Replacement Steering Wheel Reatining Nut?

[andante147]

I need to replace my multi-function switch. (lights doing weird things, etc.) The manual says not to re-use the steering wheel retaining nut. I went to the Ford dealer to get the nut in advance, and thay don't carry it any more.

Is there a good place to find these older out of stock items? Or, if I pull the nut, what kind of shop will know how to match it exactly?

Thanks

[chrisanthony]

Originally Posted by andante147

I need to replace my multi-function switch. (lights doing weird things, etc.) The manual says not to re-use the steering wheel retaining nut. I went to the Ford dealer to get the nut in advance, and thay don't carry it any more.

Is there a good place to find these older out of stock items? Or, if I pull the nut, what kind of shop will know how to match it exactly?

Thanks

go to your nearest junk yard...

[Davescort97]

Any parts place could hook you up with a new nut for the wheel. I imagine it is a nut that has a tight fit to keep the wheel from loosening up. If you use it again and torque it down real good it's not gonna come off. Wouldn't a boneyard nut be a used nut, too? Oh! you're talking about other parts. It's hard to get anything from the dealer that's not real common if the car is over 10 years old. If you are worried about it coming off put some Loc-Tite on it.

[andante147]

Well, sure a junkyard nut would be no different than re-using the one on my car. Chilton makes a big deal not to re-use the nut.

But, yes, I suppose I can start the job and see a) what shape the nut is in when it comes off and/or b) take the nut somewhere where they sell - um - nuts.

I was sort of hoping for some source that carries a more extensive inventory of this kind of thing. But if I don't find such a thing I'll do the above.

Thanks

[AzTumbleweed]

The nut is a 'self-locking' nut and they don't self-lock as good the second time around (supposedly). I've had mine off and the truth is that the steering wheel is pressed on so tightly that I'll bet if you didn't even have the nut the steering wheel would not come off. I'd reuse it. If the nut and steering did get loose I'm sure you'd know it long before your steering wheel falls off.

[andante147]

Thanks! That helps a lot. I'll probably pull it off, see if I can measure and replace at a parts shop, and if not, I'll re-use it. I appreciate everyone's help!

[denisond3]

I just re-use the old nut too.