Steering Wheel

This procedure removes and reinstalls the steering wheel on a 2009 Aston Martin DB9, including safe airbag module removal, steering angle sensor handling, and proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering wheel (if replacing) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface with front wheels pointed straight ahead. Verify steering wheel is centered.
2. Turn ignition off and remove key.
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait minimum 10 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge.
4. Mark steering wheel position relative to steering column shaft with paint marker or tape for alignment reference during reinstallation.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove airbag module access covers
   Locate the two access holes on the rear sides of the steering wheel (left and right, approximately at 3 and 9 o'clock positions). On the DB9, these may have small trim caps covering the airbag release points. If present, carefully pry out the trim caps using a plastic trim tool. Inspect for the airbag module retention mechanism behind each access hole.
2. 2

   Release airbag module retaining clips
   Insert the appropriate tool (verify Torx size or flat release tool against factory specification) through each access hole and locate the airbag module retention mechanism. Depending on the system, either release the spring retaining clips or remove the retaining fasteners securing the airbag module (verify type and quantity against factory documentation). Support the airbag module as you remove the second fastener to prevent it from dropping. Note: Insert the appropriate Torx driver (verify size against Aston Martin service documentation) through each access hole and engage the airbag module retention mechanism. Depending on design, either depress the spring retaining clips to release the module or remove the retaining fasteners securing the airbag module to the steering wheel. Note: Insert the appropriate driver through each access hole and locate the airbag module retention mechanism (verify whether the module uses Torx fasteners or spring-clip retention against OEM documentation). If fastener-retained, remove the fasteners securing the airbag module to the steering wheel; if spring-clip retained, depress each clip to release the module.
   Torque spec

   Airbag Module Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect airbag electrical connectors
   Carefully pull the airbag module toward you from the steering wheel hub. Locate the yellow airbag connector and the horn/ground connector on the back of the module. Press the connector release tabs and disconnect both connectors. The yellow airbag connector typically has a secondary locking slider that must be released first. Place the airbag module face-up on a clean surface at least 10 feet from the work area.
4. 4

   Disconnect steering wheel electrical connectors
   Locate all electrical connectors on the steering column behind the steering wheel hub. On the DB9, expect to find connectors for cruise control switches, horn, and (on Touchtronic-equipped cars) paddle shifters. Note that the steering angle sensor is typically part of the column-mounted clockspring assembly rather than a wheel-mounted connector. Press the release tabs and disconnect each connector. Note the routing and position of each harness for reassembly. If present, release any wire harness clips securing the wiring to the steering column. Note: On the DB9, expect to find connectors for the horn, cruise control switches, and paddle shifters (if equipped). The steering angle sensor is normally located on the steering column behind the clockspring and is not disconnected during wheel removal.
5. 5

   Remove steering wheel retaining nut
   Locate the large central retaining nut on the steering column shaft. Use the correct socket (verify exact size against factory specification) to remove the large central steering wheel retaining nut. Do not remove the nut completely yet—leave it threaded on the end of the shaft by several threads to act as a backstop for the next step. Note: Use the correct tool to remove the steering wheel retaining fastener (verify the exact fastener type, drive, and size—whether a large hex nut or a large Torx bolt—against Aston Martin service documentation for the 2009 DB9, as the two references in this procedure conflict). Note: Use the appropriate large socket (verify exact size against OEM documentation, typically a hex nut in the 21-24mm range) to remove the steering wheel retaining nut.
   Torque spec

   Steering Wheel Nut50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Break steering wheel taper fit
   With the retaining nut still loosely threaded on the shaft, grip the steering wheel firmly at 3 and 9 o'clock positions and pull sharply toward yourself while applying a gentle rocking motion side-to-side. The wheel should slide off the splined shaft. If the wheel does not release, verify there is no taper or puller requirement in the Aston Martin service documentation before applying any pulling device, as the DB9 column uses a straight spline that does not normally require a puller. Do not force a puller onto a splined shaft. Once the wheel is free, remove the retaining nut completely and set aside.
7. 7

   Remove steering wheel from column
   Note the alignment mark on the steering column shaft and the corresponding mark on the steering wheel hub (or the alignment marks you made during preparation). Carefully pull the steering wheel straight off the column shaft. Feed any remaining wiring through the center of the wheel as you remove it. Inspect the clockspring (spiral cable) housing behind the wheel—verify it is centered and the locking tab (if present) is engaged to prevent rotation. Do not rotate the clockspring mechanism.
8. 8

   Inspect components and prepare for installation
   Inspect the steering column shaft splines for damage, corrosion, or debris. Clean the splines with a suitable parts/solvent cleaner and a lint-free cloth if necessary. Inspect the steering wheel hub bore for damage. If installing a new steering wheel, transfer any necessary components (switches, trim rings) from the old wheel. Apply a light coating of dielectric grease to electrical connector seals if they appear dry. Note: Apply a light coating of dielectric grease to non-airbag electrical connector seals if they appear dry. Do not apply grease to the yellow airbag (SRS) connector.

Reassembly

1. Verify clockspring is centered and locked before installing steering wheel. If clockspring was disturbed, it must be centered before proceeding.
2. Align steering wheel with the marks made during disassembly, ensuring the wheel is straight when front wheels are straight.
3. Install steering wheel onto column shaft, ensuring splines engage fully and wheel seats completely against the column.
4. Install steering wheel retaining nut and torque to specification using torque wrench.
5. Reconnect all steering wheel electrical connectors (cruise control, paddle shifters, steering angle sensor) in their original positions. Verify connectors are fully seated with audible clicks.
6. Route wiring harnesses as originally positioned and secure any wire harness clips.
7. Position airbag module over steering wheel hub, reconnect yellow airbag connector and horn/ground connector. Ensure secondary locking slider on airbag connector is fully engaged.
8. Align airbag module with mounting holes and install 2 Torx fasteners. Torque to specification in crossing pattern.
9. Install airbag module access hole trim caps if equipped.
10. Reconnect negative battery terminal.
11. Turn ignition to ON position (do not start engine) and verify airbag warning light performs normal self-test (illuminates briefly then extinguishes).
12. Perform steering angle sensor calibration using factory scan tool or equivalent. Follow tool-specific procedure for DB9 steering angle sensor learn.

Verification

• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock and verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises.
• Verify all steering wheel controls function properly (horn, cruise control, paddle shifters if equipped).
• Verify airbag warning light extinguishes after self-test and does not illuminate during test drive.
• Test drive vehicle and verify steering feels normal with proper centering and no pulling.
• Use scan tool to verify no airbag system fault codes are present and steering angle sensor is reading correctly.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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