You’ll also need an extension cord, a flat-bladed screwdriver, a 17-socket socket, a TORX T40 key, and a wrench.
Electronic passive safety systems (SRS) require specialized hardware and tools for diagnosis and repair. Contact a specialized service station if something goes wrong.
Don’t disassemble the system components yourself to prevent damage from pyrotechnic charges that haven’t been allowed to be used. However, the driver’s airbag module could get in the way of repairs to the steering, electrical system, and bodywork. If installation and removal are required, the task can be done individually while closely following the system’s operating instructions.
Turn off the battery before beginning any repair. Without first shutting off the power, removing the airbag risks having it deploy suddenly.
Only after the activator capacitor has completely discharged are the subsequent procedures to remove the airbag viable. Wait at least 10 seconds to allow the capacitor to deplete after cutting the wire from the battery’s negative end.
Avoid dropping the airbag module and avoiding getting it wet, greasy, or oily.
The airbag module needs to be kept on a flat, horizontal surface with the module pointing up after being taken out of the car.
Temperatures over 95C must not be allowed to reach the airbag module. Keep clear of the airbag deployment zone when putting the module in a car’s steering wheel.
After putting the airbag module in the car, turn on the ignition for the first time by reaching beneath the lower steering column cover while you’re outside the vehicle.
1. Cut a wire from the storage battery’s negative plug.
2. Take the airbag out (see “Taking the driver’s airbag out and putting it back in”).
3. Pull the latches on the audio control key block and the horn wiring harness.
5. Note the orientation of the steering wheel’s nave with respect to the shaft.
6. Remove the steering wheel’s nut from the steering shaft.
Because the steering wheel is incredibly firmly secured to the shaft’s splines, it is important to avoid entirely unscrewing the wheel fastening nut because doing so could result in the steering wheel flying off the splines and injuring someone. Use the locking mechanism of the ignition switch’s anti-theft system to stop the steering wheel from rotating. To accomplish this, take the ignition key out of the lock and turn the steering wheel until the shaft is secured with a theft deterrent mechanism. By placing the key into the ignition switch after releasing the steering wheel nut, you can disable the anti-theft feature and put the steering wheel back in the forward position.
7. Use hard hand strikes to knock the steering wheel off the shaft’s splines. Remove the steering wheel by completely unscrewing the nut.
8. Reassemble the steering wheel and the removed parts in the proper order.
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Disconnect Battery
Now take the battery’s negative terminal off. This will, at the absolute least, stop the horn from frightening you to death while you try to unhook it. The steering wheel’s horn cover can then be removed. With a flat head screwdriver, this should easily take off, though some cars might have several screws beneath the steering wheel.
Loosen Nut
Then, unplug the horn and any cruise control or car audio controls located on the steering wheel. A single big nut in the center of the steering wheel secures it in place. This can be pretty tight, so crank the steering wheel to activate the steering lock and keep it in place while taking the keys out of the ignition.
Leave Nut On Thread
Once the nut is unfastened, mark the space between the steering wheel and the spline with a paint marker so you can precisely position the wheel once again later. Replace the nut and spin it on only a few revolutions after this is finished. That will guarantee that the steering wheel won’t fly off under the puller’s tension.
Thread on Steering Wheel Puller
Choose the two bolts from the steering wheel puller kit that are appropriate for your wheel by looking for the threaded holes in the center of the steering wheel. These should be inserted into the steering wheel by being threaded through the puller’s grooves.
Tighten Puller
The puller’s center nut should now be positioned in the shaft’s middle and tightened. This will allow you to lift the steering wheel away by gradually removing it from its spline.
Refit Wheel
Make sure the wheel slides into the spline dead straight when reinstalling it or installing a new one. You won’t have a crooked wheel when you’re driving because you got the wheels pointed forward in step one. Simply tighten the center nut to secure the wheel to the spline, then put everything back together using the same disassembly method.
What size steering wheel comes with a Toyota Corolla?
Size of the 2020 Toyota Corolla’s steering wheel The steering wheel of the 2020 Toyota Corolla measures 14 1/2″ in diameter and 4 1/4″ in circumference.
How challenging is it to take a steering wheel off?
Most of the time, you can remove it using everyday equipment. But occasionally, because the center lug nut pattern could differ, you’ll require a specific set. But getting rid of it shouldn’t be that difficult. You may now replace your steering wheel.
Are steering wheels removable?
Unfortunately, while you are driving and when you least expect it, your steering wheel might come off. We must first describe the two forms of steering failure you can encounter in order to comprehend how this occurs. Which are:
- complete failure
- power steering loss
Loss of Power Steering
More frequently than a steering wheel that completely fails, power steering loss occurs. If your car has power steering, there are a few potential causes for failure. The first is referred to as a sluggish hydraulic system leak.
Your steering wheel will still work normally if you have a slow leak. You will begin to hear a whining sound, though, emanating from your steering column. You’ll also notice a gradual stiffness of the steering along with this.
You must take your car to a skilled repair if you discover a power steering leak. If you don’t get the issue corrected before your steering completely fails, your steering wheel can eventually come off the column.
Fast Leaks
On the other hand, if the leak happens quickly, you can lose control of your vehicle. Unfortunately, the loss of control happens extremely fast. You’ll be able to tell something is amiss if you experience a quick leak.
For instance, the steering wheel will stiffen and become heavy, making it difficult for you to turn. You risk losing your car’s steering wheel if you keep turning it too frequently or forcefully.
You must maintain a firm grip on the wheel if turning the car becomes too difficult or if the steering column begins to dislodge. You can still steer your car to a certain extent if the steering wheel is still attached. In a panic, don’t brake too soon.
Instead, cease moving slowly. However, keep in mind that as you slow down, steering your vehicle gets more challenging.
You must therefore gradually reduce your speed rather than applying a harsh brake. Additionally, you ought to turn on your emergency lights. Once you’ve stopped your automobile, you should contact a towing service to ask for assistance. Remember that if your hydraulic system fails, it’s possible that your brake system will as well. So, when you try to stop the automobile, you can also experience some hard brakes.
What to Do If Your Steering Wheel Falls Off
You have a serious mechanical breakdown if your steering wheel comes off. While unlikely, if the wheel comes off its nut, you will be unable to steer at all. If you ever find yourself in a predicament like this:
- Hit your dangers.
- Bring your vehicle to a gradual, deliberate stop.
- Request assistance.
Once your automobile has stopped, you might need to call for help or ask someone to push the car in a safe location. You must get your car out of the path as soon as you are out of harm’s way since you won’t be able to manoeuvre it off to the side. Contact a towing service.
You can brake harder and faster if your steering wheel falls off and there isn’t much traffic on the road. However, you’ll have to apply the brakes if the following conditions exist on the road:
- Wet
- Snow
- Ice
Keep in mind that if you start sliding, you won’t be able to manage your car without your steering wheel.
Turn on your warning lights and begin honking if your steering wheel comes off while you are in heavy traffic, such as when you are driving on a motorway.
Also, use your hands to make gestures. Start turning your high beams on and off if it occurs when you are driving at night. Once you’ve given the other cars in your vicinity a heads-up, try to slow down as slowly as you can to prevent a collision.
Do the following actions as you’re doing that:
- Brake and downshift as gradually as you can.
- Plan to stop your automobile beside a divider or on the shoulder.
- At this stage, you should be braking everywhere you can stop your car safely.
- M get your car out of the way and request assistance from a tow truck.
Can airbags in an automobile be removed?
It’s likely that if you and your passengers have been in a vehicle accident, an airbag has been deployed. Parents worldwide are aware that airbags keep ourselves and our children safe in car accidents, despite how frightening it can be to strike one.
It’s a common misconception that airbags only deploy in catastrophic collisions. Any hit that exceeds eight mph might cause airbags to deploy, even in what some people might regard as minor collisions.
You might be wondering if you can take the airbags out to get yourself and the kids back on the road if your airbags have deflated but your car still appears to be drivable.
In general, you shouldn’t remove or change the airbags in your car. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration strongly advises limiting removal and replacement to authorized repair facilities.
Deployed airbags render a vehicle unsafe to operate, and their removal necessitates navigating the intricate electrical and safety system of the vehicle.
To cut a lengthy story short, only a mechanic should remove or replace an airbag.