Steering Wheel: Service and Repair
OVERVIEWTo service the steering wheel components or the airbag, refer to Airbags and Seatbelts. Follow all WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS found under Service Precautions.
NOTE: Before proceeding with this procedure, review the SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS found under Service Precautions.
REMOVAL
1. Make sure the front wheels of the vehicle are in the STRAIGHT AHEAD position before beginning the column removal procedure.
2. Disconnect negative (ground) cable from the battery and isolate cable from battery terminal.
3. Rotate key cylinder to the lock position and remove key. Rotate the steering wheel a half turn to the left until the steering column lock engages keeping the steering column in the locked position.
4. Remove the 3 bolts (one in each spoke of the steering wheel) attaching the airbag module to the steering wheel. Lift the airbag module from the steering wheel.
5. Disconnect wiring connectors from the airbag, horn switch wire, and speed control switches. Remove the wiring harness routing clip from the
If the steering wheel is equipped with remote radio, controls, disconnect the connector from the clockspring. Release the connector by depressing the tang as shown, then slide the connector apart.
6. Remove the steering wheel retaining nut from the steering column shaft.
7. Remove the steering wheel damper from the steering wheel.
CAUTION: Do not bump or hammer on steering column or steering column shaft when removing steering wheel from steering column shaft.
CAUTION: When installing steering wheel puller bolts in steering wheel, do not thread bolt into steering wheel more than a half inch. If bolts are threaded into the steering wheel more than a half inch they will contact and damage the clockspring.
8. Remove the steering wheel from steering column shaft using a steering wheel puller.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Before installing the steering wheel the clockspring must be centered. If clockspring is not centered, the wiring in the clockspring may be overextended and break when the steering wheel is rotated. Use the following procedure to center the clockspring.
CLOCKSPRING CENTERING PROCEDURE
- Depress the 2 plastic locking pins to disengage the lock mechanism.
- With the lock mechanism disengaged, rotate the clockspring rotor clockwise until the rotor stops. Do not apply excessive force.
- From the end of the clockwise travel, rotate the rotor three turns counterclockwise. The clockspring wires should be at the top. Engage clockspring locking pins.
- From the center locked position, rotate the clock spring one-half additional turn counterclockwise. The clockspring wiring should now be at the bottom. The clockspring is now correctly positioned for installation of the steering wheel.
CAUTION: Do not force steering wheel onto steering column shaft by driving it on. Pull steering wheel down onto shaft using only the steering wheel retaining nut.
1. Align master splines on steering wheel and steering shaft, and flats on steering wheel with formations on clockspring. Install the steering wheel on the steering column shaft. All wiring leads from the clockspring must be routed as shown.
NOTE: Before installing the damper on the steering wheel, inspect the damper to ensure the rubber isolator on the damper is not deteriorated or damaged. If the damper is installed with a damaged isolator a buzz, squeak or rattle condition may develop.
2. Install the steering wheel damper on the steering wheel. When damper is installed, it must be positioned on the steering wheel as shown in the image.
3. Install the steering wheel retaining nut. Tighten the steering wheel retaining nut to a torque of 61 Nm (45 ft. lbs.).
4. Connect the wiring lead from the clockspring to the remote radio control connector.
5. Install the wiring leads from the clockspring on the airbag, horn switch wire, and speed control switches. Attach the wire routing clip to the studs on the airbag module.
6. Install the airbag module in the steering wheel.
7. Install the 3 bolts (1 in each spoke of the steering wheel) attaching the airbag module to the steering wheel. Tighten the 3 airbag module attaching nuts to a torque of 11 Nm (100 inch lbs.).
8. Connect negative (ground) cable on the battery terminal.