Steering Wheel Swap Options

[80gumdrops]

Howdy.

I've just bought a UK '96 ST202 3S-GE (to replace my old UK '96 AT200 7A-FE). Loving the extra BHP.

The outer part of the steering wheel on the old one is in much better condition, so I want to swap it over to the new one.

The centre part containing the airbag on the new one is fine.. it's just the outer part of the wheel that I want to change.


1. Is it possible to remove outer part without disconnecting or triggering the airbag?

2. How do I do it?



Cheers for the help.
Lee.

This post has been edited by 80gumdrops: Aug 25, 2012 - 10:16 AM

[Nihil]

First you need to disconnect the battery (just the negative wire is enough), then you must wait at least 90s for the airbag capacitors to empty, preferably a minute or two longer just to be sure...

Then you just remove the airbag (two torx screws from each side of the wheel) and unhook airbag and horn connectors. Next you need to loose the steering wheel nut, but not remove it. Pulling the wheel is easier if you own a puller, but not necessary to do it. Just be careful to leave the nut half way on if you are going to pull it off by hand

Now replace the steering wheel and set everything back together in reverse order

I also suggest you to somehow mark the position of your wheel, so you can attach it correctly, else you might have to repeat this to center it

This guide might help you

This post has been edited by Nihil: Aug 26, 2012 - 9:22 AM

[80gumdrops]

Exactly what I was looking for. Nice one.

I'll give this a shot today.

Cheers.

[80gumdrops]

The steering wheel is too tight to remove by hand.

I've tried a 'universal' steering wheel puller - which didn't fit

Anyone got a part number for a wheel puller, or know of any pullers that are compatible with a Celica?

Cheers.

[mkernz22]

If you removed the nut from the steering column, then just keep wiggling the wheel back and both (rapidly) until it comes off. No need for a puller.

[80gumdrops]

If you removed the nut from the steering column, then just keep wiggling the wheel back and both (rapidly) until it comes off. No need for a puller.

Yeah I did, but it seems to be on there tight as hell.

If this doesn't work, does anyone know the specification of the bolts that need to screw into the steering wheel to remove it?

[czwalga]

I think i rigged up a 3 jaw puller. Can't remember for sure.

[80gumdrops]

Job done!

For anyone interested, the 2 holes in the steering wheel either side of the main nut take 2 x M8 bolts.

There was definitely no way that thing was coming out with brute force or any combination of wiggling.

The torx screws either side were bitch to remove because of the clips that stop them from coming out. Had to use a flat head screwdriver to prize them back to unscrew them enough.