Changing steering wheel.

[super302]

teh current steering wheel (outer ring, not center) is f'ed to hell, so i accuired a new one (a.k.a. previous owner gave it to me when i bought the car) i will be changin it soon but am worried about the airbag. I read in an article of 5.0mustang magazine (november 2004) when they change the gauges in a 98 cobra, they say to unhook the battery, then just two side bolts on steering wheel and one t-50 torx bolt. do i have to worry about the airbag going off if battery is disconected.

Thanks,
Patrick

 

[wytstang]

It is still possible for it to go off. When you have the air bag off lay it down with the air bag facing up that way if it goes off it doesn't become a fly missle. That one thing I learned at ford when I worked there.

 

[super302]

so is there a sure-fire way that it won't go off?

 

[wytstang]

Yeah don't slam them or bang them really hard on anything. The chances of it going off are slim but the chance is still there just use caution and common sense.

 

[Chythar]

I treat the airbags like I would a loaded gun. Treat it carefully and you should be fine. Due to some messed up wiring, I replaced my whole steering column but kept my steering wheel. Your instructions are basically right. When you unhook the battery, leave it unhooked for 15-20 minutes before you touch the airbag. The airbag system still holds a minor charge for a short while, but it will discharge within 15-20 minutes.

You'll also need a steering wheel puller; most shops rent one. The steering wheel pops off real easy within a few turns of the puller. There are two threaded holes in the steering wheel that are used by the tool. Just be careful not to strip on of them. If you do, you'll have to drill out the hole and tap it. It can be done, but it's a pain.

Good luck!

 

[super302]

thanks guys,

according to the article, it says just wiggle the wheel back and forth and it will come off with ease.

It's been disconected for a few hours+more hours tommorrow, i'm playing it EXTREMELY safe.

 

[slvrbullit302]

thanks guys,

according to the article, it says just wiggle the wheel back and forth and it will come off with ease.

It's been disconected for a few hours+more hours tommorrow, i'm playing it EXTREMELY safe.

You will need a steering wheel puller as I have just done this to mine. As for the AIRBAG, unhook the battery, then go in the car and press the brake pedal a couple times to discharge any stored energy in the cars electrical system, then remove airbag from steering wheel center and unplug the airbag should be ok. You have to remove the airbag in order to get the steering wheel off.