Steering Wheel Removal (non-airbag)??

[ebod]

Can anyone post links to good descriptions or videos of how to remove the steering wheel on an non-airbag e30. I need to remove by instrument cluster.

Also, how hard a job is this from a DIY perspective?

Thanks in advance.

[Cobra1956]

Youtube has a bunch. Pretty easy.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLWckwNDGSw

[aaverhulst]

You don't need to remove the steering wheel to pull the cluster. It's easy to remove the cluster with the steering wheel in place, just a couple wigs and wags and it clears the wheel.

[Jeffnhiscars]

For the first time I'd remove the wheel. It takes all of a minute with a 22mm socket

[randywalters]

And here's a little tip - the steering wheel will be very tight on the splined shaft and can take a lot of force to yank it loose.

DO NOT fully remove the big nut from the shaft. Loosen it till it's flush with the end of the shaft so all the threads are still engaged.

Then pull the wheel hard and rock it back and forth a bit and it should suddenly break free and slam against that backside of the big nut.

That nut will keep the steering wheel from smashing you in the face when it breaks loose.

[BEANCENT]

And put your key in the ignition and unlock the steering column before trying to pull your steering wheel.

[ebod]

Thank you for all the help--I feel better prepared for my project!! I have a couple of more questions

First, I have the three spoke steering wheel with the horn button in the center. I didn't see a video to remove this type of wheel. How do I remove the center/horn button? Do I have to unplug any wires or can I just move the horn assembly out of the way.

Also, do I need to use a torque wrench when I'm putting the wheel back on? I'm happy to buy one if necessary. Any tips for reasonably priced ones?

Thanks again!!