Wheel, Steering: Removal: Removal

WARNING:

Do not place a non-deployed airbag face down on a hard surface. The airbag will propel into the air if accidentally deployed. Failure to follow this instruction may result in possible serious or fatal injury.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative (ground) cable before beginning steering wheel removal or installation. This will disable the airbag system. Failure to follow this instruction may result in accidental airbag deployment and possible serious or fatal injury.
Allow the airbag system capacitor to discharge for two minutes before removing the steering wheel or any airbag system component. Failure to follow this instruction may result in accidental airbag deployment and possible serious or fatal injury.

Fig 1: Air Bag Removal/Installation

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

Adjust the steering wheel so that the tires are in the STRAIGHT-AHEAD position.
Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
Remove the driver airbag (3). Refer to AIR BAG, DRIVER, REMOVAL .

Fig 2: Steering Wheel Wiring Connector
Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
Disconnect the wiring connector (2) at the clockspring.

Fig 3: Air Bag Removal/Installation
Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
While holding the steering wheel (2) firmly in place, remove the bolt (4) that secures the steering wheel to the steering column shaft (1).

Fig 4: Steering Wheel Puller
Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

CAUTION:
Do not bump or hammer on the steering wheel or steering column shaft when removing the steering wheel.
Install an appropriate wheel puller with hooked legs (1) on the steering wheel over the steering shaft.
CAUTION:
Do not attempt to rotate the clockspring rotor once the steering wheel is removed. The clockspring must remain centered in its travel to avoid overextending the clockspring inner parts, causing the clockspring to become inoperative. If removed and handled properly using the correct procedures, it should remain in the "centered" position. If there is any question as to whether the clockspring is in the "centered" position of travel, perform the clockspring centering procedure before installing the steering wheel. Refer to CLOCKSPRING, STANDARD PROCEDURE .
While holding the steering wheel firmly in the STRAIGHT-AHEAD position, remove the steering wheel from the steering column shaft splines using the wheel puller.