DIY Steering wheel Removal & Install

Lee's05GT

Formally Qksixx
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Ive switched out my IUP steering wheel for a Gt500 steering wheel. Heres how.

Tools needed:
Flat head screw driver
8mm socket (extension might come in handy)
24mm socket w/extension (or 1 inch socket since I did not have a 24mm)

1. Disconnect the battery with a 8mm.

IMG_20120402_123030.jpg


2. On each side of there steering wheel there are plastic caps that you can pull out with a flat head like so.

IMG_20120402_123443.jpg


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3. Once the caps are off. You will see 2 8mm bolts, 1 per side. Remove these bolts with a 8mm. These hold the air bag in place.

IMG_20120402_123524.jpg


IMG_20120402_123535.jpg


4. Once both bolts are out, pull the center part of the steering wheel out.

IMG_20120402_124257.jpg


5. Once you pull it out. Disconnect the Positive and Negative connections going to the airbag.

IMG_20120402_125406.jpg


Pinch the sides of the plugs and pull out like so.

IMG_20120402_124315.jpg


6. After you have removed it, you will see a 24mm bolt in the middle of the steering wheel, that you will need to remove.


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7. Once the bolt is out pull the steering wheel off, it will still be connected to the inside harness. Take a flat head and push the top of the plug like so, and it will pull out.

IMG_20120402_124906.jpg


8. Then take your steering wheel and install it. Make sure you plug the harness in like so from step 7.

IMG_20120402_125206.jpg


9. Re install the 24mm bolt in the middle, make sure it is tight!

10. Re install airbag, and connect it back the same way it was disconnected.

IMG_20120402_125406.jpg


11. Re install the 2 8mm bolts to hold the airbag in place.

12. Re install the 2 plastic caps to each side.

13. Re connect battery.

And your good to GO!

IMG_20120402_130527.jpg
 

xmalachi

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Nice writeup. Bookmarked for later when I decide to change out the steering wheel.
 

Cal26Stang

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The fear of the airbag going off and shooting whatever tools you have into your face is kinda intimidating to me lol...Sweet write up though, good to know its that simple
 

lethe

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nice write up, very simple. Ive been thinking about swapping steering wheels and assumes a puller was needed.
 

o2sys

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It was nice that ford used a hex shape to align the steering wheel into place. Other cars used spline shafts and I always had trouble centering the steering wheel back exactly dead center.
 

05gtowner

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One thing to note that the center bolt needs to be torqued to 41 foot pounds. Be careful not to mess too much with the clock spring or you blinkers will be all screwy. Also it is a good idea to check to see if you are eligible for the air bag recall on these cars before doing this. The old ones are known to be more sensitive to explosion. Leaving the battery discharged for 15 minutes or so should reduce your chances of making it go off accidently. My airbag was under the recall and I got a new airbag from ford.
 

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