Steering wheel removal ?

[shotwellm]

I just brought a 2001 VW bug and the steering wheel is upside down. It had a new front chip installed. Can the steering wheel just be removed and turned 180 degrees or will the steering all have to come out. Thanks for your help!

[SMG]

I didn't think anyone could be so stupid as to install the steering wheel upside-down...

Anyway, there are little holes that you stick a small screwdriver into and then pop little pins that release the airbag.

It's quite hard, you need to get the feel for it, took me half an hour of cursing and swearing the first time to get the airbag to release.

You need to start the car, turn the steering wheel totally to the right, turn off the car, release the pin on that side. Start the car again, turn all the way to the left, turn off the car and then pop that side.

Then you want to unhook the negative battery terminal, unplug the airbag, and then use a T-55 Torx bit to unbolt the steering wheel from the hub. And then to put it back on you need a torque wrench, consult a Bentley for the steering wheel torque. The bolt can only be used a few times, so replacing it is a very good idea. I did, and it wasn't expensive.

Good luck!

SMG

[shotwellm]

I bought the car for my 16 year old daughter and it's so hard for her to see the speed with the steering wheel in the way. The car was wrecked and only has 13000 miles on it. Thanks for you help. I have a cousin with a Bently so I can get the torque right. Wish me luck.

[SMG]

Originally Posted by shotwellm

I bought the car for my 16 year old daughter and it's so hard for her to see the speed with the steering wheel in the way. The car was wrecked and only has 13000 miles on it. Thanks for you help. I have a cousin with a Bently so I can get the torque right. Wish me luck.

Yeah, it's shocking that the person who installed it was that crazy. I mean, the freaking emblem would be upside down on the airbag!!!

Good luck!

SMG

[GatorBeetle]

almost had to be done on purpose...seems like a weird accident or mistake.

[Too Cold NB1.8T]

It is not wise to fool with the airbag while the battery is connected, I don't recommend that you begin removing the airbag/releasing pins or anything else related until the battery has been disconnected.

You can turn the steering wheel to the correct positions "without" having to start the engine, with the battery disconnected simply turn the ignition to the on position then rotate the steering wheel to each needed position required to release the airbag pins.

Be very carefull and make sure that you are grounded before handling/removing the unit, this is a sensitive and potentially dangerous instrument and should be handled much like you would an open computer during a repair, I suggest you follow the Bentley manual or have it done by the VW dealer.

[shotwellm]

I have removed the air bag ,but until I made me a screwdriver short enough I could not do it. I finaly cut a straight (dollar store) screwdriver down to four inches and the air bag was off in ten minutes. I have no tool to remove the steering wheel, My cousin will help me with that tomrrow. I'm still hoping it can just be removed and rotated 180 degrees. He may know? Thanks again for all the help!

[Too Cold NB1.8T]

You will need an "Internal Wrench Bit", I believe it requires 12mm, the steering wheel and splined shaft should have marks (indentations) that should line up, you might check this before proceeding because the misalignment problem could be bottom side.

[shotwellm]

Just talked to my cousin and said basically the same thing, because the front chip was replaced. I will post the results tomorrow night. Thanks again.

[Deserion]

The steering wheel hub nut is a 12-point star. Available at most auto stores.

Also, when the bolt is off (make sure the wheel is centered before removing), give it a firm bump from the bottom of the rim upward. This will loosen it.

In addition, make sure not to move the airbag clockspring. It'll be a bit of a pain to realign (it's doable).

-Des

[shotwellm]

We just finished flipping the steering wheel and everything went great. My cousin had all the tools and knew how to align the wheel for replacement. Thanks to all of you who helped!!! Now if my daughter gets a ticket it's not because she can't see the speedometer. Thanks again!

[Too Cold NB1.8T]

Glad everything worked out.

Happy Motoring.