How hard is it to take off the stock wheel and replace it with an aftermarket one (no airbag of course). Also, what do you have to worry about when dealing with airbags; I've heard that pulling the fuse isn't a sure thing to deactivate the airbags because they have back up systems incase of a crash.

Just curious what I have to worry about when changing my steering wheel. Thanks.

 

Just did it last night to replace the turn signal cancel springs so here goes.

1. Pull the SIR (air bag fuse) - 15A (lower right in fuse box).
2. Remove the two under dash covers under the column to expose two YELLOW connectors.
3. Disconnect the two yellow connectors starting with the one that is near the base of the column. The second one is a little higher and closer to the firewall. You will need to remove the safety tabs before you can separate the connectors. This disables the SIR (air bag) system.
4. Next, loosen the 4 torx screws on the backside of the steering wheel that hold the airbag. These screws are retained in the wheel so don't try to remove them.
5. Pull the airbag toward you and disconnect the yellow connector coming from the column to the back of the airbag.
6. Gently place the air bag aside.
7. Remove steering wheel nut using 13/16" (I think) socket.
8. Use steering wheel puller to pull wheel of the shaft.

As far as what new wheels will fit and how they go on, you're on your own. Hope this helps.

Jeff

 

That helps alot. Can I get away with not using a steering wheel puller?

 

There is a backup power capacitor in the DERM module, and you need to allow the system to sit for at least 20 minutes after pulling the fuse, before working on it. I would get a decent shop manual and read it. Chilton's has fairly detailed deactivation procedure.

You can not get the wheel off the column without a puller. You can get one for $6 from Grant that will work fine. I did see a post here or on Appearance board recently where someone had the wheel separate at some rivets when he tried to pull it. Mine came off fairly easy.

After you get it apart, you can get the 3rd Gen kit from Grant for the steering wheel install. Might have to sand the top of the surround on the steering column, or it will rub a little. Grant makes a "biilet" spacer that is a lot better than the rubber bellows they include in the standard kit.

 

You could use a harmonic balancer puller also but you need to use something. You don't want to be banging on the column. There are two holes on either side of the center shaft that the puller goes into.

Pick up the puller from Pep Boys or somewhere. You will also need to find a couple of bolts that thread through the puller and into your wheel. Try a couple of bolts until you find the the right thread size. The puller is cheap and you will use it the rest of your life. Especially for things like turn signal switches and cancellation springs. Should be less than $20.