Steering Wheel: Service and Repair

WARNING: SAFETY PRECAUTIONS MUST BE FOLLOWED WHEN HANDLING A DEPLOYED AIR BAG ASSEMBLY. AFTER DEPLOYMENT, THE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY SURFACE MAY CONTAIN A SMALL AMOUNT OF SODIUM HYDROXIDE, A BY-PRODUCT OF THE DEPLOYMENT REACTION, THAT IS IRRITATING TO THE SKIN AND EYES. MOST OF THE POWDER ON THE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY IS HARMLESS. AS A PRECAUTION, WEAR GLOVES AND SAFETY GLASSES WHEN HANDLING A DEPLOYED AIR BAG ASSEMBLY, AND WASH YOUR HANDS WITH MILD SOAP AND WATER AFTERWARDS.

WHEN CARRYING A LIVE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY, MAKE SURE THE BAG AND TRIM COVER ARE POINTED AWAY FROM YOU. NEVER CARRY AIR BAG ASSEMBLY BY THE WIRES OR CONNECTOR ON THE UNDERSIDE OF MODULE. IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT, THE BAG WILL THEN DEPLOY WITH MINIMAL CHANCE OF INJURY. WHEN PLACING A LIVE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY ON A BENCH OR OTHER SURFACE, ALWAYS FACE BAG AND TRIM COVER UP, AWAY FROM THE SURFACE. NEVER REST A STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY ON THE STEERING WHEEL WITH THE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY FACE DOWN AND COLUMN VERTICAL. THIS IS NECESSARY SO THAT A FREE SPACE IS PROVIDED TO ALLOW THE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY TO EXPAND IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT OF ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT. OTHERWISE, PERSONAL INJURY COULD RESULT.

NOTE: In the event deployment has occurred, inspect coil assembly wire for any signs of scorching, melting or any other damage due to excessive heat. If the coil has been damaged, replace it.

Removal
1. Disable the SRS.
2. Remove the air bag assembly (5) from steering wheel (6) by removing two bolts (7). Lift air bag assembly out of steering wheel.
3. Disconnect connector (2) and remove air bag assembly.
4. Disconnect horn lead (1)
5. Remove steering wheel attachment nut (4).
6. Move the tires to the straight ahead position before removing the steering wheel. Install steering wheel puller onto steering wheel and remove steering wheel with J-29752.
7. Apply a setting mark (3) across the steering wheel and shaft so parts can be reassembled in their original position.




8. Feed wiring through the wheel and remove wheel.

CAUTION: Never apply force to the steering wheel in direction of the shaft by using a hammer or other impact tools in an attempt to remove the steering wheel. The steering shaft is designed as an energy absorbing unit.

Installation
1. Install the steering wheel and align the setting marks (3).
2. Tighten the steering wheel fixing nut (4) to the specified torque.
Torque: 34 N.m (25 lb ft)
3. Connect horn lead (1).
4. Connect air bag to wiring harness connector (2).

NOTE: Pass the lead wire through the tabs on the plastic cover (wire protector) of air bag to prevent lead wire from being pinched.




5. Install air bag into steering wheel and tighten bolts (7) to specified sequence as show in figure.
Torque: 8.8 N.m (78 lb in)

CAUTION: Never use the air bag assembly from another vehicle and difference model year air bag assembly.

The air bag assembly has identification colors on the bar code label from '00 model as follows.
Light blue color for driver air bag assembly.
Light blue color for passenger air bag assembly.

Use only the air bag assembly for Rodeo or Amigo.

6. Enable the SRS.