How To Remove A Steering Wheel

If you have been toying with the idea of getting a new steering wheel for your four-wheeler, but have not been able to do it so far, think no further. Just go and grab a wheel and get it installed, all by yourself. For most drivers, there comes a time when they want to do away with their old steering wheel. While the thought of removing a steering wheel and replacing it with a new one all by yourself might sound challenging enough, believe it or not, it isn’t a back-breaking task to say the least. Getting yourself educated on how to go about this entire process can help you remove your steering wheel easily. All it takes is a multi-purpose puller and dollops of patience to get at the job. Just get a toolbox filled with pliers and screwdrivers and you are good to go. Here is a step by step guide to help you master the task of removing your car’s steering wheel easily. Read on to know more.

Image: By Brian Snelson from Hockley, Essex, England (Easier steering wheel alignment) [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Tips For Removing Steering Wheel

Whether you are replacing a broken steering wheel, or just planning to replace the old wheel with a brand new customized one, you will need to buy the new steering wheel even before you get into the task. At the time of purchasing the wheel, make sure you get one that fits the make and model of your vehicle. Keep tools like pliers, pullers and screwdrivers handy.
Before you start removing the wheels, check for the proper alignment of your car. Just swivel your steering to ensure that your car tires are positioned straight. This will save you from faulty installation of your wheel.
Unplug all the electrical systems on your vehicle, before you start off with the removal process. This is an essential precautionary measure you need to adhere to. Doing so will reduce all risk of getting accidental electrocutions. Also, it will reduce the chances of a possible deployment of the airbag, horn blowing out or shorting. Just remove the battery from the ends to ensure that there is no current flowing from the system.
Do not forget to remove the horns before you take off with your task. Push down or pull up the horn cap and turn to remove the horn button. This will help the emblem cap to come off easily from the wheel. In some vehicles, the horn ring comes attached to the rear of wheel spokes. Check out for the screws before dislodging the horn.
Once you have successfully removed the horn, the next step is to remove the horn wire or spring-loaded metal plunger. You can get it off by pulling it or twisting the plastic sleeve off from its housing. Cut the wire attached to the plastic sleeve and set the sleeve aside for later use.
Next, you may need to remove the shaft-nut. Just take off the shaft-nut retainer clip and use a 24 mm socket and ratchet to remove the nut and its washer attached to the steering wheel of your vehicle.
Use a marker to mark the steering wheel's orientation on the splines on the steering column shaft's ending. This way you will come to know where to put the top end of the steering, while installing a new one.
After you have unfastened all the attachments and marked the place, your old wheel is all set to be removed. Just pull the steering shaft and check the insides for tow tapped holes. Place the puller into the shaft and pull to dislodge your steering wheel from your vehicle.
Now, your vehicle is all ready for a brand new replacement. Just grab your pick and install it for a great riding experience.

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