Steering Wheel

Remove and replace the steering wheel on a 1992 Dodge Viper, including proper airbag handling and steering column disassembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

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

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
3. Turn front wheels to straight-ahead position
4. Disconnect negative battery cable, then positive battery cable
5. Wait minimum 2 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge
6. Mark steering wheel position relative to column shaft with tape or marker for proper reinstallation alignment

Procedure

1. 1

   Access airbag module mounting fasteners
   The 1992 Viper has no airbag module. Remove the center horn pad/center cap by carefully prying or unclipping it (or removing its retaining screws from the rear) to access the steering wheel retaining nut. Verify the actual retention method against the factory service manual.
2. 2

   Remove airbag module fasteners
   Remove the horn pad/center cap retaining fasteners (if present) and set the pad aside. Confirm fastener type and count against the factory service manual for the 1992 Viper.
   ⚠Support airbag module with one hand while removing final fastener to prevent dropping.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect airbag module connector
   Disconnect the horn wire connection at the center of the steering wheel and set the horn pad/center cap aside.
   ⚠️Airbag connector is yellow for identification. Handle only by the connector body, never pull on wires.
4. 4

   Disconnect horn and cruise control connections
   With the airbag module removed, locate and disconnect the horn wire connector and cruise control switch connectors (if equipped) from the back of the steering wheel. Note the routing and position of all wiring for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Remove steering wheel retaining nut
   Using the appropriate size socket (verify size against the factory service manual for the 1992 Viper column), remove the steering wheel retaining nut from the center of the column shaft. Note the position of any washers beneath the nut.
   Torque spec

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

   Mark steering shaft alignment
   Before removing the wheel, verify your alignment marks are visible on both the steering wheel hub and the steering column shaft. The wheel should have been marked during preparation to ensure proper clocking on reinstallation. Note: Avoid rotating the steering column shaft with the wheel removed to keep the horn contact assembly and steering alignment undisturbed.
7. 7

   Remove steering wheel from shaft
   Firmly grasp the steering wheel at 3 and 9 o'clock positions and pull straight back while applying steady pressure. If the wheel does not release easily, use a steering wheel puller tool positioned behind the wheel spokes. Thread the puller center bolt into the column shaft threads and tighten the puller evenly to release the wheel from the shaft taper. Do not strike the shaft or wheel.
   ⚠Do not use excessive force or strike the wheel. The wheel is retained by a tapered shaft fit that may require a puller after years of service.
   ⚠Ensure clock spring assembly remains centered and does not rotate during wheel removal. Tape it in position if necessary.
8. 8

   Inspect clock spring and column components
   With the wheel removed, inspect the horn contact ring/slip-ring assembly for damage and secure mounting. Check the column shaft splines for damage or wear. Clean the shaft taper with a clean cloth.
9. 9

   Install steering wheel onto shaft
   Verify the clock spring is centered and locked in position. Align the steering wheel hub with the column shaft, matching the alignment marks made during disassembly. The shaft has a master spline to ensure correct orientation. Slide the wheel onto the shaft, applying firm pressure to seat it fully onto the taper. Install any washers removed during disassembly.
   ⚠Ensure alignment marks match exactly. Incorrect installation will result in off-center steering wheel position.
10. 10

    Install and torque steering wheel nut
    Thread the steering wheel retaining nut onto the column shaft by hand until snug. Using a torque wrench, tighten the nut to specification in accordance with service manual sequence requirements.
    ⚠Do not over-torque steering wheel nut. Excessive torque can damage column shaft threads or clock spring assembly.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect electrical connections
    Route the horn wire and cruise control switch connectors (if equipped) back through the steering wheel and connect them to their respective terminals. Ensure all wiring is properly routed and will not interfere with airbag module installation. Verify connections are secure.
12. 12

    Reconnect and install airbag module
    Connect the yellow airbag connector to the back of the airbag module, ensuring the locking tab clicks into place. Position the airbag module against the steering wheel, aligning the mounting holes. Insert all 4 airbag module mounting bolts and hand-thread them to prevent cross-threading.
    ⚠Ensure no wires are pinched between airbag module and steering wheel during installation.
13. 13

    Torque airbag module fasteners
    Using a T30 Torx driver and torque wrench, tighten the 4 airbag module mounting bolts to specification following the sequence specified in the service manual (typically cross-pattern tightening).
    ⚠Follow proper tightening sequence to ensure even module seating. Over-torque can damage module housing.
    Torque spec

    Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect battery and verify system
    Reconnect positive battery cable first, then negative battery cable. Turn ignition to ON position (do not start engine). Verify horn operation and, if equipped, any steering-mounted switch functions. There is no airbag warning light on the 1992 Viper.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the removal steps above, performed in reverse order
2. Ensure all alignment marks are matched during wheel installation
3. Verify clock spring remains centered throughout procedure
4. Confirm all electrical connections are secure and properly routed before final airbag installation

Verification

• Steering wheel should be centered with front wheels in straight-ahead position, matching pre-removal alignment
• Airbag warning light should illuminate briefly at ignition-on, then extinguish (no fault codes present)
• Horn should function properly when pressed
• Cruise control switches (if equipped) should operate correctly
• No excessive play or looseness in steering wheel
• Steering wheel does not contact turn signal or wiper stalks during full rotation
• Test drive vehicle at low speed to verify steering operates smoothly without binding or unusual noises

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