One of the most important, if not THE most important part of a vehicle, is the steering wheel because it is a system that allows a vehicle to follow the desired course. A steering wheel is the part of the steering system manipulated by the driver in order to guide the vehicle.

Ever since its first use by Alfred Vacheron in the 1894 Paris-Rouen race, wheel-based systems have been used to steer vehicles. Early automobiles were steered with a lever called a “tiller”, adopted from those used in watercraft.

Given its importance in vehicles and driving, learning how to use it properly is essential to being a good driver. However, you have to know when it starts malfunctioning as you will have to change it in the event of damage or wear.

When Would You Need to Change Your Steering Wheel?

Over the course of time, you will have to replace your vehicle’s steering wheel. You may want to switch to an aftermarket steering wheel for better precision driving. In the event of stiff steering due to wear and tear or damage, you will have to get a new one.

Whatever your reason, a malfunctioning steering wheel is dangerous and can lead to accidents when driving. If you are looking to do the change yourself, just follow the steps below. Though appearances may vary, the process is the same for most vehicles.

How to Change Your Steering Wheel

Before you start the replacement process, please ensure the vehicle is parked on level ground with the emergency brake set and the vehicle engine is off. To change the steering wheel of your vehicle, you will need the following tools:

• Mechanics toolset
• socket and ratchet kit
• gloves
• protective eyewear

Below are the steps to follow to remove and replace an airbag and non-airbag steering wheel.

How to Remove it

One with an Airbag

Kindly note that the ones with airbags require great care to avoid damages or injury during handling. Always ensure that the vehicle battery is disconnected and removed as electric power could activate the airbag during removal or replacement. In our article on how to fix a car battery, we have included a guide on how to disconnect a car battery. You should check it out.

‍Step 1

‍Once you have been able to disconnect and remove the vehicle battery, wait at least 30 minutes to let electric power out of the airbag deployment module. Afterward, unfasten the screws and carefully remove the airbag.

‍Step 2

‍Slide the airbag assembly off the front of the steering column and set it in a safe place facing upwards. The airbag assembly should be handled with care to avoid injury.

Step 3

‍Remove the mounting nut.

‍Step 4

‍With a marker or paint, mark the orientation of the steering wheel on the end of the column shaft. This will help you perfectly align the replacement wheel later.

‍Step 5

‍Carefully pull the wheel off the steering column.

One without an Airbag

Step 1

‍Disconnect and remove the vehicle battery. This is to ensure the vehicle horn does not go off during removal.

‍Step 2

‍Firmly but gently pull out the horn pad.

Step 3

‍Disconnect the horn button wires.

‍Step 4

‍Using a ratchet and socket, remove the retaining nut and the washer behind the nut.

Step 5

‍With a marker or paint, mark the orientation of the steering wheel on the end of the column shaft. This will help you perfectly align the replacement wheel later.

‍Step 6

‍Carefully pull the wheel off the steering column. A steering wheel puller may help make the process easier should you have difficulties with the removal.

How to Replace it

One With an Airbag  

Step 1

‍Slide the steering wheel onto the steering column. Ensure to follow the marks you made in Step 4 of the removal process.

‍Step 2

‍Replace the retaining nut.

‍Step 3

‍Plugin the airbag and insert it in the steering wheel. Handle the airbag with care to avoid injury.

‍Step 4

‍Replace the retaining screws

‍Step 5

‍Ensure it is firmly tightened to the steering column.

‍Step 6

‍Replace and reconnect the vehicle battery.

One without an Airbag

Step 1

‍Slide the steering wheel onto the column. Ensure to follow the marks you made in Step 5 of the removal process.

‍Step 2

‍Replace the retaining nut and install the wheel.

‍Step 3

‍Attach the horn button wire to the horn button pad. And, press the pad firmly.

‍Step 4

‍Ensure you tighten it firmly to the column.

‍Step 5

‍Replace and reconnect the vehicle battery. Once the replacement process is done, ensure to test all electrical parts of the wheel. Don't forget, it is safer to be outside the vehicle when testing to avoid injury due to an improper installation of the airbag. You might also want to have a mechanic inspect it to confirm a proper replacement. Here is a video to make things a lot easier

Conclusion

Now that you know how to change the steering wheel of your car also note how to maintain your steering system. Don't forget to check your tire pressure and power steering fluid occasionally, as this improves your overall driving experience. Also, check for leakages and watch for stiffness. Besides a well-maintained system also makes your driving safer. After a successful change, you should check out the best steering wheel covers to give it a pleasing look.

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