Taking Steering Wheel Apart

[Paradroid]

Following on from another thread about trying to find a rattle in my IS200, I'm now looking at the steering wheel itself.

I want to remove the front "boss", so I can see the insides of the wheel and try to find the rattle.

There are two screws on the back of the steering wheel (not the allen bolts) which look like they will do the job.

Has anyone done this, and does it require cutting power to the Battery and waiting for power to dissipate from the airbag?

[Monster-Mat]

why does no one ever look in the knowledge base

here is an article i wrote a few years ago

CLICK

[Paradroid]

Thanks Mat don't know what I'd do without you.

Ok, so by the sounds of that guide the two torx will release the whole thing, plastic front cover, airbag, and a plate behind that I'd guess.

Could I drive the car (temporary) with all that removed (to see if that cures the rattle).

Alternatively, it it possible to leave the airbag in place and just remove the front plastic cover? I've seen two other philips or posi screws that are not in your guide at the back of the wheel?

Much appreciated.

[RS200BEAMS]

Once you undo the two torx screws the airbag comes out as one unit. You can't really drive around without the airbag screwed in as it keeps falling out when you turn the wheel (i know I've tried) . It is unlikely there is a rattle happening under the airbag but you could have a look.

[Paradroid]

Cheers. Looks like the only way is to remove the whole pad then.

One thing I've noticed is that when I have the wheel centered, and wiggle it left/right slightly I hear a noise. Is this normal? Can anyone check for me please?

[Steviewevie]

One thing I've noticed is that when I have the wheel centered, and wiggle it left/right slightly I hear a noise. Is this normal? Can anyone check for me please?

With the engine on or off ? (e.g power steering going or not)

[Steviewevie]

One thing I've noticed is that when I have the wheel centered, and wiggle it left/right slightly I hear a noise. Is this normal? Can anyone check for me please?

I just checked and I get a fairly quiet sort of clicking noise when I do this. It happens when the engine is both on and off, though easier to hear with the engine off. It's pretty quiet and doesn't sound like anything I'd worry about myself.

[DJ Wozza]

There is some sort of circular wiring pick up so the horn works when you turn the wheel.

I'm guessing this could be the problem/noise ?

I wouldn't call this a rattle, but sometimes my car made a slight noise when turning the wheel,

I was told that was what the noise was, however it doesn't seem to have done it for ages.

[Paradroid]

Cheers Stevie/Wozza.

Guess that noise is normal then. Where there's wiring to the steering wheel it normally goes through a rotary coupler and they can make a little bit of noise, so it's probably that.

At the moment I'm convinced my rattle is coming from the steering wheel so I will definitely take it apart and have a look.

[Jack300]

I get the turning noise - tried to get a fine paintbrush in there with a tad of oil on it but couldn't. I assume it's the horn connection.

Good luck

jack

[Monster-Mat]

There is some sort of circular wiring pick up so the horn works when you turn the wheel.

spiral cable, contained in a plastic cassette, under the steering wheel, i would be very surprised if this could rattle

[hawk77]

There is some sort of circular wiring pick up so the horn works when you turn the wheel.

I'm guessing this could be the problem/noise ?

I wouldn't call this a rattle, but sometimes my car made a slight noise when turning the wheel,

I was told that was what the noise was, however it doesn't seem to have done it for ages.

Hi mate, I have a similar problem. My horn is not working when I push the centre part of the steering wheel. But it works if I am trying to get in the car without disarming the central locking. I've opened the steering wheel but nothing seems to be wrong. Well I hope not. Does anyone have the wiring diagram or a picture of the steering wheel opened just to see if I have everything in place? Any thoughts? Cheers