Removal

REMOVAL

NOTE: Before proceeding, Service Precautions .

1. Place front wheels of vehicle in STRAIGHT-AHEAD position.
2. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative (-) cable. Wait two minutes for the airbag system reserve capacitor to discharge before beginning any steering column, instrument panel, or airbag system/component service.

WARNING: When an undeployed airbag is to be removed from the vehicle, first disconnect and isolate the battery negative (ground) cable. Allow the airbag system reserve capacitor to discharge for two minutes before beginning any airbag system or component service. Personal injury may result if this procedure is not followed.





3. Remove the driver airbag (1). Driver Air Bag - Removal





4. Disconnect the wiring connector (2) at the clockspring.





5. Holding the steering wheel (4) firmly in place, remove the steering wheel retaining bolt (3) from the steering column shaft.






CAUTION: Do not bump or hammer on the steering wheel or steering column shaft when removing the steering wheel.

6. Install an appropriate wheel puller with hooked legs (1) on the steering wheel over the steering shaft Removal.

CAUTION: Do not attempt to rotate the clockspring rotor once the steering wheel is removed. The clockspring must remain centered in its travel to avoid overextending the clockspring inner parts, causing the clockspring to become inoperative. If removed and handled properly using the correct procedures, it should remain in the "centered" position. If there is any question as to whether the clockspring is in the "centered" position of travel, perform the clockspring centering procedure before installing the steering wheel. Procedures





7. Holding the steering wheel firmly in the STRAIGHT-AHEAD position, release the steering wheel from the steering column shaft splines using the wheel puller (1). Remove the steering wheel from the column.

8. Remove speed control switch from steering wheel. Speed Control Switch - Removal
9. Remove remote audio switches from steering wheel. Remote Radio Switches - Removal