This procedure covers removal and installation of the steering wheel on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine, including proper airbag system disarming and clock spring alignment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Replacement 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 steering wheel to straight-ahead position (front wheels pointed straight)
4. Open hood and disconnect negative battery cable
5. Wait minimum 1 minute for airbag system capacitors to discharge
6. Mark the steering wheel position relative to the steering column with masking tape for alignment reference during reinstallation

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove lower steering column covers
   Locate the screws securing the upper and lower steering column covers below the steering wheel. Remove the cover screws and carefully separate the two halves of the column cover. Set covers aside in a safe location.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove airbag module retaining bolts
   From the sides of the steering wheel, locate the two airbag module access holes. Insert a T30 Torx driver through each hole and remove the airbag module retaining bolts. There are typically two bolts, one on each side of the wheel. Support the airbag module as you remove the second bolt.
   ⚠Support the airbag module with your hand as you remove the second bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect airbag module electrical connectors
   Carefully pull the airbag module away from the steering wheel. Locate the airbag electrical connector and the horn switch connector on the back of the module. Depress the locking tabs and disconnect both connectors. Place the airbag module face-up in a safe location away from the work area.
   ⚠️Always place removed airbag module face-up on a clean, flat surface. Never place it face-down as this can cause deployment into the surface.
4. 4

   Remove steering wheel retaining nut
   Using a 19mm socket, remove the steering wheel retaining nut from the center of the steering wheel. Note the position of any washers. Keep the nut and washers in a safe location for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Steering Wheel Nut54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Mark steering wheel and shaft alignment
   Before removing the steering wheel, verify your masking tape alignment marks are clearly visible. Additionally, note the position of the clock spring connector and any alignment marks on the steering shaft and wheel hub. This ensures proper reinstallation orientation.
   ⚠Misalignment during reinstallation can cause steering geometry issues and clock spring damage.
6. 6

   Disconnect clock spring connector
   Locate the clock spring electrical connector beneath the steering wheel. Depress the locking tab and disconnect the connector. Note the routing of the wiring for reinstallation.
   ℹ️Some models may have additional connectors for steering wheel controls that must also be disconnected.
7. 7

   Remove steering wheel from shaft
   Grasp the steering wheel firmly with both hands and pull straight toward yourself while rocking slightly side to side. The wheel should slide off the splined shaft. If the wheel is stuck, use a steering wheel puller to avoid damaging the shaft or clock spring. Do NOT use excessive force or strike the wheel with a hammer.
   ⚠Once removed, secure the steering column to prevent rotation which would uncenter the clock spring. Tape the column or lock it in place.
8. 8

   Verify clock spring centering (if required)
   If the clock spring has rotated or if you are uncertain of its position, verify it is centered. The clock spring should have alignment marks or windows showing center position. If it needs centering: rotate the clock spring fully in one direction until it stops (do not force), then rotate back approximately 2.5-3 turns until the centering window shows the centered position or alignment marks align.
   ⚠️An off-center clock spring will be destroyed when the steering wheel is rotated to full lock. Always verify centering before installation.
9. 9

   Install steering wheel onto shaft
   Align the new or existing steering wheel with the alignment marks you made during removal. Ensure the splines on the steering shaft match the splines in the steering wheel hub. Route the clock spring connector through the wheel as you slide it onto the shaft. Push the wheel fully onto the shaft until it seats completely.
   ⚠Verify the wheel is aligned with your reference marks before proceeding. Misalignment will affect steering wheel spoke position.
10. 10

    Reconnect clock spring connector
    Connect the clock spring electrical connector, ensuring it clicks into place securely. Route the wiring properly to avoid pinching during steering wheel operation.
11. 11

    Install steering wheel retaining nut
    Install any washers in their original orientation, then thread the steering wheel retaining nut onto the shaft. Tighten the nut to specification using a torque wrench. Hold the steering wheel steady to prevent rotation during tightening.
    Torque spec

    Steering Wheel Nut54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect airbag module connectors
    Connect the horn switch connector and the airbag module electrical connector to the back of the airbag module. Ensure both connectors click securely into place and locking tabs are fully engaged.
13. 13

    Install airbag module to steering wheel
    Position the airbag module against the steering wheel, aligning the mounting holes. Insert and hand-start both T30 Torx airbag module retaining bolts. Tighten the bolts to specification in the sequence recommended by the service manual (typically alternating side-to-side for even seating).
    ⚠Do not overtighten airbag bolts as this can damage the module mounting points. Use precise torque value.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall steering column covers
    Position the lower and upper steering column covers around the column. Align the cover halves and reinstall all cover screws, tightening to specification.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reconnect battery and verify operation
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. Turn the ignition to ON position (engine off) and verify the airbag warning light performs its normal self-test (illuminates briefly then extinguishes). Test horn operation and any steering wheel controls. If the airbag light remains illuminated, recheck all connections.
    ℹ️The airbag system may require a drive cycle to complete self-diagnostics. If light remains on after several minutes, diagnose with a scan tool.

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specification in the order listed
2. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated with locking tabs engaged
3. Verify steering wheel is centered with wheels pointed straight ahead
4. Confirm airbag module is flush against steering wheel with no gaps

Verification

• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock and verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises
• Confirm steering wheel returns to center position when released
• Verify airbag warning light extinguishes after brief self-test at ignition ON
• Test horn operation by pressing center of steering wheel
• Test all steering wheel mounted controls (cruise, audio, phone) if equipped
• Verify steering wheel spokes are level and properly aligned when driving straight

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