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Steering Wheel Replacement
Replacing a steering wheel is a fairly easy job provided that you have the right tools. In this case, the right tools are a steering-wheel puller (available at auto-parts stores) and a large socket wrench.
Materials :
- Standard automotive tools (socket-wrenches, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, etc.)
- Replacement steering wheel
- Steering-wheel puller
Procedure :
- Begin by removing the ornamental cup from the center of the steering wheel. You should be able to remove this by hand.
- Using a 15/16-inch socket, loosen the center nut and remove it along with the surrounding washer.
- Assemble the yoke and the driving-screw of the steering-wheel puller by threading the driving screw into the center hole.
- Insert the two pulling screws into the yoke, one on either side of the driving screw. Use a wrench to tighten the pulling screws so they are well seated in the steering wheel.
- Once the pulling screws are in place, pull the yoke out to take out all the slack, and tighten the driving screw down until it rests against the center post of the steering column. With the driving screw in this position, you're now ready to begin pulling. The steering-wheel puller works by holding the yoke with the pair of outboard pulling screws while the center-screw pushes against the steering shaft and pulling the steering wheel off.
- Loosen the pulling screws, remove the steering-wheel puller and carefully lift off the old steering wheel.
- Because there's no master spline on the steering column of the vehical, it's critical to make sure the tires are oriented straight ahead and the steering wheel is oriented properly as it's positioned on the column.
- With the new steering wheel in place, reinstall the cup-shaped washer and 15/16-inch lock-nut onto the column.
- Tighten the nut down securely with the socket wrench.
- Reinstall the decorative center cap. We replaced ours with a new one, complete with T-bird emblem, that came with the new steering wheel.
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