Steering Wheel

This procedure covers removal and installation of the steering wheel on a 2007 Ram 3500 with the 5.9L Cummins diesel engine, including proper handling of the airbag system.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

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

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and place transmission in Park (automatic) or 1st gear (manual)
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
3. Ensure front wheels are pointing straight ahead
4. Place wheel chock behind rear wheels
5. Open hood and disconnect negative battery cable, then disconnect positive battery cable
6. Wait minimum 2 minutes for airbag system backup power to discharge

Procedure

1. 1

   Access airbag module fasteners
   Locate the two access holes on the rear side of the steering wheel (left and right sides). These holes provide access to the airbag module mounting fasteners.
2. 2

   Remove airbag module fasteners
   Using the appropriate Torx bit (typically T30 — verify against service manual), insert through each access hole and remove the two airbag module mounting screws. Support the airbag module with your other hand as you remove the second fastener to prevent it from falling.
3. 3

   Disconnect airbag module
   Carefully pull the airbag module away from the steering wheel. Locate the electrical connector on the back of the airbag module. Depress the locking tab and disconnect the airbag connector. Also disconnect the horn wire connector if equipped with separate horn connection.
4. 4

   Store airbag module safely
   Place the airbag module face-up in a safe location away from the work area. Never place the airbag face-down on any surface as this could cause injury if accidental deployment occurs.
   ⚠️Always store airbag module with trim cover facing upward, never face-down.
5. 5

   Mark steering wheel alignment
   Before removing the steering wheel, use a marker or tape to mark the relationship between the steering wheel and the steering shaft. This ensures proper clock spring alignment during reinstallation.
6. 6

   Remove steering wheel retaining nut
   Locate and remove the large steering wheel retaining bolt in the center of the steering wheel using the appropriate socket. Note the torque specification for reinstallation (approximately 40-45 ft-lbs — verify against service manual) and follow the manufacturer's guidance on whether the fastener may be reused.
7. 7

   Disconnect clock spring connector
   Locate the clock spring electrical connector behind the steering wheel. Depress the locking tab and carefully disconnect the connector. Note the routing of any wiring for cruise control or other steering wheel-mounted controls.
8. 8

   Remove steering wheel
   Grasp the steering wheel firmly with both hands and pull straight back off the steering shaft using a rocking motion if needed. If the wheel is stuck, use a proper steering wheel puller. Do not strike the wheel or column with a hammer. Be careful not to damage the clock spring behind the wheel.
   ⚠Never use a hammer or strike the steering wheel or column. This can damage the clock spring, column, or other components.
9. 9

   Inspect clock spring alignment
   With the steering wheel removed, verify the clock spring is still centered and properly aligned. The clock spring should have alignment marks or a locking mechanism to maintain center position. Do not rotate the clock spring or steering shaft while the wheel is removed.
10. 10

    Install steering wheel
    Align the steering wheel with the marks made during removal. Ensure the clock spring connector is properly routed and not pinched. Slide the steering wheel onto the steering shaft, aligning the internal splines. The wheel should slide on smoothly without forcing.
11. 11

    Reconnect clock spring and install retaining nut
    Reconnect the clock spring electrical connector, ensuring it clicks into place. Thread the steering wheel retaining bolt onto the shaft and tighten to the specified torque (approximately 40-45 ft-lbs — verify against service manual). Verify steering wheel is properly seated and aligned with previous marks.
12. 12

    Reinstall airbag module
    Reconnect the airbag connector and horn wire connector (if equipped) to the back of the airbag module. Ensure connectors are fully seated and locked. Position the airbag module onto the steering wheel, aligning the mounting holes.
13. 13

    Install airbag module fasteners
    Insert the airbag mounting Torx screws (typically T30 — verify against service manual) through the access holes on the rear of the steering wheel and tighten both fasteners to specification. Verify the airbag module is flush with the steering wheel and properly seated all around.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect positive battery cable, then negative battery cable
2. Close hood
3. Perform airbag system verification as described below

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position (do not start engine)
• Verify the airbag warning light illuminates for approximately 6-8 seconds then turns off, indicating proper airbag system function
• If airbag light remains on or flashes, do not drive vehicle - diagnose and repair airbag system fault
• Start engine and verify steering wheel is centered when wheels are straight ahead
• Test horn operation
• Test all steering wheel-mounted controls (cruise control, radio controls, etc.) if equipped
• Turn steering wheel full lock left and right while stationary to verify no binding or unusual noises
• Perform a low-speed test drive to verify proper steering operation and wheel alignment

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