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Steering Wheel

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

Fig. 1:Air bag module mounting points -- 626 and MX6

Fig. 2:Exploded view of steering wheel components -- Millenia

Fig. 3:Common method of removing the steering wheel

CAUTION
If equipped with an air bag, the vehicle battery and the system's own back-up battery must be disconnected before removing the steering wheel. Failure to do so may result in deployment of the air bag and possible personal injury. Always carry an air bag assembly with the bag and cover facing away from your body. Store the assembly with the bag and cover facing up; never place the assembly face down on the floor or workbench.

1993-94 323, 626, 929, MX3, MX6, Miata, RX7 and 1994 Protege
Without Air Bag
  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Remove the horn pad button assembly. If equipped with a 4 spoke steering wheel, pull the center cap toward the wheel top.
  2. Make matchmarks on the steering wheel and steering shaft. Never strike the steering shaft with a hammer, as damage to the column may result.
  3. Remove the wheel using a suitable puller.
  4. Installation is the reverse of removal. Torque the steering wheel nut to 36 ft. lbs. (49 Nm).
With Air Bag
  1. Disarm the air bag.
  2. At the back of the steering wheel hub, remove the nuts that hold the air bag assembly and remove the air bag. Place it in a safe place, pad side up.
  3. Matchmark the wheel to the shaft and remove the nut. Use a puller to remove the wheel.
  4. When installing, the clockspring must be reset.
    1. Make sure the front wheels are straight-ahead.
    2. Turn the clockspring all the way to the right.
    3. Turn the clockspring back about 2 3⁄4 turns and align the marks.
    4. Connect the wiring and install the steering wheel.
  5. Torque the steering wheel nut to 36 ft. lbs. (49 Nm). Install the air bag unit.
1995 MX3, 929 and RX7 and 1995-97 626, MX6, Miata, Millenia and Protege
  1. Set the steering wheel so that the front wheels are straight-ahead.
  2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  3. Disarm the air bag.
  4. At the back of the steering wheel hub, remove the nuts that hold the air bag assembly and remove the air bag. Place it in a safe place, pad side up.
  5. Matchmark the wheel to the shaft and remove the nut. Use a puller to remove the wheel.

    To install:

  6. Double check that the front wheels are in the straight-ahead position and mount the steering wheel. Make sure the matchmarks are aligned.
  7. Torque the steering wheel nut to 29-36 ft. lbs. (40-49 Nm). Install the air bag unit.
  8. Connect the negative battery cable.
 
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