Steering Wheel: Service and Repair

Fig. 10 Removing Airbag Clock Spring Connector:

Fig. 12 Aligning Airbag Clock Spring:

1. Disable airbag system as described under MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES/AIRBAG SYSTEM DISARMING.
2. Remove airbag module mounting nut suing a socket wrench from back side. Wait at least 1 minute after disconnecting the battery ground cable before doing any further work on vehicle. The SRS system is designed to retain enough voltage to deploy the airbag for a short time even after the battery has been disconnected.
3. To remove the clock spring connector from the airbag module, force the lock outward and pry it with a suitable screwdriver as shown in Fig. 10. Ensure no undue force is applied when connector is removed. The removed airbag module should be stored in a clean, dry, flat place with pad cover facing up.
4. Remove steering wheel using suitable puller.
5. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
a. Line up the ``NEUTRAL'' mark of the clock spring with the mating mark to center clock spring, Fig. 12. If clock spring is not centered, problems such as intermediate failure of the steering wheel to turn or broken ribbon cable in the clock spring could occur. As a result, they might hinder proper operation of the SRS, resulting in serious injury.
b. Rearm airbag system as outlined under MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES/AIRBAG SYSTEM DISARMING.