Steering Wheel: Removal

Position steering wheel so that tires are aimed straight-ahead .
Disconnect and isolate battery negative remote cable.
Remove speed control switch screws from back of steering wheel. Pull the switch pods out and disconnect wire connectors.
Remove Driver Airbag attaching bolts from steering wheel.

Lift airbag and disconnect airbag squib connectors using finger grip. See Fig 1. Use care not to pull on wires. Never use a metallic tool to pry on the connector.

Fig 1: Airbag Electrical Connections

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - HORN CONNECTOR

2 - DRIVER AIRBAG

3 - AIRBAG SQUIB CONNECTORS

Disconnect horn wire connector from airbag mounting bracket. See Fig 1. Remove driver airbag.
If equipped with remote audio control switches, disconnect 4-way connector between clockspring and steering wheel wiring harness. See Fig 2.

Fig 2: Remote Audio Switches Connector (If Equipped)
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - AUDIO SWITCHES CONNECTOR

2 - STEERING WHEEL

Unscrew steering wheel retaining bolt almost all the way out (approximately 15 mm). Do not completely remove the bolt at this time. See Fig 3.

Fig 3: Steering Wheel And Shroud Mounting

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - UPPER SHROUD

2 - BOLT

3 - STEERING WHEEL

4 - LOWER SHROUD

CAUTION: When installing the wheel puller on the steering wheel, be sure puller bolts are hand threaded no more than 5 revolutions in the threaded holes of the steering wheel. Avoid contact between the bolts and the face of the clockspring, otherwise damage to the clockspring may result.

Install puller on steering wheel.
While holding steering wheel firmly in straight-ahead position, loosen steering wheel using wheel puller. See Figure. Remove puller from wheel.
Remove retaining bolt, then steering wheel. Carefully feed all wires through steering wheel armature to avoid damaging wires as steering wheel is removed.