If you have ever worked on a steering column, then you know the steering wheel lock plate is not easy to take off (or put back on) without using the proper tool. The name of this tool is a steering wheel lock plate tool. It is a tool, and not just a remover, because it is used to remove and replace the steering wheel lock plate. Using the steering wheel lock plate tool is fairly straightforward, however, there are a few other steps necessary in getting t the lock plate. These steps include disabling the air bag system, removing the air bag (or horn button) from the center of the steering wheel, and then removing the steering wheel. There is a tool for removing the steering wheel, also.
So to get to the lock plate you have to remove a few things. Do not worry, I am here to help! The first thing you need to do, if there is an air bag in the steering wheel is to remove the fuse for the air bag system. You don't want this thing accidentally going off, while you are handling it! Once the air bag system is disabled by pulling the fuse, you are ready to get to work. The next step, getting the center piece out of the steering wheel, varies from vehicle to vehicle on how it is done. Some are held in place with screws in the back side of the steering wheel, and sometimes you have to remove covers to get to those screws. Another popular way that the center piece is attached to the steering wheel is with some clips. Some cars have clips that you pull back from behind the steering wheel, and the air bag module will fall right out. I will have to recommend you to look into your repair manual for your vehicle, if you are not familiar with these different mounting styles. When you get the module loose from the wheel, you will need to disconnect he wiring to it from the clock-spring inside the column.
So you got the module out of the middle of the steering wheel, and everything is disconnected and safe. Now you need to remove the nut there holding the steering wheel to the steering column shaft. There is often a 'clip' in front of it, it just pops right off with a screwdriver. Once the nut is out of there, you need to get your steering wheel puller. This is a 3 way flat type of puller with a big bolt going through the middle of it. If you have ever seen a harmonic balancer puller, they are similar, and you can even use a harmonic balancer puller to pull the steering wheel away from the steering column. You will need the long 'special bolts' that come with a steering wheel puller.
You then bolt the 'plate' of the steering wheel puller to the steering wheel by using the 3 small bolt holes around the center piece of the steering wheel. Then once those are in, you take your long big 'center bolt' for the puller, and screw it in, so it meets the end of the shaft. Snug it up, nice and tight with your ratchet. Now, take a good firm hold on the steering wheel to not let it twist, and screw the center bolt on that pulley in, so it pushes the steering wheel off the shaft. It will pop loose, and the steering wheel will pop off and slide right out. It is not easy to get it loose initially, so you are going to have to 'man up' a little bit to get it 'broke loose'. Anyways, once the steering wheel is off the column, you can remove the steering wheel puller, and put it away, as you are done with it. Go trade it for your lock plate tool while you are at the tool box.
The steering wheel lock plate tool is a U-shaped piece of metal with a bolt going through it. The bolt slides in and out of the U-shaped bracket. On the 'business end' of the lock plate tool is another fitting that has two different threads on the inside of it. On the handle side of the tool is a wing nut. Back the wing-nut all the way to the handle on the bolt. Now, you need to find out which end of that fitting will screw onto the end of the steering column shaft, and put that end on your bolt. Now you only need to put the tool on the steering column, so hold the whole tool up there and screw the fitting on the steering column. Once you get it on there snug enough (it doesn't have to be tight), tighten up the wing nut to push the U-shaped piece onto the lock plate, and compress it all the way in until it stops. This will not be easy to do with just your fingers, I usually keep a pair of pliers handy for this.Once the lock plate is pushed back far enough, you will be able to get to the ring that holds it in place. You can get this ring out with a couple small flat head screwdrivers, or you can use snap ring pliers (which is the 'right tool for the job'. Then back off the wing nut and remove the lock plate tool from the steering column. Now you have the lock plate loose and can finish your repair, which is usually to change the turn signal switch.
Putting it all back together is the same, just in reverse. When you put the steering wheel back on, pay close attention to the torque specification on that bolt! Other than that.. you are done with the lock plate. I hope reading this article was as informative for you as it was a pleasure for me to write. Keep your eyes out for more great articles that are sure to help you with your car repair needs.
Thanks for reading!
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