Steering Wheel

This procedure covers removal and installation of the steering wheel on a 1994-2007 Dodge Ram 2500 with 5.9L Cummins diesel engine, including proper airbag handling and clock spring alignment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering wheel (if replacing) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Airbag module (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Clock spring (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface with wheels pointed straight ahead
2. Turn ignition OFF and remove key
3. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait minimum 2 minutes for airbag system capacitors to discharge
4. Mark steering wheel position relative to steering column shaft with tape or marker for proper reinstallation alignment
5. Set steering wheel lock or have assistant hold steering wheel to prevent rotation during removal

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove airbag module access covers
   Access the airbag module retaining fasteners from the rear of the steering wheel. On this platform the driver airbag is secured by two Torx screws accessed from behind the wheel (no spring-clip access holes). Locate these rear fastener access points before proceeding to remove the retaining screws.
2. 2

   Remove airbag module retaining bolts
   Using the correct Torx driver (verify size against service manual for your model year), remove the airbag module mounting bolts from both sides of the steering wheel. These bolts pass through the steering wheel structure and secure the airbag from behind. Support the airbag module as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   ⚠️Support airbag module weight before removing final bolt
   Torque spec

   Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect airbag electrical connector
   Carefully pull the airbag module away from the steering wheel. Locate the yellow airbag connector on the back of the module. Depress the connector locking tab and disconnect the wiring harness. Immediately place airbag module face-up on a clean, flat surface away from the work area. Never place it face-down.
   ⚠️Place airbag face-up on protected surface away from work area. Do not place face-down or set anything on top of airbag
4. 4

   Disconnect horn and cruise control wiring
   Disconnect the horn switch wiring connector and cruise control switch connectors (if equipped) from the back of the steering wheel. Note the routing of all wires for proper reinstallation. Some models may have multiple connectors depending on options.
5. 5

   Remove steering wheel retaining nut
   Using an appropriately sized socket, remove the steering wheel retaining nut from the center of the steering shaft. Consult the service manual to determine whether the nut may be reused or must be replaced with a new one. Note the presence of any washers or spacers and their orientation. The steering wheel should now be loose on the shaft splines.
   Torque spec

   Steering Wheel Nut54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Mark clock spring position
   Before removing the steering wheel, verify and mark the clock spring position if visible. The clock spring should be centered with wheels straight ahead. Make alignment marks between the clock spring housing and steering column for reference.
7. 7

   Remove steering wheel from shaft
   Grip the steering wheel firmly with both hands at 3 and 9 o'clock positions and pull straight back while rocking gently side to side. The wheel should slide off the splined shaft. If the wheel is stuck, use a proper steering wheel puller - DO NOT hammer on the shaft or wheel. Guide the clock spring wiring through the steering wheel opening as you remove it.
   ⚠Never strike the steering shaft or wheel with a hammer. Use a proper steering wheel puller if wheel is stuck on splines
8. 8

   Inspect clock spring and components
   With the steering wheel removed, inspect the clock spring for any damage, cracks, or signs of failure. Check that the clock spring is properly centered (centering window should show specific color or alignment marks per manufacturer). Inspect steering shaft splines for damage or wear. If replacing clock spring, ensure new unit is centered before installation.
9. 9

   Install steering wheel onto shaft
   Verify wheels are still pointed straight ahead and clock spring is centered. Route the clock spring wiring through the center of the new or original steering wheel. Align the steering wheel splines with the shaft, using your alignment marks from disassembly to ensure proper orientation. Push the steering wheel firmly onto the shaft until it seats completely against the clock spring housing.
   ⚠Ensure steering wheel is aligned with reference marks from removal to maintain proper straight-ahead position
10. 10

    Install steering wheel retaining nut
    Install the steering wheel retaining nut with any washers or spacers in their original orientation. Hand-tighten the nut first, then torque to specification using a torque wrench. Verify the steering wheel is properly seated and does not rock or have excessive play.
    Torque spec

    Steering Wheel Nut54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical connectors
    Reconnect the horn switch wiring and cruise control switch connectors (if equipped) to the back of the steering wheel. Ensure all connectors are fully seated and locked. Verify proper wire routing with no pinch points.
12. 12

    Install airbag module
    Carefully position the airbag module in front of the steering wheel. Connect the yellow airbag connector first, ensuring it clicks and locks fully. Align the airbag module mounting holes with the steering wheel. Insert both T30 Torx mounting bolts and hand-tighten. Torque both airbag mounting bolts to specification in the sequence specified in service manual (typically alternating pattern).
    ⚠️Ensure airbag connector is fully locked before installing module to steering wheel
    Torque spec

    Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect battery and test
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. Turn ignition to ON position (do not start engine). Verify the airbag warning light illuminates briefly then goes out, indicating airbag system is functioning properly. If light remains on or flashes, there is a fault that must be diagnosed before operating vehicle.

Reassembly

1. Double-check that airbag module mounting bolts are torqued to specification
2. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
3. Confirm steering wheel is properly aligned with wheels straight ahead
4. Test horn operation and cruise control switches (if equipped) before driving

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON and verify airbag warning light performs proper self-test (illuminates briefly then goes out)
• Start engine and turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to verify no binding or interference
• Test horn operation by pressing center of steering wheel
• Test cruise control switches for proper operation (if equipped)
• Road test vehicle to verify steering wheel is centered when driving straight and all functions operate normally
• Verify no unusual noises from steering column during operation

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