Steering Wheel: Service and Repair

Fig. 4 Airbag Replacement:

Fig. 5 Aligning Spiral Cable:

On vehicles equipped with airbag restraint system. Use extreme caution when working around steering column to avoid personal injury. Before performing any work on the steering wheel or column, disable airbag system as described under MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES/AIRBAG ARMING & DISARMING.

MODELS w/AIRBAG

1. Place steering wheel in neutral position.
2. Remove lower lid from steering wheel, then disconnect airbag module electrical connector, Fig. 4.
3. Remove side lid. Using a T50H Torx bit, remove left and right special securing bolts.
4. To remove airbag module, proceed as follows:
a. Pull airbag module forward about 1.57 inch and disconnect electrical connector.
b. Always place airbag module with pad side facing upward. Do not attempt to disassemble airbag module. Special bolts are coated with a bonding agent, discard after removal and replace.
c. If any portion of airbag module is damaged or cracked, replace module. Do not allow oil, grease or water to come in contact with airbag module.
5. Ensure steering wheel is in neutral position, then disconnect horn electrical connector and remove steering wheel attaching nut.
6. Remove steering wheel using puller tool No. J25726-A or equivalent.
7. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
a. Install steering wheel aligning spiral cable pin guides, and pull spiral cable connector, Fig. 5.
b. Connect horn connector and secure spiral cable harness with pawls in steering wheel.
c. Torque steering wheel retaining nut to 22-29 ft. lbs.
d. Position airbag module and tighten with new special bolts. Connect airbag module electrical connector.
e. Ensure that no one is inside of the vehicle, then connect battery ground cable.
f. Turn ignition switch to the ON position and observe SRS warning light.
g. SRS warning light should illuminate for approximately seven seconds, then turn off and remain off for at least 45 seconds. This indicates SRS is functioning properly.
h. If SRS warning light does not respond as indicated, a malfunction in the SRS is indicated. Refer to the MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES/AIRBAG ARMING & DISARMING section for Diagnosis of the SRS system.

MODELS LESS AIRBAG

1. On 1989-90 models, remove horn pad retaining screws then the horn pad.
2. On 1991-93 models w/two spoke wheel, pry out horn pad and push pawl clamps with a suitable screwdriver then remove horn pad.
3. On 1991-93 models w/three spoke wheel, insert a suitable screwdriver into hole on back of lower spoke and pry clamps up then remove horn pad.
4. On 1991-93 models w/four spoke wheel, insert a Phillips head screwdriver into hole on lower side of spoke and remove clamps then remove horn pad.
5. On all models, remove steering wheel using puller tool No. J25726-A or equivalent.
6. Reverse procedure to install, prior to installation apply suitable grease to entire surface of turn signal cancel pin and horn contact slip ring.