Xantia Steering Wheel Removal

surfer · Post by **surfer** » 29 Sep 2003, 18:00

Hi,
I need to replace some of the bulbs behind the dash of my Xantia.
I seem to remember reading somewhere on here that if you have an adjustable steering wheel column, you can do this without removing the wheel first.
I don't think this is right, but before I get on with removing the air bag etc, can somebody please tell me what size socket is needed to remove the steering wheel retaining nut? I'd like to have it to hand before starting this job.
Thanks a lot,
Simon

muunster1 · Post by **muunster1** » 29 Sep 2003, 18:27

the steering wheel does not have to come of the remove the insrument panel . it is tight takes a little persuding but does come out easier than messing with that airbag .

Dave Burns · Post by **Dave Burns** » 29 Sep 2003, 23:54

Personaly I would rather have the airbag out of the way to be safe, if it should deploy while you are yanking wires about in there it can easily be fatal, then it doesn't matter how many bulbs are blown in the dash, you'll never see'em.
Bag is held on by T30 screws and the wheel needs a 21mm socket IIRC but not 100% sure.
Dave

Gaz · Post by **Gaz** » 27 Oct 2003, 20:11

I thought I'd drag this old message up to ask another question. I did all my instrumentation lights yesterday without removing my steering wheel (non airbag) but I did actually undo the steering wheel nut before I realised I didn't need to. Without a torque wrench, the 30Nm was achived by tightening it up FT. My qustion now might sound a bit daft, the wheel is attached by splines isn't it?, and then the nut stops it from coming away. I had this horrible thought last night that it could have been a taper, what with the lock nut, french engineering ideas and all. Can somebody please put my mind at rest and tell me that doing the steering wheel nut up FT was ok and that it is actually on a spline. (haven't got my Haynes book of lies with me). Thanks Gaz
'93 Xantia 1.9TD SX 213k (non airbag, adjustable steering)

Dave Burns · Post by **Dave Burns** » 27 Oct 2003, 23:07

Tapered spline, just prey you don't need to remove it any time soon[:D]
Dave

Gaz · Post by **Gaz** » 28 Oct 2003, 14:45

Dave, why would that be? I take it from that that you think doing it up FT will stick it fast. I haven't taken the wheel off so hopefully the tightening of the nut wouldn't of actually tightened the spline. Other than that its ok to leave it like that then? Thanks Gaz

Dave Burns · Post by **Dave Burns** » 30 Oct 2003, 03:28

The more force you use to drive matching tapers together, the more force will be required to seperate them again.
Dave