Steering Wheel

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the steering wheel on a 1972 Ford F-100 with 302ci V8 engine, including horn contact and steering column components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering wheel (if replacing) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Horn contact spring (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering wheel nut × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake.
2. Turn steering wheel to the straight-ahead position.
3. Disconnect negative battery cable and secure away from battery post.
4. Allow vehicle to sit for 2-3 minutes to ensure any residual electrical charge dissipates.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove horn button or center cap
   Locate the horn button or center cap at the center of the steering wheel. On most 1972 F-100 models, the horn button is held by 2 screws on the underside of the steering wheel spokes or by spring clips. If screws are present, remove them with a screwdriver. If spring clips are used, carefully pry the horn button assembly from the center using a flat screwdriver, working around the perimeter to release the clips. Disconnect the horn wire connector from the back of the button assembly and set aside.
2. 2

   Mark steering wheel position
   Before removing any fasteners, use masking tape or a marker to create alignment marks on the steering wheel hub and steering column shaft. Mark both the top position and note the relationship between the wheel and shaft splines. This ensures the steering wheel will be reinstalled in the exact same position, maintaining proper spoke alignment and turn signal cancellation.
3. 3

   Remove steering wheel retaining nut
   Locate the large retaining nut in the center of the steering wheel hub. Use an appropriately sized socket to remove this nut (measure the nut to confirm the correct socket size). Note the presence of any washers under the nut and their orientation. Remove the nut completely and set aside along with any washers. Do not discard the original nut if it is in good condition.
4. 4

   Install steering wheel puller
   Thread the steering wheel puller bolts into the two threaded holes on either side of the steering wheel hub (the holes are factory-provided for this purpose). Confirm the correct puller bolt thread size by matching the factory-provided threaded holes in the hub before threading in the puller bolts. Ensure the puller bolts are threaded in evenly and the puller center screw is positioned to contact the center of the steering shaft. The puller must sit square and centered on the wheel hub.
5. 5

   Remove steering wheel from shaft
   Tighten the center screw of the steering wheel puller gradually and evenly. Apply steady pressure while turning the center screw clockwise. The steering wheel will resist initially due to the tight spline fit. Continue tightening the puller screw until the wheel releases from the shaft with an audible pop. Once loose, remove the puller and lift the steering wheel straight off the column shaft. The horn contact assembly may come off with the wheel or remain on the shaft.
6. 6

   Remove horn contact components
   Inspect the horn contact spring and cup assembly on the steering shaft. Remove the horn contact spring (a C-shaped or circular spring clip), the horn contact cup, and any insulating washers or spacers. Note the exact order and orientation of these components as they must be reinstalled in the same sequence. The typical order from shaft outward is: steering shaft, horn contact cup, insulator, contact spring, steering wheel hub.
7. 7

   Inspect steering shaft and column
   With the steering wheel removed, inspect the steering shaft splines for wear, damage, or burrs. Check the turn signal cancelling cam (the plastic or metal cam on the shaft) for cracks or damage. Inspect the column bearings for excessive play by attempting to move the shaft up/down and side-to-side. Clean the shaft splines with a shop towel to remove any old grease or corrosion.
8. 8

   Prepare new or existing steering wheel
   If installing a new steering wheel, ensure it is correct for the application and has the proper spline count matching the original 1972 Ford F-100 steering shaft (verify spline count against the OEM steering shaft before purchase). If reinstalling the original wheel, inspect it for cracks in the hub or spokes. Clean the internal splines of the steering wheel hub with a shop towel. Do not apply grease or lubricant to the splines as this can prevent proper seating and cause the wheel to slip.
9. 9

   Install horn contact components
   Reinstall the horn contact components onto the steering shaft in the correct order: place the horn contact cup onto the shaft with the cup opening facing outward, position any insulating washers, then install the horn contact spring with the spring fingers positioned to make contact with the steering wheel hub. Ensure all components are properly seated and oriented.
10. 10

    Install steering wheel onto shaft
    Align the steering wheel hub splines with the steering shaft splines using the alignment marks made during disassembly. The wheel should only fit in one position due to a master spline or offset spline pattern. Slide the wheel onto the shaft, ensuring it is fully seated against the horn contact spring. The wheel should slide on with moderate hand pressure for most of the travel.
11. 11

    Install and torque steering wheel nut
    Install any washers in their original orientation, then thread the steering wheel retaining nut onto the steering shaft. Hand-tighten the nut first, ensuring the steering wheel is fully seated on the shaft. Torque the retaining nut to 40-50 lb-ft (consult factory service manual for exact specification). Verify the steering wheel is tight against the shaft with no play or movement. Verified detail (The steering wheel retaining nut torque for a 1972 F-100 is unverified; period Ford specs for this nut are typically higher (often in the 30-45 lb-ft range depending on source). Flagged as an open question in the procedure itself, so it requires manufacturer-doc confirmation.): Torque the retaining nut to the manufacturer-specified value (verify against 1972 Ford F-100 service manual; commonly in the 30-45 lb-ft range).
12. 12

    Reconnect horn and install center cap
    Reconnect the horn wire connector to the horn button assembly. Test that the connection is secure. Position the horn button or center cap assembly onto the steering wheel hub, aligning any locating tabs or features. If using screws, install and tighten securely but do not overtighten plastic components. If using spring clips, press firmly until all clips engage with an audible click.
13. 13

    Reconnect battery and test operation
    Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery post and tighten the clamp. Turn the ignition to the ON position (do not start engine). Test the horn button by pressing firmly in the center of the steering wheel - the horn should sound. Verify turn signals cancel properly by rotating the steering wheel through a full left and right turn with the turn signal activated.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all alignment marks match and the steering wheel is installed in the original position.
2. Verify all horn contact components are installed in the correct sequence to ensure proper horn operation.
3. Confirm the steering wheel retaining nut is properly torqued to prevent loosening during operation.

Verification

• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to verify no binding, clicking, or unusual noises from the column.
• Press horn button in multiple locations to verify consistent horn operation.
• Activate turn signals and verify automatic cancellation occurs when steering wheel returns to center.
• Check for any play or looseness in the steering wheel by attempting to move it up/down and toward/away from the dash with light pressure.
• Verify all dashboard warning lights function normally with ignition on, confirming no electrical issues from the work performed.

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