Changing steering wheel 05-07

snum1fan · #1 (**permalink**) 09-09-09, 12:13 PM

Has anyone changed or removed the steering wheel on a 05-07? I need to take it off to install a new one. Has anyone done this? Have any tips/tricks?

snum1fan · #2 (**permalink**) 09-09-09, 12:19 PM

Do I really need a steering wheel puller or column lock?

next2pool · #3 (**permalink**) 09-09-09, 01:03 PM

I replaced mine about a month ago. The trickiest part was getting the center aibag/horn assembly off, but once I figured it out it was a breeze. The airbag assembly is retained by 3 "springs" or latches that are accessed from the back of the wheel. You need to insert a medium flat blade screw driver into each of the holes (which are really slots further in) and twist--that will release bag assembly. Once you have that off, there are 2 airbag plugs (yellow) that pull straight off, and then you have the plug for the switch panel. No puller is needed after you remove the center nut. Just rock the wheel a bit and it comes right off. No worries with the bag going off. If you have a replacement wheel already in hand--take a close look at those retainers for the bag so that you will know how to twist them.

snum1fan · #4 (**permalink**) 09-09-09, 01:18 PM

"No pulled is needed after you remove the nut"---is the nut a PITA to get off?

So no steering column lock is needed?

One more thing.

To disarm the airbag just disconnect the neg battery terminal and pull the two airbag fuses?

Thank you SO much!!!

next2pool · #5 (**permalink**) 09-09-09, 06:12 PM

The nut came off easily with just holding the rim with my other hand. I didn't even disconnect the battery since I've removed so many of them, but I would recommend it if you feel better - if it's going to go off, it can do that even with the battery disconnected. Static electricity is your only concern and its a minor one. Before you take the old one off--note the little arrow and notch for center position--in my case it couldn't have gone back on in any other position anyway. I realize it's a bit intimidating at first, but it's a breeze.

snum1fan · #6 (**permalink**) 09-09-09, 07:00 PM

GREAT! Thanks again.

Looks like I'll be doing it this weekend. And I'll be wearing my anti static wrist strap from when I build computers. Think I may even wear two and ground myself to a beaker box. JK.

I just read on the Alldata to "use extreme caution when reaching in and pressing the on button after re arming the airbag"

next2pool · #7 (**permalink**) 09-09-09, 07:42 PM

I suppose it happens and I'm sure I've gotten a bit careless about this after rebuilding so many cars, but I've never had one go nor heard of one--but it probably wouldn't hurt to sit on the RH side

skozzy · #8 (**permalink**) 09-10-09, 11:15 AM

Seriously film it! that will make a great youtube video if it does go off!!!

Just kidding. You are braver than I am, no way I would mess with it. But I guess thats why I have a buddy who does this type of work!

next2pool · #9 (**permalink**) 09-10-09, 12:40 PM

It really is intimidatating the first time you do one, but then after a while it becomes just another componenet you are changing--one of these days I'll probably eat those words

snum1fan · #10 (**permalink**) 09-30-09, 05:32 PM

Well I finally got the right wheel and did it. Wasn't that bad either. The hardest part was getting those stupid pins to release to take the airbag out

Thanks ALOT for all the help though.

next2pool · #11 (**permalink**) 09-30-09, 05:42 PM

Glad you got it done! I agree, the airbag clips were the toughest.