987 Steering Wheel Removal ???

[husker boxster]

I picked up a new leather Sport wheel on fleabay. Want to replace the Alcantara wheel currently on Punkin.

I've got a Bentley manual for 986s. Are there any differences in removing a 987 wheel vs a 986? Will the instructions be the same for either model? Anything I need to be aware of before I begin?

Thanks in advance.

[Flavor 987S]

Disconnect battery and wait a few minutes is key. Are you sure the fleabay wheel has a working airbag????

[husker boxster]

Yeah, knew I should disconnect the battery.

The leather wheel didn't come with an airbag. Was planning to swap the airbag from my Alcantara wheel.

BTW...
I'm keeping the Alcantara wheel. If I ever decide to sell Punkin, she'll need that wheel.

[Boxtaboy]

Steering wheel removal for a 987: http://www.planet-9.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=149&cat=3

[husker boxster]

Thanks Boxtaboy.

Great link. Doesn't look too complicated.

[husker boxster]

Got the leather wheel installed this afternoon. A couple of items:

1. I didn't remove the ring around the airbag but removed the entire unit - airbag and ring. If I needed to remove the ring, I think it would be easier after taking the airbag out.

2. Was able to use the T55 torx socket to get the bolt off. There wasn't a 12mm hex head available at the parts store.

3. I also changed out the 3 trim pieces. Two are held on by screws but all three have 2 prongs / clips holding them in the wheel. Pry carefully with a screwdriver and they'll come off.

After reconnecting everything and starting it up, I get a PSM Failure light. Not sure if this will clear itself or if I have to have the dealer clear it. Will need to go to the dealer in a couple of days anyway as my maintenance clock is about to strike midnight.

All in all, this was pretty easy to do.