Steering Wheel: Service and Repair

Wheel - Super Duty

Special Tool(s):

Special Service Tool(s)

Removal

WARNING: Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag vehicle and when handling an air bag.

WARNING: Carry a live air bag module with the air bag and trim cover pointed away from your body. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.

WARNING: Do not set a live air bag module down with the trim cover face down.

WARNING: After deployment, the air bag surface can contain deposits of sodium hydroxide, a product of the gas generant combustion that is irritating to the skin. Wash your hands with soap and water after handling a deployed air bag.

WARNING: Never probe the connectors on the air bags. Doing so can result in air bag deployment, which can result in personal injury.

WARNING: Air bag modules with discolored or damaged covers or deployment doors must be replaced, not repainted.

WARNING: Vehicle sensor orientation is critical for proper system operation. If a vehicle equipped with an air bag system is involved in a collision, inspect the sensor mounting bracket and wiring pigtail for deformation. If damaged, the sensor must be replaced whether or not the air bag is deployed.

1. WARNING: To avoid accidental deployment and possible personal injury, the backup power supply must be depleted before repairing or replacing any air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) components. To deplete the backup power supply energy, disconnect the battery ground cable and wait one minute. Be sure to disconnect auxiliary batteries and power supplies (if equipped).

Disconnect the battery ground cable.





2. Note: Make sure the wheels are in the straight-ahead position.

Remove the driver air bag module.
1 Remove the two back cover plugs.
2 Remove the bolts.
3 Disconnect the horn electrical connector.
4 Disconnect the air bag electrical connector.
5 Remove the driver air bag module.





3. Remove and discard the steering wheel retaining bolt.





4. CAUTION: Removing the steering wheel without using a puller can damage the column bearings.

Use the 2-Jaw Puller to remove the steering wheel.

5. Remove the steering wheel while routing the wires from the air bag sliding contact through the steering wheel.

Installation





1. Follow the removal procedure in reverse order using a new steering wheel bolt.
2. Connect the battery cable.