I've read some old post on removing the steering wheel but I need to know if you have to replace the steering wheel bolt as the service manual states. Why would you have to do this?

Also I was given an estimate from my dealership of 2 1/2hrs and $200.00. for this to be done, but have read about people paying $35.00.

I should say I am changing my stock plastic steering wheel to the leather steering wheel.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jeffee05 @ April 19, 2006, 11:27 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
I've read some old post on removing the steering wheel but I need to know if you have to replace the steering wheel bolt as the service manual states. Why would you have to do this?

Also I was given an estimate from my dealership of 2 1/2hrs and $200.00. for this to be done, but have read about people paying $35.00.

I should say I am changing my stock plastic steering wheel to the leather steering wheel.
[/b][/quote]

I havent done it on an 05..so I dont know if something more is involved, but I swapped my stock 1998 GT wheel for an FR500 wheel a few years ago. It was about a 30 minute job. Just used a big hiney torx bit (T45 or T50, cant remember) and a steering wheel puller. I did not replace the bolt when i did it.

again- this may not be much help as an 05 may be different. maybe the 05 bolt uses some sort of crush washer?

edit: in any case, treat the airbag like a loaded bomb.

 

I got mine done not to long ago at the local ford dealership for $35. That's crazy that at your dealership it would cost the same to put it on as the actual steering wheel costs. I have really enjoyed the leather steering wheel. It just feels a lot better than the plastic.

 

very simple to do, just two bolts under plastic covers on either side of steering column to remove air bag.
(don't forget to disconnet battery cable and wait a few minutes before starting) then just unplug air bag
and its one bolt to remove wheel.

 

Here is the pdf of the steering wheel. I did the swap and it is rather easy.

 

How to remove the airbag.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jahnnee5 @ April 21, 2006, 7:18 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
Here is the pdf of the steering wheel. I did the swap and it is rather easy.
[/b][/quote]

When you did the swap did you re-use the steering wheel bolt? How long did you wait after disconnecting the battery? did you follow the steps in the pdf?

I just don't want to get it apart and then find out I needed to replace the bolt, it would take about 2 weeks to get from the dealer.

I have the pdf already thanks.

 

I replaced the bolt when I did my swap. I believe that Ford asks this to be done just for liability reasons. I do not believe it is a stretch bolt.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jeffee05 @ April 22, 2006, 12:09 AM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
When you did the swap did you re-use the steering wheel bolt? How long did you wait after disconnecting the battery? did you follow the steps in the pdf?[/b][/quote]

I waited about 30min after I disconeccted the battery. I know it didnt need to be that long before I began removing it, but I was in no hurry.
Yes, I did reuse the bolt.

 

Well it's done I got my new steering wheel installed!!
I waited approx. 20 min and re-used the bolt, I noticed the bolt had some blue loc-tite on it but other than that there was nothing to it.
It was a lot easier than I thought, I was more cautious than anything and just followed the instructions on the pdf.

THANKS for the input!! these forums are really great and informative I'd be lost without them.

One more thing, it is well worth it the leather wheel is awesome!!!

 

It is scarey replacing an airbag. Especially when you plug it in and when you turn the ignition on. You know it is okay, but there is still that little voice in the back of your head saying "stay out of the line of fire!"