How do I remove the Steering Wheel/Airbag?

[wardy1]

I've just given up on my wiper switch and got a replacement (which is a combination of the wiper/light stalks. To fit it I need to remove the steering wheel which of course also contains the airbag:twisted:
HELP!
What do I need to do so that I don't trigger the airbag?
I have Torx drivers etc but I really just want to know that I'm not going to stuff anything up by removing the wheel.
Thanks

[abaddonxi]

I think there's a link in here -
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/good-oil/38503-steering-wheels-aftermarket-hub-compatibililty-alternatives-restoration-removal.html

[msteen]

Correct me if I am wrong, but I don't think removal of the steering wheel is necessary in order to replace the Indicator or light stalks. Just the removal of the steering column is, at least this has been the case for all other cars I have worked on.

[ariddell]

Disconnect the battery, then leave it 10mins will be enough to avoid risk of the airbag deploying.

Steering wheel removal is nice and easy,

2 torx screws on the back to remove the centre section, single small wiring plug goes into the airbag.
Disconnect the rest of the wiring for the horn etc at the multiplug, undo the central nut holding the steering wheel on and off she comes. Mine took a little encouragement to come off as it was pretty firmly stuck on the spline, a few gentle taps with a rubber mallet on the back of the wheel and it loosened up and slid off with a little working.

Worthwhile making sure the wheel is dead centre before pulling it off to make sure you can get it back on straight when refitting.

Cheers,

Al

[Disco44]

As a retired road accident instructor with the QFRA I can remember when compiling procedural manuals we found out the all vehicle makes airbags could take various times to deactivate when the battery connection was broken.Some vehicles took up to 40 minutes.This was so important that I had to contact all vehicle manufacturers to try and ascertain their de-activation time.So be very careful when doing anything at all which could concern air bags.Having witnessed one accidently activated believe me thats something you could do without.The sodium Azide in which the bag is packed is still to this day a bone of conjecture as to its toxity and long term effects.
I've been out for 8 years so things might have changed but this info could still be in vogue.
John ( disco 44)

[Discobaker]

Also consider, after loosening the centre nut, in my experience with changing steering wheels on my previously owned fords, leave the nut on a few turns, then loosten the wheel itself. They can still be very tight and if you're gonna bust your poo valve taking the wheel of, it's better that the nut is there to prevent the wheel breaking your nose :)

[wardy1]

OK, I've finally got to do this job!
Now, I have the centre section out and there is one wire going to the airbag (as previously dscribed). this is shrouded in yellow, there is another few wires from the cruise control and horn shrouded in black. these both go to one plug in the centre.
Now, before I go using excessive force here.... is there a special trick to getting this plug out? (Its the one in the centre just above the nut)

Thanks guys

[wardy1]

Tis ok guys... got it!!:D