How to Remove the Steering Wheel of an Old Jetta?
3 Answers
Turn the steering wheel 90 degrees, with the hole on the back facing upward. Insert a flat-head screwdriver, preferably a bent one, horizontally along the upper edge of the hole. Above a horizontal wire, there is a wire securing the airbag. Press this wire downward, then pull the airbag outward to remove it. Turn the steering wheel to the 90-degree position again. Use a small screwdriver to pry open the airbag clips under the steering wheel—there are two in total, one on each side—then the steering wheel can be removed. Reassembly is done in reverse order: 3-2-1.
I've removed the steering wheel from old Jettas multiple times, and experience tells me safety comes first. First, you must disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait at least 15 minutes for the airbag system to fully discharge—otherwise, accidental airbag deployment could cause injury. Then, carefully pry open the plastic cover in the center of the steering wheel with a screwdriver to expose the mounting bolt. Use a socket wrench to loosen it counterclockwise, but don't remove it completely. At this point, align a steering wheel puller tool and gradually tighten the center rod until the steering wheel loosens and comes off. If you don't have the proper tool, gently tap around the shaft to help loosen it, but avoid excessive force. After removal, be cautious with the airbag connector and wiring harness behind—don't yank them to avoid damaging the wires. Press the release tab when unplugging the connector. When reinstalling, align the keyway mark on the shaft, ensure the steering wheel is level, tighten the bolt, snap the cover back on, and reconnect the battery for testing. Take your time with the entire process—I usually spend about half an hour. Older car parts are fragile, so handling them gently can extend their lifespan.
I just removed the steering wheel from my old Jetta at home, and it was quite an interesting process but required caution. First, handle the battery: disconnect the negative terminal and wait for at least 20 minutes to avoid airbag accidents—safety first. There's a small cover in the center of the steering wheel, which I pried open with a plastic trim tool, revealing a large bolt. I used a suitable wrench to loosen it counterclockwise. To remove the steering wheel, a puller tool is necessary—it's inexpensive online—slowly turn it to loosen and pull the wheel out. Without the tool, I once tried using two long bolts to push symmetrically, but it's risky and best avoided. Be careful with the wires and airbag connectors underneath; press the clips gently to disconnect them without pulling too hard. Before reinstalling, I checked for rust on the shaft and applied some lubricant, aligned the position, tightened the bolt, reconnected the plugs, covered the cap, and restored the battery. The process is straightforward, but details matter. The old Jetta's steering wheel is heavy, so avoid brute force—take it step by step patiently and never rush.
