The steering wheel in a Ford Fusion comes stock with an airbag, which can be difficult to remove if not done properly. But once the airbag is off, removing the steering wheel is a fairly easy task. After the wheel is off, you can install an aftermarket adapter and wheel, or just a stock steering wheel with additional controls. In this case, the project vehicle is a 2007 Ford Fusion, but the process is similar for other years of Fusion as well.
Pop the hood and disconnect the negative terminal from the battery using an open-end wrench, then disconnect the positive terminal. Allow the car to sit for at least 10 minutes before you proceed forward.
Locate the small holes on both sides of the back of the steering wheel. Place the 3-mm hex-head key into one of the holes and push it in firmly. This is going to pop out the airbag from one side of the steering wheel. Repeat the process on the other side of the steering wheel until the airbag falls out of the steering wheel.
Locate the wiring harnesses leading into the back of the steering wheel. Use the flathead screwdriver to pry the protective cover off the back of the airbag harnesses and then push the clip in to pull the harnesses off the airbag. Place the airbag in a safe space, stored face up.
Unbolt the steering wheel from the column using the 1/2-inch ratchet, extension and socket.
Thread the bolts from the steering-wheel puller into the threaded holes on the steering wheel using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Make sure the center of the steering-wheel puller is on the center of the steering wheel, right where the bolt was in Step 4.
Tighten down the center of the steering-wheel puller using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket until the steering wheel pops off of the steering column. Unbolt the steering-wheel puller from the steering wheel using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket.
