changing the steering wheel

[Mark_T]

I have a three spoke steering wheel on its way to me to replace my original four spoke. From what I have read so far it looks like a fairly straightforward job to do the swap. Are there any tips or tricks I should know before I start? Will it really just wiggle off the column or will I need a puller? Thanks!

Mark

[blue2000s]

Originally Posted by Mark_T

I have a three spoke steering wheel on its way to me to replace my original four spoke. From what I have read so far it looks like a fairly straightforward job to do the swap. Are there any tips or tricks I should know before I start? Will it really just wiggle off the column or will I need a puller? Thanks!

Mark

Make sure you mark the top of the steering wheel on the shaft before you pull it off. Otherwise, you could end up with the wheel being turned a little while the car is pointed straight.

It should wiggle off with some tugging. If you keep the nut at the end of the shaft while you're pulling, you won't hit yourself with the steering wheel when it lets go. There are a couple of delicate "fingers" that protrude from the wheel angle sensor behind the wheel. Make sure they're lined up when you put the new wheel on so you don't break them. It's part of my documentation here:

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?/topic/24367-diy-dashboard-assembly/page__p__127612__hl__dash__fromsearch__1&#entry127612

It's the black ring in most of the pictures of the steering column.

[Lil bastard]

You'll need to disconnect the battery for several (read 10) minutes before proceeding to be certain the airbag is deactivated - be sure to have your radio code in-hand. The airbag stays active for some time once the car is switched off to protect the passengers until they exit the vehicle. Also, you'll need a long T-30 torx bit.

The rest is straightforward, but be mindful of the airbag clockspring and don't disturb it's orientation.

Do not reconnect the battery until you are done.

Good Luck!

Cheers!

[Mark_T]

-The airbag stays active for some time once the car is switched off

-If you keep the nut at the end of the shaft while you're pulling, you won't hit yourself with the steering wheel when it lets go. (brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it)

LOL - good tips, not ones you want to learn the hard way!

Information like that is priceless. Got the code and I'll watch the spring. Thanks!

[RandallNeighbour]

Borrow a really big monkey wrench or the 24mm socket to replace that ginormous nut that holds the wheel onto the shaft... you'll never use the tool again so there's no need to own it!

[Mark_T]

24 mm, eh? I know where I can borrow one of those. I see you have the same steering wheel on your car that I'm putting on. I've also got a set of sport seats coming with the wheel so the car should be a lot nicer to sit in very soon.

I'd like to give it the same brake/wheel treatment that you gave yours, but that will have to wait until next year at the earliest. The only other thing on the agenda for this year is a wind deflector if I can find one at a decent price.

Mark

[sd_boxster]

No, no - buy a 24MM socket! That way you'll already have it on the workbench when the time comes to install an underdrive pulley

Originally Posted by RandallNeighbour

Borrow a really big monkey wrench or the 24mm socket to replace that ginormous nut that holds the wheel onto the shaft... you'll never use the tool again so there's no need to own it!