I've looked all over but can't find anything. I want to purchase the woodgrain version of the steering wheel for my CL. I don't want to screw up the airbag or anything. I have plenty of tools and since I'm sure the dealership would charge me a fortune for this, I'd like to do it myself. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks!

 

there are 2 small panels on the size of the wheel. use a thin flat head screw driver to pop these off. also there is a somewhat larger panel that can be popped off underneath. do the same.

remove the radio / cruise control buttons, i think theres 2 screws holding each one on. ther e are plugs on each of them too.

now look under where you removed the bottom panel, you should see a plug for the airbag, unplug it. if not you can unplug it after the following step.

you can see 1 hex bolt on each side holding the airbag in. some might call it a torx bolt, i call it a hex. it looks like it was made for a big allen key, you will need a bit and a wrench to get it off. their on pretty tight. the airbag will slide out once you remove those bolts.

then you have one BIG nut holding the wheel on. i forget the exact size but its big. once you get that nut off, tap the wheel with the palm of your hand in the following locations: 12:00, 3:00, 6:00, 9:00. dont go crazy but hit it firmly, it should pop off. this is what i did and didn't need a steering wheel puller.

this was done by memory, but i'm pretty sure it should get you through it. not so bad.

 

Here's a link to Steering Wheel instructions for the Honda Accord. They're pretty close to the TL/CL instructions. That's what I used when I pulled a steering wheel.

http://www.handaaccessories.com/accord/accwoodwhl.pdf

 

Sweet! Doesn't seem too tough then. Thanks a lot!!

 

would you need to unhook the battery as it says in the honda instructions...meaning if you try doing this with the battery hooked up will the alarm go off or is this just a precautionary measure not to shock you or have the air bag blow up in your face while trying to remove it?

 

i removed airbag numerous times with battery hooked up.

 

I think it's more precautionary so you don't short anything out. Horn switch still has power to it when the car is off.

Just make sure you have the correct size Torx screwdriver and everything else is pretty straight forward. I also reused the screws eventhough they say to replace.

 

I have just about every tool I could ever need. If I ever come across something I don't have a tool for, I buy it! The only thing that concerns me about this job is the ease of removal given the reference to the steering wheel puller. I do have a gear puller which might do the trick.

I know someone else mentioned hitting it with my hands but my luck is nothing ever goes the "easy way" without the right tools. I have a rubber mallet but, as I mentioned, I'd rather do it as smoothly as possible without breaking anything. Considering I don't pull steering wheels on a regular basis, I'm not sure I want to spring for purchasing a special tool just for this job.

 

I'm kind of the same way with tools. I figure since I'm not paying a mechanic, I might as well spend the money I'm saving on tools. As far as a steerint wheel puller, They're pretty inexpensive. I have one that I bought at Kragens or Autozone years ago but didn't even need to use it when I pulled my wheel. I just shook it loose.

 

I didn't need a puller when I yanked my wheel off. Wheel came right off. Have pulled it off multiple times too.

 

I guess I'll just try it and see. If it doesn't want to come off, I'll just drive somewhere and buy the tool. Incidentally, does anyone happen to know if there is a better place to pick up the wood steering wheel? I'm about to buy it from here...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Acura...temZ7927238415

 

thats probly the cheapest ive seen.

 

Thanks again for the tips everyone! I will be sure to take pics and post when I'm done. I like DIY threads with pics.

 

cheapest i've seen too... also been lookin.....now women everywhere will love you forever

 

I just got my new wheel from acura oem and will install it tom. or the next day. I had no idea, thanks.