Mrv8q

Thanks to jimmyjay for updating this post for 97-01 cars. It was very helpful.

I'll add a few comments. I'm replacing a sunburned original wheel, with one in nice shape, obtained from eBay.

For me, the hardest part was undoing the electrical connectors. Once the T30 torx screws are loose from both sides of the airbag housing, you have to tug to release 4 pins from the steering wheel; the horn cover and airbag won't just slip off. My torx screws were surprisingly tight. I also lost, twice, the small torx cover on the right side of the steering wheel. It is tiny!

JJ's inflation needle trick to disconnect the top white connector didn't work for me. Wound up using one leg of thin needle nose pliers to gently go in and lift up to disconnect.

My steering wheel nut, (19mm, not 3/4), wasn't tight at all. Didn't need a steering wheel puller; gently rocking the wheel back and forth loosened it off in about 10 seconds.

My only additional tip for reassembling everything pertains to the airbag connector. Didn't know this taking it off, but putting it on, you have to flip up a white lever that will otherwise block the two yellow connections from joining. Once I figured that out, it was very easy. I think the white lever connector holds everything extra tight.

I also took time to clean with DeOxit, the 4 horn contacts in the steering wheel housing. After connecting both battery cables, I also started the car from the passenger seat, as I, too, didn't want a faceful of airbag.

I have a nice original steering wheel again, for the first time in a long time!