Horsepwr

I HAVE ATTACHED SOME HOW TO PICTURES .JUST SCROLL DOWN .HOPE SOMEONE CAN USE THEM .Alright ,got my wood wheel yesterday for my 98 LS400 !!! Can't wait to put it on today after work .My only question .I know that I have to disconnect the neg battery cable for abot 10 min .Is it ok to have the key in the ignition so it brings the steering wheel down to a more workable position ?I dont want to work on it in the up position .Of course the key would be in the off position .I know it sounds like a stupid question ,I just dont want to eat a airbag . Thanks alot

Och

iTrader: (3)

To be safe, why dont you put the key in the ignition, bring the steering wheel into position you want it to be, and the disconnect the battery so the steering wheel cant move?

Horsepwr

Ok ,I try that .The dealer wanted $101.00 (one hour of shop time)to do this .I cant see it being all that difficult .Thanks for the advice .

AzHotLS

iTrader: (1)

Take some pics while you're at it and turn this thread into a tutorial. Or just post a pic of your new wheel!!

Horsepwr

Ok ,Ill try to do that .Never done this kind of thing before ,so should be interesting .Thanks

skperformance

iTrader: (6)

A tutorial to change a steering wheel?

AzHotLS

iTrader: (1)

Sure!! Why not?

It may seem very simple to you, but before December, I had never done it before (I had to replace my clockspring) so I had to search for threads explaining the process. Horsepwr has never done it so I'm sure there will be many to follow that haven't. Having a few pics to show where "stuff" is and what to unscrew, disconnect, etc. can't hurt.

Horsepwr

I suppose I should have checked the availability of the steering wheel puller before getting everyone's hopes up .My local auto parts stoer said it will be returned tomorrow 4/22 .So I have to put the project on hold .Sorry Unless it can be done without using one .Does anyone know if this is possible ?Do I really NEED the puller ???

acidfire52

I have never needed one before. Usually you take out one bolt and it pulls right off.
Make sure your battery is disconnected before unplugging your airbag or the dealer will have to reset the system for you.

Horsepwr

Ok ,them I may attempt it today if I dont need one .I bought the torx socket yesterday to remove the 2 bolts .As far as I can see there is only 2 plugs that I have to disconnect ,shouldn't be too difficult .Yea , I was going to remove the neg battery cable for abot 10 min before removing the air bag .Is it really only 2 bolts that hold the center pad / air bag on the wheel ?

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

just make sure you unplug the battery and then leave it alone for a few minutes to discharge what's left in the system.

Horsepwr

Ok ,I really dont feel like eating a airbag today Do I need to dissconnect both the neg and pos ,or just the neg ?

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

both to be safe.

Horsepwr

IM FINISHED !!!!!!It was not all that hard ,although I did need to hunt down a puller ,it just was not coming loose .I took some sequential pictures ,in case anyone need to use them .Thanks again for everyones help and advice .
Step 1 : disconnect battery cable ,I waited 10 min before working .
step2: pop the side covers off each side ,using a flat screw driver .
step 3: Using a Torx socket ,remove 1 screw on each side .The screws are located twards the top of the access ports(that you just popped off) on the sides of the wheel .
step 4:Unplug the yellow plug by sliding the little part you see with the dot on it .Slides to the left ,and just pulls apart .The white one ,you have to push down on a little lever ,and then it will come apart .The big plut on top ,I got to come apart by using a pair of needle nose pliers ,there is also a little lever on that one ,but it can be kind of tricky to get with your fingers .Needle nose worked great .
Step 5:Remove the steering wheel nut ,mine required a steering wheel puller .
Step 6:Finished product

Horsepwr

Disconnect battery for about 10 min