You can easily remove the steering wheel on your 1988 Ford Bronco II for replacement or to service the column bearings, the U-joint or some other component in your Bronco II's steering system. Even though there are only a few components to disassemble, make sure to use an appropriate steering wheel puller. Avoid a knockoff-type puller or hammering on the wheel to avoid damaging the steering column, says Alan Ahlstrand in "Ford Ranger & Bronco II: Automotive Repair Manual."
Tools Used: Wrench, Phillips screwdriver, Ratchet, Ratchet extension, Socket, Dark marker, Steering wheel puller, Torque wrench
Remove Steering Wheel
Removing the Steering Wheel
Detach the ground (black) battery cable using a wrench.
Remove the steering wheel pad by unscrewing the mounting screws from the underside of the steering wheel. Use a Phillips screwdriver.
Lift the steering wheel pad and unplug the horn wires by carefully pulling the spade terminal for the blade connectors. Then remove the steering wheel pad.
Unscrew the steering wheel lock bolt from the center of the steering column shaft using a ratchet, a ratchet extension and a socket.
Make alignment marks on the steering wheel and steering column using a dark marker so that you can reinstall the steering wheel in the same exact position.
Install a steering wheel puller on the steering wheel and detach the wheel from the steering column. Do not use a knockoff-type puller or hit the steering column with a hammer or you may damage the steering column.
Installing the Steering Wheel
Install the steering wheel on the steering column following the alignment marks.
Start the steering wheel lock bolt by hand, then finish installing the lock bolt using the ratchet, ratchet extension and socket. Torque the lock bolt to 23 to 33 foot-pounds. (31 to 44 Nm) using a torque wrench and socket.
Place the steering wheel pad on the steering wheel and plug the horn wires into the terminals.
Set the steering wheel pad in place and tighten the retaining screws using the Phillips screwdriver.
Attach the ground (black) battery cable using the wrench.
Tips & Warnings
If you need more information regarding the steering system, consult the repair manual for your particular Bronco II model.
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