SmartWheel Information - Tech Library Stuff

Old Rv'er · 09-23-2009, 12:47 AM

All, I wrote Vehicle Specialties an e-mail to gain the information below. Please someone add it to the Technical Library on ACA's site. Pay attention to the cautions listed in this description. Here is the answer I received so I can check my steering wheel nut, it seems to be loose.

There is no need to take the SmartWheel apart, you simply need to remove the center pad to gain access to the wheel/column retention nut.

With the wheel pointed straight ahead, looking down at the wheel, on the bottom of the wheel directly below the horn symbol there is a hole. At about a 45 degree angle inside that hole is an M6 socket head cap screw that retains the center pad. Remove that screw and the center pad will hinge forward and come off.

Depending on the version of the PC wheel you that have you will then find either two wires with quick-connects or four wires with a Packard connector. Disconnect these, remove or loosen the column nut, and the wheel can be removed with a puller like any other steering wheel.

If you have the four wire version, use caution not to rotate the clockspring in the column off of it's center position and also during re-assembly. The clockspring is easily damaged. Also be careful not to over-torque the column nut during re-assembly. Proper torque for most 1" columns is around 50-55 ft-lbs. More is not better!

Wayne R · 09-23-2009, 08:04 AM

Old Rv'er

If your steering wheel feels loose. I would pull the shroud around the steering column off and check the bolt attaching the Ujoint Assembly. On my 05 the bolt was finger tight and the gave the sensation of a loose steering wheel. If that bolt falls out it would be disaster.