OLD FORD CARS

Steering Wheel Removal Guide

Ford Applications Using D4TZ-3600-A Steering Wheel & D3TZ-13A805-A Horn Pad

Servicing the steering column on classic Ford vehicles often requires removing the steering wheel assembly. When working with steering wheel D4TZ-3600-A and horn pad D3TZ-13A805-A applications, the process is straightforward when approached in the correct sequence and with the proper tool.

This guide outlines the removal procedure based on original shop notes and preserves the mechanical order of operations.

Application Scope

Applies to Ford vehicles equipped with:

Application may vary by model year or steering column configuration. Always confirm fitment before ordering replacement components.

Original Shop Notes

Remove two screws holding horn pad
Undo wiring clips for horn pad
Loosen steering wheel nut
Attach steering wheel tool
Loosen wheel
Remove tool and nut
Remove wheel

Step-By-Step Technical Interpretation

1. Remove Horn Pad Retaining Screws

The horn pad is secured to the steering wheel by two screws. Removing these fasteners allows access to the internal wiring and steering wheel retaining nut. Use appropriate screwdriver to avoid damaging the screw head.

2. Disconnect Horn Pad Wiring Clips

With the horn pad removed, carefully release the wiring clips connected to the horn contact assembly. These clips must be detached before steering wheel removal to prevent wire strain or terminal damage.

3. Loosen the Steering Wheel Retaining Nut

Loosen the steering wheel nut but do not remove it completely at this stage. Leaving the nut partially threaded helps protect the steering shaft threads during puller use.

4. Install Steering Wheel Puller (TOOL-3600)

Attach the steering wheel puller evenly to the threaded mounting holes in the wheel hub. The puller applies controlled pressure to separate the steering wheel from the tapered steering shaft.

Using a puller prevents damage to the wheel hub and avoids stressing the column bearings or shaft splines.

5. Release the Steering Wheel from the Shaft

Once the puller is properly secured, gradually tighten the tool until the steering wheel breaks free from the taper. After the wheel loosens, remove the puller and fully remove the steering wheel nut.

The steering wheel can then be lifted off the column shaft.

When Steering Wheel Removal Is Necessary

Steering wheel removal is typically required during:

Turn signal switch service
Steering column restoration
Column bearing inspection
Steering wheel replacement

Because the steering wheel is mounted on a tapered shaft, proper tool use is recommended to avoid damage.

Restoration Considerations

On older Ford steering columns, corrosion or age can increase resistance between the wheel hub and shaft taper. Controlled puller pressure is preferable to prying or hammering methods.

Inspect wiring connectors and horn contacts while the assembly is disassembled. Access during wheel removal provides an opportunity to evaluate column components without additional tear down.

Confirm steering column configuration and model year before ordering steering wheels, horn pads, or related steering components.

Explore our full selection of classic Ford steering wheels, horn pads, and steering column components.

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Old Ford Parts

B-3517-K Upper Steering Tube Bearing Kit

Since you buy all your classic Ford parts from us, we thought we would enlighten you to a product that you might find useful! Let’s say you’re cruising around town in your Classic Ford… you’re reveling in the number of folks you see looking at your ride (yes your car, not you anymore). You roll to a stop easily and decide to turn the corner and drive down Main Street to see if any of your buddies have made it to the Burger Barn. Suddenly, you feel “clunk” and you KNOW the old Ford didn’t come that way from the factory, so you begin to wonder “Hmmm, what could the old girl need now?”Finishing the cruise you head home and call it a night. Next day you’re up and at ‘em, headed out to the garage. You whizz past your wife in your grubby's and wonder for a moment why she has a big grin on her face, “Oh well, she musta been on the phone” you figure. With a big grin on your face and a wave to the wife, you whistle out loud as you head out the door thinking, “I’ll be at this most of the day” After organizing your tool box and getting everything ready for troubleshooting you begin to diagnose what could be ailing your “baby”. After troubleshooting for a while, you begin to realize that the bushing in the upper steering tube has worn out. It turned to rock and the steering shaft is wobbling around in the tube causing the clunk you felt last night. “Well, that’s a relief” you gush, “I don’t need to tear apart the front end!” “I wonder if Ford has a warranty recall on those” you chuckle to yourself as you pull your dog eared copy of your trusty C&G Ford Parts catalog off the shelf. You see that there is a replacement rubber upper bushing that often gets worn out over the years. “Just what I need” you think. “Hold the phone, what’s this?” you spot a new- fangled “kit” that only C&G has! This Upper Steering tube bearing kit includes bearing, spring, and bushing sleeve that replaces the original rubber bushing for a longer lasting, easier turning, tight fit. The kit includes a diagram to show you exactly where to install the parts, and in it what order. “Excellent” you whistle. So you pick up the phone, call C&G and after speaking to some friendly and knowledgeable parts folk, you have your kit on the way. A couple days later, your classic Ford parts show up and you’re ready to install the new B-3517-K kit you ordered. Remove the steering wheel. Remove original rubber bushing from over worm shaft. Install in this order- bearing , sleeve , spring. Make sure the tapered ends are facing down on both bearing and sleeve, drive the bearing down the worm shaft about 3/4" with a large socket, then let sleeve follow. Finally, put spring over worm shaft, in-between the sleeve and the steering wheel. Put steering wheel back on and tighten down the steering nut. No more play in the upper part of the column! Steering Tube Bearing Kit B-3517-K

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