Hi all,

This is my first post I post a bit at Mini2.com (tssssskk!) but sometimes they aren't the most technically minded people, although they are very nice

I have a 2 spoke steering wheel and my Cooper was built in 2001 as i live in the UK. I just bought a 3 spoke to replace the current wheel.

Thing is I don't have a clue how to take the 2 spoke off or put the 3 spoke wheel on. Can someone tell me how to do it?

I can see 2 nuts at the back on the 3 spoke wheel as it is sitting here beside me. However, I can get at these little screws because they are actually situated slightly away from the opening at the back of the wheel. I tried to unscrew them but it is just really awkward and I'm not getting anywhere. I presume once loosened these allow the airbag to come away from the wheel.

I hope someone can help. I searched for 1 hour on these forum lastnight but I couldn't find anything relevant!

Please help???

 

I just looked it up in my Bentley Manual.

1. Center Wheel, making sure wheels are pointing forward.

2. Disconnect Battery at negative terminal and wait 5 seconds for the system capacitor to discharge.

3. Loosen 2 airbag mounting fasteners (Torx T30) located behind the wheel.

4. Gently pry up electrical harness connector locking tabs at rear of airbag. Detach by pulling connectors straight off airbag.

5. Remove airbag and store with horn pad facing up.

6. Remove steering wheel center bolt.

When installing lineup the steering wheel and column match marks.

Tightening torque:
Steering wheel to steering shaft (M14 x 1.5) 45 Nm (33 ft-lb) Don't over-torque.
Airbag to steering wheel 10 Nm (7 ft-lb)

Hope that helps.

 

buzzy, that's very useful and detailed steps. i did it a month ago and it's not complicated, just take some time looking at the new steering wheel you've got and figure out how to replace it (that's how i learned how to change them).

 

Thanks a million guys!