2001 T&C Steering Wheel Removal

[TCGrove]

I'm getting ready to replace the air bag clock spring on my 2001 Chrysler Town and Country. I've got a steering wheel (harmonic balancer) puller without the bolts that go into the steering wheel. Can someone tell me what size bolt fits an 01 T&C steering wheel? I've been told they are 10mm, but I wanted to know for sure before removing the air bag and column shroud. Thank you...

[mikefaster]

I just did mine 2 months ago, but I forgot which size... However, it was either 8mm x 1.25 thread or 10mm x 1.50 thread... It can't hurt buying 2 of each and have it laying in a "bolt box"...

That's what I have; a bolt box... I just found what I was looking for when I needed it...

If you rent a steering wheel puller (free) at AutoZone, it will have the sizes you need... The harmonic balancer puller won't work for a lot of vehicles anymore... The spacing is very tight on a lot of vehicles; the harmonic puller is not usually designed for 2 bolts that are pretty close together...

Hope that helps...
Mike

[TCGrove]

Thanks for the reply. I'll post what size it is once I get there. I wanted to post this link to a video showing how to do the clock spring. It's not my work, but it could come in handy for someone.

http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to-re...er-van-396468/

[mikefaster]

on 2001 and newer it is similar, but I believe the clockspring had mounting bolts...

[redzed1]

I think if you check with dodge it is a lifetime warranty, I would check. Save some bucks and time.

[mikefaster]

only 96-2000 is on a recall... and my dealer made me wait 3 weeks on my old van...

It took 15 minutes to replace and $25 delivered from rock auto...

I actually think the older ones are more expensive that the newer vans...

[TCGrove]

OK here's the update. I did the job tonight. The bolts to remove the steering wheel ended up being 3/8 NC 16 on my 2001 T&C. I had bought the 8 mm (too small) and 10 mm (too big). There were 3 phillips screws hold the cowling. Two 10mm bolts holding the airbag. Some of the plugs were a little tricky to remove because you have to push a tab down, but no real problem. The clock spring was attached with two phillips screws. The new spring had a plastic tab that had to be removed after installation (it keeps things from spinning). You can't really mess up the alignment because there's a "key" (larger tooth) in the mounting gear. Other than that it's about a 30 minute job. Very easy.