Removing a steering wheel

[audionut]

Hey guys,
I just got a steering wheel from a recycler. My old one had some thin spots in the padding and the cruise lights had burned out so I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone. I paid $60 and this wheel looks brand new and the padding is twice as thick.

Anyway, I'm reading my Explorer CD manual and it says to use a differential side bearing puller to remove the wheel. The wheel is marked with "pull" in two places and has indentations underneath that looks like a tool would fit in. I've pulled some wheels before but this looks like it takes a special tool.

Has anyone ever pulled a steering wheel from a 96 Explorer that can help me out? Maybe a gear puller would do it?

Thanks,
Carter

 

[Bughracing]

I need the same info... Anyone know?

 

[YetiX]

I have pulled the steering wheel on my '96 a number of times. In fact, I now (finally) have a custom wheel on there which required me to take the old one on and off a number of times.

I got a tool like this at my local PepBoys:

It's real easy to use.

1. Make sure you disconnect the battery and wait 15 minutes before working on the steering wheel. This allows the back-up charge to dissipate so that the airbag won't blow in your face!!

2. Remove the plastic plugs which cover the side screws for the airbag on either sideof the wheel.

3. Remove the two screws which hold the airbag in place (8mm socket).

4. Carefully lift the airbag out, always pointing it away from you. Unclip the wire connecter to the air bag.

5. Remove the Torx bolt which holds the steering wheel in place. It's a Torx 50 on my X.

6. Put the two jaws from the puller where the wheel indicates and then screw in the center bolt of the puller. If your steering wheel spline is hollow you'll need to put something between it and the puller tip. I used two dimes. They deformed quite a bit during the pulling but did the job!

7. Eventually the wheel will come loose. Pull it off carefully and disconnect the clip for the button lights.

8. You're done.

9. When you put it back on make sure you tighten it down to the torque specified in the manual. (90 ft. pounds I believe.)

Good luck!!