Steering Wheel

STEERING WHEEL

REMOVAL

WARNING: DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain to turn the steering wheel until the front wheels are in the straight-ahead position.

1. Place the front wheels in the straight-ahead position.
2. Remove the driver airbag from the steering wheel.
3. Disconnect the steering wheel wire harness connectors from the upper clock spring connector receptacles.
4. Remove the screw that secures the steering wheel armature to the steering column upper shaft, which is located within the hub cavity of the steering wheel.

CAUTION: Be certain that the screws that secure the steering wheel puller to the steering wheel are fully engaged in the steering wheel armature without passing through the steering wheel and damaging the clock spring.

5. Pull the steering wheel off of the steering column upper shaft spline using a steering wheel puller (Special Tool C-3428-B).

INSTALLATION
1. Reinstall the steering wheel onto the steering column upper shaft. Be certain to index the yellow rubber booted engagement dowel on the upper surface of the clock spring rotor between the two fins cast into the lower surface of the steering wheel armature hub. Pull the upper clock spring pigtail wire through the upper hole between the steering wheel back trim cover and the steering wheel armature.
2. Install and tighten the screw that secures the steering wheel to the steering column upper shaft. Tighten the screw to 61 Nm (45 ft. lbs.). Be certain not to pinch the clock spring pigtail wire or the steering wheel wire harness between the steering wheel and the screw.
3. Reconnect the steering wheel wire harness connectors to the upper clock spring connector receptacles. Be certain that the steering wire harness is routed between the steering wheel back trim cover and the steering wheel armature.
4. Reinstall the driver airbag onto the steering wheel.