Steering Wheel

Removal and replacement of the steering wheel on a 2008 Dodge Viper, including airbag module disconnection and clockspring handling.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

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

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Turn steering wheel to center position with wheels straight ahead
3. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal and isolate cable end away from battery post
5. Wait minimum 2 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge

Procedure

1. 1

   Access airbag module fasteners
   From the rear of the steering wheel, locate the airbag module access holes on either side of the wheel hub. These are typically covered or accessible through openings in the wheel spokes. Insert a trim tool or small flat-blade screwdriver into each access hole to release the airbag module spring clips.
2. 2

   Release airbag module
   Push the release tabs or depress the spring clips on both sides simultaneously while gently pulling the airbag module forward from the front of the steering wheel. The module should release from its mounting clips. If resistance is felt, verify both clips are fully depressed.
3. 3

   Disconnect airbag electrical connectors
   With the airbag module pulled forward approximately 2-3 inches, locate the yellow airbag connector on the back of the module. Depress the connector locking tab and disconnect the airbag harness. Disconnect the horn wire connector (typically a single blade-type connector). Remove the airbag module completely and place it face-up on a clean, flat surface away from the work area.
   ⚠Handle airbag module by the sides only. Never carry by the wires or place face-down.
4. 4

   Mark steering wheel alignment
   Before removing the steering wheel retaining fastener, use masking tape or a paint marker to mark the alignment between the steering wheel and the steering column shaft. This ensures proper reinstallation with centered steering. Mark both the wheel hub and the column shaft in the same location.
5. 5

   Remove steering wheel retaining fastener
   Using the appropriate driver (verify size against OEM service documentation), remove the steering wheel retaining bolt from the center of the steering column shaft. The bolt threads into the end of the steering shaft through the clockspring assembly. Remove the bolt completely and set aside.
   ℹ️Some technicians prefer to loosen this bolt but leave it threaded a few turns before using the puller, to prevent the wheel from releasing suddenly.
6. 6

   Install steering wheel puller
   If the steering wheel has threaded puller provisions, thread the steering wheel puller bolts into the threaded holes on either side of the steering wheel hub. Verify against OEM documentation whether a puller is required for this steering wheel. Ensure the puller is centered and both bolts are engaged evenly. Position the puller center screw against the steering column shaft end.
7. 7

   Remove steering wheel
   Tighten the puller center screw gradually while maintaining even pressure. Apply firm, steady force while gently pulling outward on the steering wheel. The wheel will release from the column shaft splines with a pop. Once released, remove the puller and lift the steering wheel straight off the column. Feed the clockspring wire harness through the steering wheel as you remove it.
8. 8

   Inspect and protect clockspring
   With the steering wheel removed, inspect the clockspring assembly behind it. Verify the clockspring is centered (there should be a locking mechanism or indicator showing center position). If the clockspring has a locking pin or tab, engage it to prevent rotation during steering wheel removal. Do not rotate the clockspring or turn the steering column shaft while the wheel is removed.
   ⚠If the clockspring does not have a physical lock, tape it in position or ensure no one turns the steering shaft.
9. 9

   Prepare new or replacement steering wheel
   If installing a new or different steering wheel, verify it is the correct application for the 2008 Viper and that all mounting provisions match. Inspect the steering shaft splines for damage or debris. Clean the splines with a wire brush if necessary. Ensure the clockspring wire harness is properly routed and not twisted.
10. 10

    Install steering wheel onto column
    If the clockspring was locked, remove the locking pin or release the locking tab. Align the steering wheel hub with the column shaft splines, matching the alignment marks made during removal. Feed the clockspring harness through the steering wheel center opening. Press the wheel firmly onto the splines until it seats completely against the clockspring assembly. The wheel should slide on smoothly if properly aligned.
    ℹ️Never force the steering wheel onto the shaft. If resistance is met, remove and verify spline alignment.
11. 11

    Install steering wheel retaining bolt
    Insert the T50 Torx steering wheel retaining bolt through the center of the wheel and thread it into the steering column shaft. Hand-tighten the bolt first to ensure proper thread engagement. Torque the bolt to the OEM-specified value (verify exact figure in the 2008 Viper service manual before final tightening) using a torque wrench. Verify the steering wheel is secure and does not have any play or looseness on the shaft.
12. 12

    Reconnect airbag module electrical connectors
    Route the clockspring harness connectors to the back side of the steering wheel. Connect the yellow airbag connector to the airbag module, ensuring it clicks fully into place. Connect the horn wire connector. Verify both connections are secure and fully seated.
13. 13

    Install airbag module
    Position the airbag module against the steering wheel, aligning the mounting tabs with the mounting points on the wheel. Press the module firmly into place until both spring clips on either side click and lock. Tug gently on the module from the front to verify it is fully secured and cannot be pulled free.
    ⚠Ensure no wires are pinched between the airbag module and steering wheel during installation.
14. 14

    Reconnect battery and verify system
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten securely. Turn the ignition to the ON position (do not start engine). Observe the airbag warning light on the instrument cluster. The light should illuminate for approximately 6-8 seconds during bulb check, then extinguish. If the light remains on or flashes, there is a fault in the airbag system that requires diagnosis.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the installation steps above
2. Verify steering wheel is centered with wheels straight ahead before final tightening
3. Confirm all electrical connectors audibly click into place
4. Test horn function after battery reconnection to verify proper horn circuit connection

Verification

• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to verify full range of motion without binding or noise from clockspring
• Verify airbag warning light extinguishes after 6-8 second bulb check and does not return
• Test horn function by pressing horn pad
• Confirm steering wheel is centered when driving straight with no pull to either side
• Verify all airbag module mounting points are secure with no gaps or looseness

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle