Steering Wheel Removal Help!

[LightningEcoBoost]

Iv'e watched every video on YouTube about removing the airbag cover on the steering wheel and it looks so easy for everyone. Every time I push the pin I feel it moving backwards but my airbag does not budge. Has anyone else had trouble getting this off or is it just me.

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[FAnsari]

I used the long side of an allen key that could fit through the hole snuggly and also made sure that the key was a bit long as compared to the standard allen key set. You can see in the first photo the spring clip that needs to be depressed at the same time pulling the airbag gently towards you. In the second photo you can see the depth and shape of the hinge that is holding the airbag in place by the clip. Once you get one side out the other one should be relatively quite easy. Hope this help. cheers

 

[twotone5.0]

Iv'e watched every video on YouTube about removing the airbag cover on the steering wheel and it looks so easy for everyone. Every time I push the pin I feel it moving backwards but my airbag does not budge. Has anyone else had trouble getting this off or is it just me.

You're not the only one, it took me an hour of wrestling with those pins to get the damn steering wheel off. Tried flathead screwdriver and alan keys. Screwdriver did the trick.

 

[16Fastback]

American Muscle
how to video

I've have taken mine off 3 times now no issue except its a good idea to get a new wheel bolt as they only cost about $4

 

[KingKona]

It is a bit fiddly. But those springs are strong enough, that when you get the tool on them and press, it's unmistakable. They are strong enough that you'll think you've pushed the tool up against something not meant to move, something solid.

But getting the tool onto the spring is the real issue. You can stick a tool in there and completely miss the spring. You just gotta keep hunting around until you land on it. And it's a narrow target.

 

[opengl]

I never had any luck using an allen key, it was too small and you need to use too much force.

Used a flathead screwdriver with a nice big handle and had a much easier time.

 

[LOL WUT]

I use a T handle flat head. Works excellent and the T handle gives a nice way to apply force to compress the springs.

 

[NightmareMoon]

Once one spring is set, the other gets much harder to move. Its not that bad once you know what you're feeling for.

 

[Whitedevil95]

Mine popped out pretty easy. I cant remember if i used a long allen key or a small flathead. But it was one of those.

 

[Michael_vroomvroom]

You're not the only one, it took me an hour of wrestling with those pins to get the damn steering wheel off. Tried flathead screwdriver and alan keys. Screwdriver did the trick.

Indeed, flat heat screwdriver is much easier.

I recommend experimenting on the new steering wheel first, where you can both see and feel the springs, including seeing that if you have inserted the screwdriver correctly, it will start pushing the springs once 5cm of the screwdriver has entered the wheel. You might as well mark that point with a piece of masking tape on the screwdriver. Then you'll know you're pushing the correct thing.

One side I could not get to budge, but the other side went out fairly easy for me, and after that the side that would not budge also came off easily.

 

[Kermitz]

I followed the AM video and it was really easy. Glad I did it because the steering wheel bolt was only hand tight from the factory.

 

[mustang_puppy]

Long side of an allen wrench on both sides. Popped out pretty easily. May need to pull the wrench slightly towards you as you push the pins inside the steering column.

 

[s1stl]

Thanks for this thread. Was able to get the wheel off my '21 GT. The right side was done in first shot but it took a few tries to get the left one. Here's a picture of what it looks like inside. The clips are a bit different. I found what was needed was to keep the allen wrench pressed against the back so it glides into the clip. Used a 4mm t-handle.

 

[16Fastback]

Thanks for this thread. Was able to get the wheel off my '21 GT. The right side was done in first shot but it took a few tries to get the left one. Here's a picture of what it looks like inside. The clips are a bit different. I found what was needed was to keep the allen wrench pressed against the back so it glides into the clip. Used a 4mm t-handle.

Clip looks like my 16 ,you should go to Ford and get a new steering wheel bolt at the very least clean threads an apply Blue
Lock tite. bolt 1yr ago was only $4

 

[s1stl]

Thanks for the advice! Will do.

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