Changing a stock steering wheel to an aftermarket model is an easy process that takes just a few tools. There's a number of reasons to choose a new steering wheel. Many people choose to switch because of aesthetics, but an aftermarket steering wheel can be purchased to help increase leg room or provide better handling. Most modern vehicles come with an airbag equipped in the steering wheel, but if the switch is being done on an older model sans airbag, simply skip the steps that concern the airbag.
Park the vehicle on a flat surface with the tires pointed straight ahead. Set the parking brake.
Open the hood and disconnect the battery using a wrench.
Remove the four nuts on the back of the steering wheel with the socket wrench. Pull the center section of the steering wheel straight out. Unplug the wires to the air bag and the horn. Make a note of which wires went to which device.
Remove the nut in the center of the steering wheel with a socket wrench.
Place the steering wheel puller at the center of the threaded shaft. Screw the fitting bolts that come with the steering wheel puller into the three surrounding holes. Tighten the fitting bolts with a socket wrench.
Tighten the steering wheel puller's center bolt with a socket wrench until the wheel pops forward, then pull the wheel off.
Fit on the new steering wheel adapter hub and thread the wires for the airbag and horn through the center. Tighten the bolts with a socket wrench.
Fit the new steering wheel on the hub and bolt down the steering wheel nut with a socket wrench. Reattach the horn and airbag wires, fit the centerpiece in place and reinstall the four rear bolts.
