Steering wheel – removal and installation
Warning: These models are equipped with airbags. Always disable the airbag system whenever working in the vicinity of any airbag system component to avoid the possibility of accidental airbag deployment, which could cause personal injury (see Chassis electrical system).
Removal
1. Park the vehicle with the front wheels in the straight-ahead position. Warning: Do NOT turn the steering shaft before, during or after steering wheel removal. If the shaft is turned while the steering wheel is removed, the clockspring can be damaged. The clock-spring, which maintains a continuous electrical circuit between the wiring harness and the airbag module, consists of a flat, ribbon-like electrically conductive tape which winds and unwinds as the steering wheel is turned.
2. Disconnect the cable (s) from the negative battery terminal(s) (see Engine electrical systems). Wait two minutes for the electrical system to discharge before working in the area of the airbag (see Chassis electrical system).
3. Remove the upper steering column cover (see Body).
4. Lower the steering column fully.
5. Turn the steering wheel to bring each of the three airbag retaining clips to the top position one at a time.
6. Insert a small screwdriver under each clip and pry to release it (see illustrations). Note: Use a small mirror to make sure that you get the screwdriver under the clips properly.
16.6a You can reach the airbag retaining clips when the upper steering column cover is removed
16.6b Release the airbag clips like this (steering wheel removed for clarity)
7. Pull the airbag module out far enough to reach the wiring harnesses at its rear (see illustration). Carefully disconnect the wiring harnesses without pulling on the wires.
16.7 Carefully disconnect these wires from the rear of the airbag after you lift it off
8. Lift off the airbag module. Warning: Carry the airbag module with the trim cover (upholstered side) facing away from you, and set the airbag module in a safe location with the trim cover facing up.
9. Remove the steering wheel bolt (see illustration). Note: The manufacturer recommends that this bolt be replaced with a new one whenever it’s removed.
16.9 The steering wheel bolt should be replaced with a new one whenever it’s removed; insert the hooks of the steering wheel puller into these holes, with the hooks facing toward the hub
10. Mark the relationship of the steering wheel to the steering shaft.
11. Use a jaw-type puller and remove the steering wheel. The hooks of the jaws should face inward. Detach the wires and feed them through the steering wheel as you remove it. Caution: Any attempt to remove the steering wheel without using a puller can damage the steering column.
12. If it is necessary to remove the clock-spring, unplug the electrical connector for the clockspring, then remove the screws and lift the clockspring from the steering column (see illustrations).
16.12a Clockspring upper screw
16.12b Clockspring lower screw
Installation
13. When installing the clockspring, make absolutely sure that the airbag clockspring is centered, with the arrows on the clockspring rotor and case lined up. This shouldn’t be a problem as long as you have not turned the steering shaft while the wheel was removed. If for some reason the shaft was turned, center the clockspring as follows:
a) Rotate the clockspring clockwise until it stops (don’t apply too much force, though).
b) Rotate the clockspring counterclockwise about 2-1/2 turns until the arrows on the clockspring rotor and case line up.
14. Installation is the reverse of removal, noting the following points:
a) Make sure the airbag clockspring is centered before installing the steering wheel.
b) When installing the steering wheel, align the marks on the shaft and the steering wheel hub.
c) Install a NEW steering wheel bolt and tighten it to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
d) Enable the airbag system (see Chassis electrical system).