This procedure covers removal and installation of the steering wheel on a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins diesel engine, including proper airbag handling and steering column procedures.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering wheel (if replacing) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Airbag clock spring (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Turn steering wheel to straight-ahead position
3. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
4. Open hood and disconnect negative battery cable
5. Wait minimum 2 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge
6. Cover fender and steering column with protective cloth to prevent damage

Procedure

1. 1

   Access airbag module mounting bolts
   From the rear of the steering wheel, locate the two access holes on either side. Insert a small flathead screwdriver or trim tool into each access hole to release the spring clips that secure the airbag module. Some models may have visible Torx bolts accessible from the rear without clips.
2. 2

   Remove airbag module bolts
   Using a T30 Torx bit, remove the two airbag module mounting bolts from the sides of the steering wheel. Keep track of these bolts as they are specific to airbag mounting. Support the airbag module as you remove the final bolt.
   ⚠Support airbag module with one hand while removing final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect airbag electrical connectors
   Carefully pull the airbag module away from the steering wheel. Locate the two electrical connectors on the back of the airbag: the main airbag connector (yellow) and the horn connector. Press the locking tabs and disconnect both connectors. Place the airbag module face-up in a safe location away from the work area.
   ⚠️Always place airbag module face-up on a clean, flat surface. Never set it face-down.
4. 4

   Mark steering wheel alignment
   Before removing the steering wheel nut, use a paint marker or tape to mark the relationship between the steering wheel and the steering column shaft. This ensures the steering wheel is reinstalled in the exact same position, maintaining proper spoke alignment and straight-ahead position.
5. 5

   Remove steering wheel retaining nut
   Using a socket wrench, remove the large steering wheel retaining nut from the center of the steering column shaft. Keep this nut as it will be reused during installation. The steering wheel should now be free to remove, though it may require some effort to break it loose from the shaft splines.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove steering wheel from column
   Grasp the steering wheel firmly with both hands and pull straight toward you while rocking gently 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 column. As you remove the wheel, carefully feed the clock spring wiring through the center opening. Do not allow the clock spring to rotate or become disconnected from its housing.
   ⚠Do not strike or pry against the steering wheel as this can damage the clock spring or column components.
   ⚠Keep clock spring centered and do not rotate the steering column shaft while wheel is removed.
7. 7

   Inspect clock spring and column components
   With the steering wheel removed, visually inspect the clock spring for any signs of damage, wear, or broken wires. Verify the clock spring is centered (alignment marks should be visible through the opening). Inspect the steering column shaft splines for damage or excessive wear. If installing a new steering wheel, transfer any necessary components from the old wheel.
8. 8

   Install steering wheel onto column
   If installing a new steering wheel, ensure it is the correct part for your vehicle. Feed the clock spring wiring through the center opening of the steering wheel. Align the alignment marks made during removal and slide the steering wheel onto the splined shaft, ensuring the splines engage properly. Push the wheel fully onto the shaft until it seats against the column.
   ⚠Verify alignment marks match before installing retaining nut to ensure proper steering wheel position.
9. 9

   Install and torque steering wheel nut
   Thread the steering wheel retaining nut onto the column shaft by hand. Using a torque wrench, tighten the nut to specification. Verify the steering wheel is properly seated and aligned with your alignment marks.
   Torque spec

   Steering Wheel Nut54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect airbag electrical connectors
    Position the airbag module near the steering wheel. Reconnect both electrical connectors to the back of the airbag module: the yellow airbag connector and the horn connector. Ensure both connectors click into place and are fully seated.
11. 11

    Install and torque airbag module
    Align the airbag module with the mounting points on the steering wheel. Insert and hand-thread both T30 Torx mounting bolts. Using a torque wrench with T30 bit, tighten both bolts to specification in a cross pattern (alternating sides). Verify the airbag module is secure and sits flush with the steering wheel.
    ⚠These fasteners are critical for airbag retention. Do not overtighten or use excessive force.
    Torque spec

    Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect battery and verify operation
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. Turn the ignition to ON position (do not start engine). Verify the airbag warning light illuminates briefly then extinguishes after approximately 6-8 seconds, indicating proper system function. Test horn operation by pressing the horn button. Reset clock and radio presets as needed.

Reassembly

1. Steering wheel installation is completed as part of the main procedure steps
2. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
3. Verify airbag module bolts are torqued to specification and module sits flush
4. Confirm alignment marks match and steering wheel is in proper straight-ahead position

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and verify airbag warning light performs self-test (illuminates then extinguishes after 6-8 seconds)
• Test steering wheel controls including horn, cruise control, and audio controls for proper operation
• With engine running, verify power steering assistance functions normally
• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock slowly and verify no binding or unusual noises
• Verify steering wheel is centered when vehicle is driving straight
• Check for any airbag warning lights or messages in instrument cluster
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to confirm proper steering operation and wheel alignment

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