Steering wheel replacement with air bags.

[Dirtman]

So somehow my dad managed to bend my steering wheel while I was gone. He blames my suicide knob but still offered no valid explanation. Anyway...

Provided I find one of the same kind in the junkyard, what's the proper procedure for moving the airbag to the new wheel safely?

Also, there are a few different style steering wheels in the 1998-2011 era. Mines an 09', say I find one from the same era but a different style, is the airbag the same throughout those years even on the different styles? There is an 2002 near me but it's not the same design.

This is the steering wheel I have.

This is the 2002

Are these different internally or just a external style difference?

 

[Snoranger]

You need the same style.
To remove/ install the airbag. Disconnect the battery, unplug the air bag. Reverse this procedure to install.

 

[Dirtman]

You need the same style.
To remove/ install the airbag. Disconnect the battery, unplug the air bag. Reverse this procedure to install.

Ok found the same style wheel from a 2010 but it has all the fancy buttons for cruise and radio stuff. I'm assuming this would work the buttons just wouldn't go to anything?

 

[Snoranger]

Ok found the same style wheel from a 2010 but it has all the fancy buttons for cruise and radio stuff. I'm assuming this would work the buttons just wouldn't go to anything?

View attachment 59004

Yup... you may even be able to use some of the fancy buttons.

Maybe not... the airbags look a little different.

 

[Dirtman]

Yup... you may even be able to use some of the fancy buttons.

Doubt it, don't think my AM/FM super awesome radio with all of 5 buttons has any available functions for that.

BTW I miss @Grumpaw can we force him to come back?

 

[HenryMac]

So somehow my dad managed to bend my steering wheel while I was gone. He blames my suicide knob but still offered no valid explanation. Anyway...

Provided I find one of the same kind in the junkyard, what's the proper procedure for moving the airbag to the new wheel safely?

Also, there are a few different style steering wheels in the 1998-2011 era. Mines an 09', say I find one from the same era but a different style, is the airbag the same throughout those years even on the different styles? There is an 2002 near me but it's not the same design.

This is the steering wheel I have.

View attachment 58996

This is the 2002

View attachment 58997

Are these different internally or just a external style difference?

YouTube to the rescue! Looks easy peazy..

 

[Dirtman]

A couple YouTube videos for ya

Thanks

 

[Mike Tonon]

I found your exact original wheel NOS on eBay for about $70. It’s now in my 07. My original was all worn down. Thought about trying to leather wrap it or paint it. Then changed my mind... it was difficult to remove, though! My mechanic buddy and his dad worked at it for probably more than half hour! It just wouldn’t pop lose! Then finally it went.

 

[HenryMac]

I found your exact original wheel NOS on eBay for about $70. It’s now in my 07. My original was all worn down. Thought about trying to leather wrap it or paint it. Then changed my mind... it was difficult to remove, though! My mechanic buddy and his dad worked at it for probably more than half hour! It just wouldn’t pop lose! Then finally it went.

Use a steering wheel puller.... easy peezy.

 

[97RangerXLT]

Use a steering wheel puller.... easy peezy.

I used a two jaw puller and that did well for me at the junkyard. I got a brand new looking leather wrapped wheel

AJ

 

[Mike Tonon]

Use a steering wheel puller.... easy peezy.

my friend and his dad, both mechanics, did! They used two or three different pullers. The thing did not want to pop! Then suddenly it did.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I used a two jaw puller and that did well for me at the junkyard. I got a brand new looking leather wrapped wheel

AJ

In a JY I just halfway remove the bolt/nut and give it thunder pulling and rocking the wheel. Never had one not pop off yet.

Leave the bolt/nut halfway on so it catches the wheel and you don't smack yourself in the face with it.

 

[Dirtman]

So i can't just curse at it?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

So i can't just curse at it?

You do that when you forget and take the bolt/nut all the way off...