Removing and Reinstalling Steering Wheel

[GuinnessDraught]

According to this guide: http://www.lehrmangroup.com/rickard/airBagAndBulbs.html when I take off the steering wheel, and then reinstall it I'm supposed to replace the 22mm self-locking nut. But what the heck is a self-locking nut? I googled it a bit, and everything I've found looks exactly like a regular old nut. Is it anything special and this guy is just giving it a fancy name? Do I actually need to replace it?

[VergBMW]

There are two main types of self-locking nuts. One type has a nylon or plastic looking ring arond the inside right at the top. The other type is slightly out of round at the top of the nut. Both work by gripping the threaded shaft or bolt to prevent them from backing off. They really should be replaced for safety reasons. You wouldn't want your steering wheel popping off suddenly while driving due to the nut backing off. However, you can check to see if your nut is still useable. When you thread the nut back on, it should tighten up significantly before the threads come through. You should need to use a wrench to tighten it down after that. If it screws on by hand all the way down, or even if it tightens down with a wrench very easily, definitely replace the nut. Also, make sure you torque it to the proper specifications.

[GuinnessDraught]

Can I just go to any old hardware store to find a replacement, or do I need a special kind?

[moroza]

I reinstalled my steering wheel and didn't replace the nut. It had a green, slightly sticky compound on the inside threads that caused it to not come back out. If it looks and feels intact, I wouldn't replace it unless you plan on regularly tracking the car.

Oh, FYI, don't turn the ignition key to ACC or higher without the airbag plugged in.

[wastedincome]

Oh, FYI, don't turn the ignition key to ACC or higher without the airbag plugged in.



Oh DO tell, Why????????????
Just cause I KNOW I just did that I just did dat on the new e34

[Qsilver7]

Oh, FYI, don't turn the ignition key to ACC or higher without the airbag plugged in.


Oh DO tell, Why????????????
Just cause I KNOW I just did that I just did dat on the new e34
First...your battery should be disconnected if you are working on your steering wheel that has an airbag.

Second, if you didn't disconnect the battery...AND...you've initiated power by turning the ingintion on (TO ANY POSITION)...AND any of the SRS (supplemental restraint system) connectors have been disconnected..or connected...you have just registered a fault in the SRS (airbag) system! :eek: There are very few options of resetting the SRS light (dealer mostly...and some Indy's may have a tool to reset it)

Any time you are working with any of the SRS system connectors...disconnect the battery...and DON'T reconnect the battery until ALL of the connectors have been reconnected!!! This will help with two things:

1. keep the airbag from accidentally deploying
2. help not set off or create an SRS fault which will illuminate the SRS dash warning light

[moroza]

My SRS light's been reminding me of that mistake for a couple of months now.