Steering wheel - removal and refitting

Removal
1 According to model, either pull off the steering wheel trim, prise out the insert which carries the Ford motif at the centre, or carefully prise up and lift off the horn push followed by the contact plate (see illustrations).

22.1a Steering wheel trim removal
22.1a Steering wheel trim removal

22.1b Prising up the steering wheel horn push . . .
22.1b Prising up the steering wheel horn push . . .

22.1c . . . followed by the contact plate
22.1c . . . followed by the contact plate

2 Insert the ignition key and turn it to position I.

3 Hold the steering wheel from turning and have the front roadwheels in the straightahead attitude. Unscrew the steering wheel retaining nut using a socket and extension.

4 Withdraw the steering wheel from the shaft.

No great effort should be necessary, as the wheel is located on a hexagonal-section shaft, which does not normally cause the binding associated with splined shafts. However, if difficulty is experienced, a puller may be used to withdraw the wheel - take adequate precautions to avoid damage to the finish.

5 Where applicable note the steering shaft direction indicator cam which has its peg uppermost.

Refitting
6 Refitting is the reverse sequence to removal. Ensure that the direction indicator switch is in the neutral position (this will avoid the possibility of damage to the selfcancelling mechanism). Check that the roadwheels are still in the straight-ahead position and locate the steering wheel with the larger section between the spokes uppermost. Tighten the steering wheel retaining nut to the specified torque.

    See also:

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    Steering intermediate shaft and flexible coupling - removal and refitting
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    Engine/automatic transmission assembly - removal and separation
    Note: Refer to the warning at the beginning of Section 5 before proceeding. A suitable hoist and lifting tackle will be required for this operation. Any suspected faults in the automatic transmiss ...