How to Remove the Steering Wheel in a 2009–2014 Ford F-150

Here is how to remove the steering wheel from a 2009-2014 Ford F-150, exactly the way we do it when we are pulling wheels for the store. The airbag is held by three spring clips, there is one T50 Torx bolt in the center, and a plug for the wheel switches. Here is the whole job.

What you'll need

  • A T15 Torx (for the airbag clips)
  • A flat-blade screwdriver (for the airbag connector tabs)
  • A ratchet with a T50 Torx bit (for the center bolt)

Step 1: Release the three airbag clips

There are three holes here: one on the right side, one on the bottom of the steering wheel, and the third one over on the left side. Stick the T15 Torx into each hole and press in to press the spring, and the airbag comes loose. Pull the module out by hand.

Tripping the airbag clips through the side of a 2009-2014 F-150 steering wheel

Step 2: Disconnect the two airbag clips

With the airbag loose, flip it over and take the screwdriver to the two clips. Each one has tabs that need to be depressed: press them and unplug the two yellow connectors from the back of the module. Then there is the horn wire: press right here and pull it off. Set the airbag aside.

Unplugging the yellow airbag connectors from the back of the airbag module

Step 3: Take out the T50 center bolt

There is a T50 Torx bolt holding the wheel to the column. Take your ratchet and drive it out.

Driving out the center steering wheel nut

Step 4: Unplug the steering wheel switches

There is also a plug-in here for the switches on the steering wheel. Stick your finger up there, press the tab, and pull it free.

Unplugging the steering wheel switch connector

Step 5: Rock the wheel loose and pull it off

Rock the wheel side to side to break it loose on the column splines, then pull it straight off the column. And the steering wheel is removed. Installation is these steps in reverse: keep the wheel straight so it goes back on centered.

GIF: pulling the steering wheel off the column

Steering wheel pulled off the F-150 column

What to check on the replacement

  • Button layout: match your cruise-control and audio button setup so all your wheel controls keep working.
  • Condition: check the leather or vinyl wrap for worn spots and the buttons for faded lettering before you buy.
  • Spline fit: stick to the same 2009-2014 F-150 wheel so the splines and clockspring connector match up.

We pull and test F-150 steering wheels regularly - browse our used OEM steering wheels here. Every one is photographed as-is so you can see the exact condition before you buy.

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