Steering Wheel: Service and Repair

CAUTION: Removal of the steering wheel allows the contact coil to turn freely but do not turn the contact coil (on the combination switch) more than allowable number of turns (about two and a half turns from the center position clockwise or counterclockwise respectively), or coil will break.

REMOVAL
1. Disconnect negative battery cable at battery terminal.
2. Disable air bag system. Refer to Air Bags and Seat Belts.
3. Remove air bag (inflator) module from steering wheel. Refer to Air Bags and Seat Belts.





4. Remove steering shaft nut.
5. Make alignment marks on steering wheel and shaft for a guide during reinstallation.





6. Remove steering wheel with special tool (A).
Special Tool (A): 09944-36010 or 09944-36011 or equivalents.

CAUTION: Do not hammer the end of the shaft. Hammering it will loosen the plastic shear pins which maintain the column length and impair the collapsible design of the column.

CENTERING CONTACT COIL
1. Check that vehicle's wheels (front tires) are set at straight-ahead position.
2. Check that ignition switch is at "LOCK" position.





3. Turn contact coil counterclockwise slowly with a light force till contact coil will not turn any further.

NOTE: Contact coil can turn about 5 turns at maximum, that is, if it is at the center position, can turn about two and a half turns both clockwise and counterclockwise.





4. From the position where contact coil became unable to turn any further (it stopped), turn it back clockwise about two and a half rotations and align center mark with alignment mark.

INSTALLATION
1. Check that vehicle's front tires are at straight-ahead position and contact coil is centered.

CAUTION: These two conditions are prerequisite for installation of steering wheel. If steering wheel has been installed without these conditions, contact coil will break when steering wheel is turned.

2. Install steering wheel to steering shaft with 2 lugs on contact coil fitted in two grooves in the back of steering wheel and also aligning marks on steering wheel and steering shaft.





3. Tighten steering shaft nut to specified torque.
Tightening Torque (a): 33 Nm (23.5 ft. lbs.)
4. Install air bag (inflator) module to steering wheel.
5. Connect negative battery cable.
6. Enable air bag system. Refer to Air Bags and Seat Belts.