How to remove a steering wheel

Tools for the Job

• Steering wheel puller
• Hand Tools – Screwdrivers, trim removal tools
• 3/8-inch drive socket set
• Torque Wrench

Preparing the Workspace

Begin by parking the vehicle on a level surface and engaging the parking brake. Ensure the steering wheel is straight and level and the wheels are pointing straight ahead. Check on how to deactivate the airbag in the centre of the steering wheel.  It usually involves disconnecting the vehicle's battery to prevent any accidental airbag deployment.

This can vary between vehicles, so it is best to get the process for your particular make and model.

Locating the Steering Wheel Nut

The steering wheel nut is normally located under the airbag. It holds the steering wheel onto the steering column shaft to stop it coming off. There are splines on the steering wheel and steering column shaft so the two pieces can slide in together. They are needed so when you turn the steering wheel it turns the steering column shaft in the same direction.

Removing the Airbag

The airbag is not difficult to remove. There are usually a few screws or bolts at the back of the wheel which once undone will let the airbag come free. Remove it carefully as it will have wire connectors to the steering column. These need to be carefully removed so you can fully remove the airbag and place it out of the way. If the horn is located in the centre of the steering wheel, the horn wiring will also be part of this.

Note: Exercise caution and follow the manufacturer's guidelines to avoid accidental deployment of the airbag system.

Removing the Steering Wheel Nut

Using a suitable wrench or socket, loosen and remove the steering wheel nut. Ensure the steering wheel is securely held in place to prevent any movement while removing the nut. Place the nut in a safe location for later use.

Marking the Steering Wheel Alignment

Before pulling off the steering wheel, mark its position in relation to the steering column with a marker or paint. This marking assists in maintaining the correct alignment during reinstallation to prevent offset of the steering wheel. Offset is when driving in a straight line the steering wheel is not level and centred. It is turned slightly to the left or right.  It is caused by not sliding the wheel back onto the splines of the steering column shaft in exactly the same spot from where it was removed. 

Using a Steering Wheel Puller (if required)

In most cases, a steering wheel puller will be necessary to detach the wheel from the steering column shaft. Steering puller kits are relatively inexpensive, and you can sometimes use a harmonic balancer puller kit to do the same job. Follow the tool's instructions carefully to avoid damaging the steering wheel or steering column.

The steering wheel will have threaded bolt holes to attach the puller. The centre bolt of the puller goes through the yoke or crow’s foot and pushes down on the steering column shaft. 2 outer bolts of equal length go through the yoke and are screwed into the steering wheel. As the centre bolt tightens it puts pressure on the two outer bolts and they begin to pull the steering wheel off the steering column shaft. Care must be taken that the pressure on the 2 outer bolts is the same on both sides.

Inspection & Further Maintenance

Once the steering wheel is removed, take this opportunity to clean the exposed steering column area and inspect components for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage. Any further maintenance work on the steering column can now be performed. Once all maintenance work has been completed, the area is ready to receive the steering wheel.

Reinstallation Preparations

If replacing the steering wheel with a new one, ensure the new wheel is compatible with the vehicle model. Prepare the new steering wheel by transferring the alignment marks from the old wheel and verifying the splines are the same. If refitting the old steering wheel, this will be straight forward as you already have the alignment marks.

Installing the Steering Wheel

Align the steering wheel with the previously marked position on the steering column. Slide it onto the splines of the steering column shaft, ensuring it fits snugly and aligns correctly with the marked alignment indicators. Once you are satisfied, screw the steering wheel nut onto the steering column shaft by hand and then using a wrench, torque to specification.

Reinstalling the Airbag

Reconnect the horn wiring and airbag connectors by reversing the removal process. Ensure all connections are secure and properly seated to avoid electrical issues or malfunctions. Replace and screw or bolt in the airbag. 

Reconnecting the Vehicle Battery

Reconnect the vehicle's battery once all components are installed and secured. Double-check all connections and test the functionality of the horn and make sure there are no airbag system warnings on the dash.

Final Checks

Test the steering wheel by turning it gently in both directions to ensure smooth operation and proper alignment. Listen for any unusual noises or resistance that might indicate an installation issue. Take the vehicle for a drive to check steering wheel alignment. You don't want the steering wheel offset when you're travelling in a straight line. It needs to be straight and level.

If the steering wheel is offset, unfortunately you will have to remove it and reposition it on the steering column spline to remove the offset. This is why it is vital to mark it correctly when you remove it the first time.

Removing a Steering Wheel

Removing a steering wheel demands attention to detail and adherence to safety precautions as airbags are dangerous. If it went off at the wrong moment it can cause serious injury. Strictly follow the manufacturers recommendations when working on them.

As for removing the steering wheel, using the right tools makes it a fairly straight forward process.  Just make sure you mark the location of the wheel compared to the steering column shaft correctly before removal to save yourself a lot of extra work.