How to remove steering column upper and lower cover?

[BamaDrewski]

Anyone know any tricks to remove the upper and lower steering column plastic cover? I want to replace the wiper control on the right side of the column. I removed the three screws (left, right and center bottom) but no luck getting it off. Any help/advice would be appreciated!

 

[cblock406]

Pretty sure those are the only screws, then the clam shell snaps together, gotta kind of pry it apart. I've have mine apart quite a few times and have never broken anything so don't force it.

 

[infamousRNR]

After removing all the screws it should unclip from itself.. just start to manipulate both too & bottom until you allow them to uncoil from
Each other

 

[4Runner4Leon]

Hmm, that's interesting - I was at the junkyard the other day trying to get the fog light stalk off a '99 to put into my '97, and I could not get the covers off to save my life. I could see one screw below, which I easily removed, but access to the others seemed to be restricted by the steering wheel, which was in place and which I couldn't remove since I didn't have a puller with me. I ended up having to break up the covers, which is great for a junkyard vehicle but not for your own .

Are you guys saying that the covers can be removed with the steering wheel in place, or are you assuming the steering wheel is already removed?

 

[96RedRunner]

Are you guys saying that the covers can be removed with the steering wheel in place, or are you assuming the steering wheel is already removed?

Look at steering wheel when you turn it.
Turn steering wheel till you see screws under wheel. Turn left remove screw, turn right remove screw.
You can only remove one at a time.

 

[4Runner4Leon]

Look at steering wheel when you turn it.
Turn steering wheel till you see screws under wheel. Turn left remove screw, turn right remove screw.
You can only remove one at a time.

Ah, thanks for the tip. I couldn't believe that Toyota would be so stupid as to require you to remove the steering wheel to get to those screws, but the FSM does say to do that. So this is great news, thanks!

 

[infamousRNR]

Hmm, that's interesting - I was at the junkyard the other day trying to get the fog light stalk off a '99 to put into my '97, and I could not get the covers off to save my life. I could see one screw below, which I easily removed, but access to the others seemed to be restricted by the steering wheel, which was in place and which I couldn't remove since I didn't have a puller with me. I ended up having to break up the covers, which is great for a junkyard vehicle but not for your own .

Are you guys saying that the covers can be removed with the steering wheel in place, or are you assuming the steering wheel is already removed?

I am frequently plagued with a locked steering wheel at the junk yard when I try to get at things in the steering column. You can pull the wheel just by using brute force.. leave the 19mm bolt on the threads so when you start to pull the steering wheel towards you it doesn’t smash you in the face but ultimately you should be able to bang on it with your hands from behind toward you & then attempt to just yank it off...

 

[4Runner4Leon]

I am frequently plagued with a locked steering wheel at the junk yard when I try to get at things in the steering column. You can pull the wheel just by using brute force.. leave the 19mm bolt on the threads so when you start to pull the steering wheel towards you it doesn’t smash you in the face but ultimately you should be able to bang on it with your hands from behind toward you & then attempt to just yank it off...

Haha, good tip. I'll have to give it a try.

 

[sakoluvr]

This may help:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJyu22QruNw

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...fix-3rd-gen-should-work-many-others-well.html

 

[Twisted Sid]

I am frequently plagued with a locked steering wheel at the junk yard when I try to get at things in the steering column. You can pull the wheel just by using brute force.. leave the 19mm bolt on the threads so when you start to pull the steering wheel towards you it doesn’t smash you in the face but ultimately you should be able to bang on it with your hands from behind toward you & then attempt to just yank it off...

I learned if you loosen the nut a few turns and then hit the steering wheel hammer fist style in then 12:00, 6:00, 3:00, and 9:00 areas and repeat it a few times, the wheel will usually pop right off. I've done this many times in the yards.

 

[BamaDrewski]

I am frequently plagued with a locked steering wheel at the junk yard when I try to get at things in the steering column. You can pull the wheel just by using brute force.. leave the 19mm bolt on the threads so when you start to pull the steering wheel towards you it doesn’t smash you in the face but ultimately you should be able to bang on it with your hands from behind toward you & then attempt to just yank it off...

You mention a "19mm bolt" in your response. Where exactly is that bolt located on the steering column? Thanks!

 

[cblock406]

You mention a "19mm bolt" in your response. Where exactly is that bolt located on the steering column? Thanks!

It’s right behind the airbag, it’s what bolts the steering wheel to the column. You can’t miss it lol