Hi,
I noticed that when my truck is shut off and the steering wheel locked, it will still turn about 20 degrees or so. It feels like something is loose. I was wondering for instructions on taking off the wheel? Any help would be great! It seems to me as it could be dangerous?
Thanks Steve

 

I just did this to fix my ignition switch and actuator. Take the horn cover off - it should have two screws in the back of the wheel that hold that in. Once you pry it off, you'll need to remove the horn wires, and ground, they should just pull off. Take a deep well socket that fits the stering nut and remove that & put some WD-40 on the bolt first and let that sit before trying to remove the wheel.

Do not try to hit the big bolt with a hammer to pop it off without the puller. This will smash the stering bolt and you won't be able to get the nut back on - I learned the hard way.

You'll need a wheel puller - around $15-20 at Napa. This type has the right bolts that screw into the holes in your steering wheel. Then screw the bolt from the puller down in on the steering bolt and it should pop off.

Then the only tricky thing going back together is to make sure the wheel is straight before you tighten the steering wheel nut. Try to put the wheel on and pull the truck ahead until you're sure its running straight and then position the wheel where you want it and tigthen the bolt.

Have fun!

 

Is there any bolts that could come loose to explain my excess slop??

 

The problem is most likely further down the steering column.. probably at the universal joint under the dash. That has probably worn and has excess play.