Hi all I want to change the steering wheel on my classic is it just a case of disconnecting the battery before I start so airbag does not go off

 

yes disconnect battery and away you go

 

What year, and what are you changing to?

As above though, disconnect the battery.

 

I am just changing for a 2003 one witch is in very good condition mine is a 1999 classic and well worn

 

Just done this and repeated it many times!!

Step 1. Park car on flat land. Come to a stop with you hand off the wheel. This will ensure that the wheels are pointing straight.

Step 2. Disconnect battery and wait 30 minutes

Step 3. Loosen screws behind wheel and free air bag from wheel. Disconnect airbag clip (use needle nose pliers to lift yellow clip and then the clip will free off). Then disconnect horn clip.

Step 4. Loosen bolt holding wheel onto steering rack. DO NOT remove completely. It is very tight. I used a breaker bar. Once the bolt is freed of but still on a few treads work the wheel back and forwards from either side with force. It will eventually free itself. Remove wheel

Step 5. Swap wheel. Lining up clock spring. Attach horn and airbag clips. Now for the controversial bit. It is very likely that you wont put the wheel back on perfectly straight. You will need to drive it to find out. I did this several times before I got it right. Most guides will say never work on the airbag with the battery attached however the more I worked with it the less concerned I got. Eventually I attached everything including the battery. Tightened up the steering wheel bolt and screws holding the airbag. I then went for a short drive and established how off the wheel was. I then freeded the bolts holding the airbag , loosened the wheel and made the minor adjustment. Tightened up the airbag and went for a drive again. Repeat until wheel is perfectly straight and tighten everything up.


To be perfectly safe you should disconnect the battery for 30 mins before making any changes but I did it the way I have described. It worked for me.

 

That's great thanks for your help

 

One of the most important parts. If you forget this wise advise, as you yank the steering wheel off you may end up with a sore nose

 

Lol ok I will try to remember cheers tony

 

I fitted a 99 Type R steering wheel to my 94 car a while back, so the swap you're doing shouldn't be too bad.

As above, leave the nut on the steering column, Chris was being generous saying you may end up it a sore nose. You'll quite possibly break it.