How to remove steering wheel?

by **SirMacDaddy** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 10:27 am

Hey everyone, its been a while since i have been here but... i just bought a new steering wheel since my last one was getting was wearing away horribly and getting all funky. I just wanted to know if anyone had any idea how to do it, step by step instructions so i can do this little project this weekend.

Thanks for your input

by **CamryOnBronze** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 11:42 am

first remove the steering column cover- youll have to turn the wheel to each side to ge tthe two screws out (theyre sort of behind the wheel unless its turned).

Once those are out, pull the two pieces of the column off and out. From there, there are two torx bolts that need to come out- they hold the airbag in. I believe its a torx 12 but dont hold me to that... then the airbag is unplugged and comes out.

From there, its just busting the large nut loose and pulling on the wheel- this can be pretty difficult, but keep trying and put some muscle into it- it will come off.

Make sure the wheel is straight when you pull it off so you can line the new one up correctly. Install is the reverse of removal. I think the torque for the large nut is 22 ft lbs, but Im not positive and dont have my haynes with me at work. Good luck! Its not too hard at all, just takes some muscle sometimes.

by **Gadgetjq** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 11:55 am

I'd add to COB's reply, disconnect the battery negative cable and wait a couple of minutes before beginning work on the steering wheel. That will all but eliminate the chance of the airbag deploying while you're removing it (stuff happens) which would really really hurt.

Oh, write down the radio settings first.

Cheers

by **krook** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 12:18 pm

and using a puller will help taking off the steering wheel ALOT easier.

i used a puller to swap my pulleys and it came off with ease!

by **lilm** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 4:30 pm

YES YES YES disconnect battery please

by **mazen222** » Wed Mar 10, 2010 11:21 am

I'm about to remove mine to get it spray painted... when you say it has to be 22 ft lbs, do i really need to get a tool to measure that or can i just torque it untill i cant anymore?

by **SoSleek** » Wed Mar 10, 2010 11:56 am

lol, 22 ft lbs isnt much. I would not torque it as hard as you can. With parts like the air bag, I would consider doing everything to spec. All you need is a torque wrench. If you don't have one....GET ONE!

by **Toy1mzfe** » Wed Mar 10, 2010 12:50 pm

Hmm dont seem too hard... My dam wheel is ugly.. Might get some lexus one with wood grain!.

by **CamryOnBronze** » Thu Mar 11, 2010 8:05 am

If you plan to modify your car, buy a torque wrench. A great investment. I wouldn't mess around with steering components... you probably want the torque to be somewhat close to correct.

But, before you do that... spray painting your steering wheel? What made you want to do that?

by **mazen222** » Thu Mar 11, 2010 10:08 am

CamryOnBronze wrote:If you plan to modify your car, buy a torque wrench. A great investment. I wouldn't mess around with steering components... you probably want the torque to be somewhat close to correct.

But, before you do that... spray painting your steering wheel? What made you want to do that?

The leather on my "tan" sterring wheel is now black/grey and sticky. I am taking it off, cleaning the sh!t out of it and one the guys from the upholstery department at my company will have it spray painted to make it look like new. He will match the color with the center cap.

30$ instead of buying a new one. And steering wheel covers are no good... they make the steering wheel so thick and reduce the control. Can't wait... that steering wheel is distroying the looks of my car

by **dug320** » Thu Mar 11, 2010 3:25 pm

Ugh

Don't get it painted. If you have it off go to a shoe dyer. Way better solution and it will not flake off.

by **mazen222** » Thu Mar 11, 2010 3:26 pm

dug320 wrote:Ugh

Don't get it painted. If you have it off go to a shoe dyer. Way better solution and it will not flake off.

shoe dyer for what? re-upholstery?

by **SoSleek** » Thu Mar 11, 2010 3:31 pm

mazen222 wrote:
dug320 wrote:Ugh

Don't get it painted. If you have it off go to a shoe dyer. Way better solution and it will not flake off.

shoe dyer for what? re-upholstery?

I'm guessing it's like a shoe repair shop. They would probably have all colors to repair the finish on leather shoes? Girls shoes all come in crazy colors, lol...maybe? Very creative idea, haha. I'm sure if their dyes are meant for shoes it would hold up great!

by **JamesT** » Thu Mar 11, 2010 4:51 pm

SoSleek wrote:
mazen222 wrote:
dug320 wrote:Ugh

Don't get it painted. If you have it off go to a shoe dyer. Way better solution and it will not flake off.

shoe dyer for what? re-upholstery?

I'm guessing it's like a shoe repair shop. They would probably have all colors to repair the finish on leather shoes? Girls shoes all come in crazy colors, lol...maybe? Very creative idea, haha. I'm sure if their dyes are meant for shoes it would hold up great!

I've used "shoe dye" on leather for a steering wheel and it turned out fine. it was the only option I had to match the factory color and I was pleased with the result. As far as I know, it's held up well.

by **JamesT** » Thu Mar 11, 2010 4:52 pm

Damn - That's huge... How do I resize photos on here?

How to remove steering wheel?

How to remove steering wheel?

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