Steering Wheel

Remove and replace the steering wheel on a 2005 Dodge Viper, including driver airbag module disconnection and clock spring alignment verification.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering wheel (if damaged or upgrading) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and ensure ignition is OFF.
2. Turn steering wheel to the straight-ahead position and verify front wheels are pointing straight.
3. Disconnect battery negative terminal using 10mm wrench and isolate cable end away from battery post.
4. Wait at least 2 minutes for SRS system capacitor to fully discharge before proceeding.
5. Verify airbag indicator lamp is not illuminated on instrument cluster (if key is turned to ON without starting).

Procedure

1. 1

   Access driver airbag module fasteners
   From behind the steering wheel, locate the driver airbag module retention points as described in the factory service manual for this vehicle. Depending on configuration this may involve Torx fasteners accessed through rear openings or spring-clip retainers released with an insertion tool. Confirm the exact fastener type, size, and release method before proceeding.e in the airbag module).
2. 2

   Remove airbag module
   Carefully pull the airbag module away from the steering wheel. Rotate the module to access the electrical connectors on the back. Depress the locking tab on the airbag connector and disconnect it. Note the routing of the wiring. If equipped with steering wheel controls, disconnect any additional connectors. Place the airbag module face-up on a clean, flat surface away from the work area.
   ⚠️Always place airbag modules face-up on a flat surface. Placing face-down can cause the module to propel upward if accidentally deployed.
3. 3

   Mark clock spring and steering shaft alignment
   With the steering wheel still in the straight-ahead position, use a marker or tape to create an alignment reference mark between the steering wheel hub and the steering shaft. This ensures proper reinstallation position. Verify the clock spring centering window (if visible through the steering wheel hub) shows the clock spring is in the centered position.
4. 4

   Remove steering wheel retaining nut
   Using the correct size socket (confirm size per factory service manual) and breaker bar, remove the steering wheel retaining nut from the steering shaft. The nut is located in the center of the steering wheel hub. Remove and retain the nut and any washers present.
5. 5

   Remove steering wheel from shaft
   Thread a steering wheel puller onto the threaded holes in the steering wheel hub (confirm number and thread size of puller holes per the factory service manual). Position the puller center screw against the steering shaft end. Tighten the puller center screw gradually and evenly to extract the wheel from the shaft. The wheel is retained by splines and may require moderate puller force. Once the wheel breaks free from the splines, remove the puller and lift the wheel straight off the shaft.reaks free from the taper, remove the puller and lift the wheel straight off the shaft.
   ⚠Support the steering wheel as it releases to prevent it from falling and damaging the clock spring or column.
6. 6

   Verify clock spring condition and centering
   With the steering wheel removed, inspect the clock spring for any visible damage, cracks, or loose wiring. Verify the clock spring is in the centered position by observing the centering window or indicator marks (typically shows centered arrow or colored indicator). If the clock spring has moved, it must be re-centered according to the manufacturer procedure: rotate the clock spring rotor fully in one direction until it stops (do not force), then rotate back the number of turns specified in the factory service manual until the centering marks/window align. Ensure the steering column lock is engaged or use a steering wheel lock pin if available to prevent shaft rotation.
   ⚠If the clock spring has been rotated off-center, it must be properly centered before wheel installation or it will be damaged when the steering wheel is turned to full lock.
7. 7

   Install steering wheel onto shaft
   Route the clock spring wiring through the steering wheel hub opening. Align the steering wheel splines with the steering shaft, ensuring the alignment marks made during removal are matched. Slide the wheel onto the shaft, ensuring it is fully seated against the clock spring. The wheel should slide on with hand pressure; do not force it.
8. 8

   Install and torque steering wheel nut
   Install the steering wheel retaining nut and any washers onto the steering shaft. Using a torque wrench and the correct size socket (confirm size per factory service manual), torque the nut to the value specified in the factory service manual. Verify the steering wheel is tight and does not move on the shaft.
   Torque spec

   Steering Wheel Nut54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect airbag module wiring
   Route the airbag connector and any steering wheel control connectors through the steering wheel hub. Connect the airbag module connector, ensuring the locking tab clicks into place. If equipped, reconnect steering wheel control connectors. Verify all connections are secure and wiring is not pinched or twisted.
10. 10

    Install airbag module
    Position the airbag module against the steering wheel, aligning the mounting points with the spring-loaded fasteners. Push the module firmly into place. Reinstall the airbag module per the factory service manual retention method. If fasteners are used, use the correct Torx driver (confirm size) and torque each fastener to the value specified in the factory service manual; if spring-clip retention is used, push the module firmly until the clips fully engage.
    Torque spec

    Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect battery and verify system operation
    Reconnect the battery negative terminal and tighten securely with 10mm wrench. Turn the ignition to the ON position (do not start engine). Observe the airbag indicator lamp on the instrument cluster; it should illuminate for approximately 4-8 seconds during the SRS self-test, then extinguish. If the lamp remains illuminated or flashes, there is a fault in the SRS system that must be diagnosed with a scan tool before operating the vehicle.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the main procedure steps 7-11.
2. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked before installing the airbag module.
3. Verify the airbag module sits flush against the steering wheel with no gaps before final tightening.

Verification

• Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary and verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises from the clock spring area.
• Confirm the airbag indicator lamp operates correctly: illuminates for 4-8 seconds during ignition ON, then extinguishes.
• Verify the steering wheel is centered when the front wheels are pointing straight ahead.
• If equipped with steering wheel audio or cruise controls, verify all functions operate correctly.
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify steering operation is normal with no vibration or looseness.

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