How to Change the Steering Wheel in a 2000 Ford Taurus
The 2000 model Ford Taurus featured a change in the way the steering wheel is mounted on the steering column, making changing the wheel a simpler process than in other vehicles. The wheel is retained on the shaft with a pinion shaft located behind the wheel, rather than a retaining bolt in front; the air bag module is also mounted behind the steering wheel.
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Instructions
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Removal
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1
Park the car with the steering wheel turned so both front wheels are facing forward.
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2
Disconnect the car's negative battery cable, then disconnect the positive one; use an insulated wrench for the battery cable clamps. Wait at least one minute for the backup power supply for the air bag system to become depleted.
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3
Pry off the rectangle-shaped access panel on the right side of the steering wheel using a thin, flat-bladed tool. Disconnect the electrical connectors for the horn and the air bag.
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4
Loosen the steering wheel's pinion bolt--it has a longer head than most bolts--with a ratchet and socket. (It will take 20 to 30 full turns with the ratchet to loosen the bolt far enough.)
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5
Pull the steering wheel off the steering column; if it won't come off easily, loosen the pinion bolt some more. Feed the wires and electrical connectors through the upper steering column as you remove the wheel.
Installation
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6
Install the new steering wheel onto the shaft, carefully feeding the wires so they don't get pinched, and tighten the pinion bolt. If you have a torque wrench, tighten the bolt to 156 inch-pounds.
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7
Connect the air bag and horn to the steering wheel with their electrical connectors, then place the plastic access panel back on.
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8
Reconnect the car battery, starting with the positive cable, then the negative one.
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