Okay, I know this is a stupid question and it probably has been covered many times in the past. I did a search, but could not find exactly what I am looking for.

How do I take this thing off?

Do I need to remove the plastic cover on the column to expose the nut/bolts? Do I need to pull/twist off the horn cover? What do I need to do first?

I have removed/installed steering wheels on a number of cars, but the RX-7 is new to me.

Mike

 

Take the plastic horn cover off the center and that will expose the nut used to hold the steering wheel on. Take that nut off then use a puller to pull the steering wheel off.

 

Thanks

Mike

 

The oddest thing happend when I took the wheel off my '79 SA, after I took the nut off the wheel just came off, no issue, no puller. It was one of those times working on a car that I felt like I was in the twilight zone, I have so much issue with My FB.

 

a lot of times its stuck pretty good...and when your pulling with all your might that plastic safety piece will break and you get the "in and out" steering wheel

use a puller for this reason...or it might just come right off.

 

I rocked my wheel side to side and that got it loose, it's mounted on a cone and just needs some movement to get it loose.....worked for me at least. I bent a cheap puller trying to get one off.

 

I rent automotive tools for a living and Ive never had to use my steering wheel puller. Although, Ive renting it hundreds of times!Heh,heh...5 bucks a day for something that cost me 20 bucks!Same with a ball joint puller or picklefork.Never used one,just smack the side with a hammer!

For steering wheels,I just give it a few rocks side to side,maybe a whack or 2 and itll pop right off.Dont pull furiously,like FBDrifter said it can break the collapsing pin. Just rock it laterally real hard,then pull straight back.Its always hardest if its never been off since manufacture,any near future attempts will be easier.

 

I concur, rocking will loosen it enough to break the bind.

 

I used a puller, and bent my stock steering wheel in the process... Oh well the momo is 20x nicer.

 

Where is the plastic safety piece you are talking about? My steering wheel goes in and out but i thought it was the collapsible part of the column that was messed up. Is that the same thing?

 

what happens if you're collapsable pin is already broken and you try to pull the wheel off?

mines been broken since i got the car and im a little worried about yanking the wheel now...

 

Thanks guys for the responses!

The horn cover came off easy enough and there was no problems with the wheel nut. I sprayed some "G-Force" penetrator fluid on the shaft, rocked the wheel back and forth many times (not too hard) and pulled real hard a few times. The factory wheel came off nicely and was replaced with a Momo.

Mike

 

Yep I've removed the steering wheels on all three of my GSLs without a puller, just a little rocking and pulling. Be sure to line those turn signal pins up when you put it back on though, they break easily. Also it's a good idea to unhook the battery so that you won't be blowing the horn with your socket wrench and getting the neighbors all upset.

 

LOL,

I pulled the fuse after already making too much noise while contemplating the removal of the horn cover! I am sure the neighbors did not appreciate it.

Mike