Arsonist Posted April 20, 2006 Report Share Posted April 20, 2006 I'm gonna be removing my steering wheel soon, I'm buying a 2002 one from Ebay (with no airbag, so I'll be using my old one). Has anyone done this before? I think real removed his to sell it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mts Posted April 20, 2006 Report Share Posted April 20, 2006 Working on it.... Originally posted for an RX-7 but cannot be much different. Removing the steering wheel is mighty easy. There are 3 or 4 10mm bolts that hold the airbag on from the back of the steering wheel. You'll need to disconnect the negative battery terminal(in my reading for time enough to discharge the airbag system fully) as well - a VERY good idea any time you're dealing with an airbag. With the bolts out, the air bag will come out. Unplug the connector - it's a weird failsafe blue and orange connector, but it's not that hard to remove. You'll also need to unplug the cruise control buttons if you have cruise on the car. With that out of the way, all that's left is a 21mm nut holding the steering wheel on. Remove it. Now you have to pop the steering wheel off. It's press fit onto the hub, so it's tricky to pull off. Put one hand on either side, pull towards you, and rock the wheel slightly to either side as you pull. If that doesn't get it, move your hands so one is at the top and one at the bottom and repeat. It WILL come off, but it does take some force. You can also use a steering wheel puller, but I've always had luck just pulling it off by hand. Be careful - it can break free suddenly and pop you in the chin - ask me how I know ? Originally posted for a Miata (very similar but more detailed) An air bag is an explosive device, and should be given the respect of one. These directions are for information only. Removal of the steering wheel involves working with the airbag. This procedure should only be performed by a qualified mechanic. The author, Miata.net, Mazda, the Miata Club of America, and Eunos Communications are not responsible for any damage or injury caused by use of these procedures. Tools needed Phillips screw driver 1/4 inch drive ratchet, extension and 10mm socket 1/2 inch drive ratchet or breaker bar short extension (or deep socket) and 21mm socket 10mm box wrench Magic marker. Procedure Remove the negative cable from the battery (10mm wrench). Remove the panel under the steering wheel (2 phillips screws on the bottom edge). Disconnect the clock spring connectors (large blue and orange connector). First the orange connector has to be disconnected (there is a clip on the side), then the blue connector is disconnected (the clip is in the middle and is covered by the orange connector when connected). Put key into ignition switch and unlock steering column so the steering wheel can turn. Locate and remove the 4, 10mm nuts on the back side of the steering wheel (these nuts hold the air bag to the steering wheel). Lift the air bag off the wheel. You will notice it has a cord attached between it and the wheel, loosed the cord from the steering wheel and remove. Pull the orange and blue connector from the clip in the wheel and disconnect (the same way as the clock spring connector). Put air bag to one side. Caution: When carrying a live air bag module, make sure the trim cover is pointed away from your body to prevent personal injury in the event of an accidental deployment. When placing a live air bag module on any surface, always face the trim cover upward to reduce the motion of the module if it is accidentally deployed. Center steering wheel, and mark the stud of the shaft (inside of the nut) with the magic marker so you know where the straight ahead position is when the wheel is removed (I place a mark from the dimple in the center of the shaft, vertically to the edge of the shaft). Remove the 21mm nut. Remove the wheel (a rocking motion with one hand opposite the other on the wheel, pulling toward you at the same time should get it loose). Note the position of the clock spring, there is 2 pointer protrusions, they fit into the steering wheel, and should be in a vertical up and down position. There is also a marker at the 12 o'clock position. Try not to move the clock spring around or it will have to be reset (centered). The directions for centering the clock spring are located on the unit. Now it is just a matter of installing the new wheel, being sure the clock spring protrusions line up with the holes in the wheel, and the wheel is centered with your mark on the shaft. The torque specification is 29-36 ft-lbs. Reverse the removal directions for installation. Do not forget to attach the cord on the air bag to the steering wheel. Authors notes: Working for a dealership, I have had to remove many air bags from cars. The first time was some what scary, but after a few times I came to realize, the way the wiring is designed with the special connectors, it becomes a fool proof procedure. Many air bags get stolen from cars with no apparent discharges, and the thieves do not take the precaution of disconnecting the battery. When you get the air bag out, put it down somewhere safe, and don't play with it. I have not actually replaced a Moss wooden wheel yet, if there are any pertinent facts that need revising please Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arsonist Posted April 20, 2006 Author Report Share Posted April 20, 2006 thanks MTS, that sounds like a couple of hours of fun and games, but I might have to postpone that since I have finals next week... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mts Posted April 20, 2006 Report Share Posted April 20, 2006 I haven't found all the info yet.... but keep watching here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Synesthesia Posted April 20, 2006 Report Share Posted April 20, 2006 whatever you do make sure you disconnect the airbag fuse, and anything eles, probably even the battery, don't want the project to literally blow up in your face. Not sure I would cruise around without an airbag though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mts Posted April 20, 2006 Report Share Posted April 20, 2006 Wear safety glasses in case.... So it really hurts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arsonist Posted April 20, 2006 Author Report Share Posted April 20, 2006 I'll remove my current airbag and install it in the new steering wheel, if that's even possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoN_BLaZe34 Posted April 21, 2006 Report Share Posted April 21, 2006 what made u buy the 02 one? cuz of the symbol? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
///BHRpowered Posted April 21, 2006 Report Share Posted April 21, 2006 in theory its just an empty bag, if you could find a way to pull it out, disconnect it, and reinstall it should still work, my understanding is in theevent of a crash the ecu just sends a signal more or less aying "now" nothing eles Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arsonist Posted April 21, 2006 Author Report Share Posted April 21, 2006 what made u buy the 02 one? cuz of the symbol? No, it's the only steering wheel available on ebay, plus that steering wheel comes without an airbag. Mine is a 98, so the tanned interior does indeed match the chocolate tan inside 2002s. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoN_BLaZe34 Posted April 22, 2006 Report Share Posted April 22, 2006 oh ok.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
latinopikachu Posted April 23, 2006 Report Share Posted April 23, 2006 my understanding is in theevent of a crash the ecu just sends a signal more or less aying "now" nothing eles that's a very good way of putting it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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