your foot against the brake for leverage and pull and twist from side to side, than it is to just use a puller and do it the way Ford says to do it.
JMHO
AY ELF
ps; Dont worry about the airbag too much once its disconnected, there is a shorting bar that you cant see that wont allow the bag to deploy even if you hook up two wires and put 12v to it, the connector moves the shorting bar out of the way making the airbag functional.
Last edited by Grey03; 12-18-2003 at 06:51 PM.
