Hey Everyone,

So as you may know from the other thread, I'm giving very serious consideration to getting a wood and leather steering wheel.

I called the dealership and they want $125 (tax included) to install this thing! That sounds pretty steep to me.

My question: How hard is it to install a steering wheel? Are there any special tools needed? Does anyone have instructions?

I could really use the help in saving $125!!!

Picture of the steering wheel for reference (obviously thinking that I'll resure the center part of the current steering wheel:



Thanks,

Duke

 

The search button is your friend, don't forget about him.

https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...+wheel+removal

 

I would do a search for the cruise control install threads, they usually cover it in some detail. It's pretty damn easy!

 

oops, that was a big amateur mistake on my part. Sorry fellas!

 

Ok. So I read that entire thread and it looks like if I don't have one that is easy to pull then I'm out of luck because I don't have a steering wheel puller.

I'm also leary about doing this without seeing any pictures about it, I'm more of a visual guy.

Is there any chance of screwing up alignment or the direction in which the wheel sits? Example, have it askew to the left or something while driving straight?

Would it be worth the $125 to have them do it?

Is there anything, anyone cares to add to this?

Directions:

1. Use a 1/4" drive 8mm socket, and a 1" extension to remove the negative battery cable.

2. Wait 15-20 minutes (Have a beer, smoke a cig, pass the time).

3. Use a small flat bladed screwdriver and wrap the tip of it in black electrical tape. Take said screwdriver and use it to pry off the two caps on either side of the wheel, being careful not to scratch the old one (especially if you plan to sell it on eBay like me).

4. Use the same 1/4" drive 8 mm socket to remove the two bolts on either side of the airbag. These are set at a slightly "angled back" angle, so be careful and conscientious when removing, so that you don't drop them inside the wheel. Small screwdriver to pop up the little red tab on the airbag harness

5. Gently pull the airbag/clockspring/horn unit away from the steering wheel. You will see three electrical connections. Two are at the top and one is at the bottom, disconnect all three, and set the unit aside.

6. Use a 3/8" drive Torx T45 socket to remove the center bolt from the wheel and set it aside.

7. Now, put your foot on the brake and use it for leverage, and pull firmly on the wheel (straight out), do NOT wiggle it up or down as damage to the splined steering shaft can occur. ( I have found this to be the easiest way to remove the wheel without the use of a steering wheel/gear puller).

8. Installation is the reverse of removal.

 

Can you please tell me where you found the directions that I put on this site a long time ago. I just spent like the last hour looking for that post. Man, this is NOT my day!

 

I haven't had the airbag off an '04+ F150 yet, but if it's like most any other Ford, don't completely remove the T45 bolt that holds the steering wheel on. Leave it in place two or three turns before pulling the steering wheel, this way you don't accidentally catch the wiring from the clockspring on the steering wheel as it pops off, ripping the clockspring apart. Try not to use the brake pedal for leverage as well, even though it may not cause any harm, slamming the pedal to the floor then putting all your weight behind it may not be a good thing to do.

 

Oh man I'm sorry. 928gt just posted a link to them in link #2. Are you an experience tech? What would you rate the difficulty on this? Do I run the risk of breaking something in the steering column?

Duke

 

Is the t45 bolt go in the large opening that is in the middle of that steering wheel bracket? Does any of this require any out of the ordinary tools?

Hmm, maybe I should pony up and pay the $125 for the install. I really don't want to though.

Duke

 

The T45 (I think it's 50, actually, but who's counting) bolt goes in the splined hole in the center. That hole should have flat spots on opposite sides, so there's no way to screw up where it goes. Ain't nothing to it, pulling the steering wheel is the hardest part, and if you ate your Wheaties, there's no problem.

 

Do the above directions look accurate for the entire process? Maybe I'll give this a shot myself then.

How does the cover over the air bag come off? - Does that tan cover come off when I pop the circular covers on each side of the steering wheel off and unbolt the bolts?

Anyone have an idea what a T45 or T50 looks like? Would this be in your standard wrench or rachet kit?

Duke

 

The airbag and cover comes off as an assembly; the only time the cover ever comes off is if the airbag deploys.

If you can wait for a bit, I'll pull the airbag off mine at work and take some pictures tomorrow.

 

That would be beyond awesome! I would be eternally grateful if you could snap some pictures for me as you go to kind of give me an idea of what I'll be getting myself into.

I probably wouldn't be doing the install until next weekend.

Thank you so much Q!

Thanks again,

Duke

 

Cool. Fridays are usually pretty dull around here, so I'll get some pictures for you tomorrow. Stand by.

 

F150 Duke:

If you will look an the sides of the square plastic trim that is attached to the back of your wheel, you will see two plastic plugs. If you pry these out, you will have access to the heads of an 8mm bolt (one on each side). Guys on here have said these plugs can be removed without scatching and marring them. I was unsuccessful in doing so. I just bought new plugs from the dealer for $2.50 each. I figured it better to scratch the plug instead of scratching the housing on the wheel. Once you remove these bolts, the air bag assemble is raised away from the wheel. This exposed the wiring harnesses that need to be unplugged to completely remove the air bag. I put a small piece of electrical tape on the edge of my 8 mm socket. The bolts are at an angle. The tape helps the socket hold onto the bolt until it is removed from the hole and away from the housing. I did not need a puller to remove the wheel. Just a good firm, pants staining pull separated the wheel from the shaft. The install is the exact opposite. The tape trick is good for the install. If you drop the bolt trying to thread it, you have to pull the wheel again to retrieve it. This is a very easy install. Follow the instructions above. They are very thorough. Make sure you wait 10 minutes to make the air bag safe.

Good luck!!