Hi all,
I swapped out the steering wheel for a brand new one on my Dad's 2001 Toyota Vitz RS today so figured I'd snap a few photos along the way and make a quick DIY. This DIY will also apply for the Toyota RAV4, including many other models.
The process is very simple, providing that you have the right tools.
You must disconnect the negative battery terminal for at least 5-minutes before attempting the removal of the steering wheel. This is to prevent the airbag from deploying on you, which could cause serious injury, not only to yourself but also to your bank balance
Things you'll need:
* T30 Torx head socket.
* 10mm spanner or socket.
* Ratchet and 19mm socket.
* Skinny long nose pliers (optional).
1. Using a 10mm spanner or socket, loosen the nut on the negative battery terminal and slide it off the battery post. Tuck the cable down by the side of the battery so that it can't make a connection with the battery post. I'd highly recommend putting a piece of masking tape (with a line drawn on it) on the steering wheel, and a piece on the dashboard while you sit and wait. This way, you'll know the exact position the steering wheel is meant to be in when you reinstall it. Make sure that your wheels are perfectly straight when you do this.
2. Locate and remove the two T30 Torx head screws. There are two screws, one on each side of the steering wheel. Using a ratchet, insert your T30 Torx socket into the head of the screw and undo it. The screws are designed not to come out, and should catch on the edge of the plastic when loose. Once both screws are loose, the hornpad should easily lift off towards you. If the hornpad refuses to come off easily, the screws may still be touching against the hornpad assembly. In this case, get a thin pair of long nose pliers and pull the screws out. The hornpad should now lift straight out without the need of any force.
3. Once the hornpad is removed you'll be able to see the connector for the airbag on the back. Gently push back the clip to disengage it from the connector. Make sure you don't pull on the wiring. Simply push the clip towards the bottom of the hornpad and it will slide out of the connector. With the hornpad disconnected, put it in a safe place with the Toyota symbol facing upwards.
4. Unplug the horn connector and loosen the steering spline nut using a 19mm socket and a ratchet. Don't undo the nut the whole way as this will stop the steering wheel from whacking you in the face when you're pulling it off. With the nut loose, place a hand on each side of the steering wheel and rock it from left to right, pulling and pushing away from you on each stroke. This takes a fair amount of strength, so an easier alternative is to buy or hire a steering wheel puller. These can be purchased at any good auto store. The steering wheel puller attaches to the steering wheel and the steering spline, making removal very easy. I opted for the brute force approach so photos of the steering wheel puller technique aren't available.
5. Once the steering wheel is loose, undo the steering spline nut completely and slide the steering wheel off the spline. Installation is the reverse of removal. Just make sure that the steering wheel is centred and that the horn plug and airbag plug are securely clipped in. Once everything is plugged in and tightened, reconnect the negative battery terminal and road test the vehicle to make sure that the steering wheel is straight and that the horn is working.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask
Discussion area for all the Toyota Yaris and Echo owners worldwide.
1993 Toyota Corolla
What was wrong with the old steering wheel? and i assume you put the airbag back in the new steering wheel..
Linear Mode
