Steering wheel issue

[InNeedOfBoost]

I replaced my airbag steering wheel with an MTech II. Everything went smooth, old one came off as it should. I put the new wheel on and tightened it down but I was a spline off to one side so when I turned the car on and straightened the car out, it was cocked off to one side. So I took off the nut, washer and spacer, unlocked the steering column like I did when taking off the old one.

Now it won't come off!!! It just slides up and down the splines a little (about the length of the part the spacer covers) but will not come off. It moves a lot less when the column is locked, but still will not come off no matter what position the key is in and no matter how I move it.

Any ideas? HELP!

[ELVA164]

Bit of a shot in the dark, but did you take out the little white pin for the airbag when you installed the wheel? I wonder if that could get jammed somewhere if it isn't removed.

Wiggling the wheel back and forth doesn't help at all, does it?

[InNeedOfBoost]

I did take that out...so I know that's fine. I did wiggle it and turn it in different positions. Even with it being stuck, it still functions normal. Horn even works. Just won't come out!

[InNeedOfBoost]

Is there any other way to disengage the lock??

[jlevie]

If the wheel will turn, it isn't being held by the lock.

While not the ideal solution, the cocked wheel can be fixed by adjustments to both tie rods.

[InNeedOfBoost]

I figured that much, but I'd still like to be able to remove it.

[ELVA164]

Did you try getting at it with a screwdriver and prying the lock out of the way like suggested on the other forum? I think that's the only recourse at this point.

[InNeedOfBoost]

No, cause I'm not sure where to put the screwdriver. As in put it in the ignition?? Or is there the lock reachable on the column?

[InNeedOfBoost]

I'm still at a loss here, I've tried everything! I can't get to the lock itself.

I've never been so irritated with my car before! >_<

[ELVA164]

Here is the location of the pin:


I don't know how easy (or possible) that is to get to, but it's at least worth a shot.

[InNeedOfBoost]

I'll give it another go.

[ELVA164]

Any luck with this?

[InNeedOfBoost]

No, I finally gave up and just had the car aligned again. I couldn't reach that lock tab with a screw driver without damaging the actual wheel.