Here’s a complete DIY guide for swapping out the stock Element steering wheel for a leather one from a Honda Pilot.
I found my Pilot steering wheel on eBay. I looked at various parts sources on the Internet and concluded that eBay is much cheaper. I got my wheel for $35 plus shipping but since you could pay $150 or more through an Internet dealer anything under $75 seems like a pretty good deal to me.
This is a simple job if you have the right tools and have a modest amount mechanical ability. Do not attempt this mod if you do not have the proper tools. You will need the following…
Step 1: Turn off the horn!
When you remove the two airbag bolts the horn will sound unless you do something about it first. All you have to do is open the hood, find the fuse box on the driver’s side near the battery and squeeze the four tabs together to take the lid off. Once the lid is off, find the 15 amp fuse for the horn and remove it. There is a fuse puller right inside the box for this purpose. See the diagram below…
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Step 2: Remove the airbag bolts
Get out your 1/4” drive ratchet and extension and snap on the Torx T30 bit. Take out one bolt on each side of the airbag. Extract the bolts from the holes and put them in a safe place. See the picture below…
![Image]()
Step 3: Remove the airbag
In order to remove the airbag once the bolts are removed carefully pull it towards you until you can reach behind the airbag and disconnect the large yellow wire clip. Set the airbag aside. See the picture below…
![Image]()
Step 4: Take a good look!
Make a mental note, or a drawing, or use the picture below to remember how things are laid out at this point. This is important since you’ll need to put things back exactly this way when done.
![Image]()
Step 5: Prepare to remove the steering wheel
Make sure the wheel is straight. Disconnect the black wire clip on the left and the green wire clip on the right. Get out your 3/8” drive ratchet and extension and snap on the 14mm socket. Remove the center bolt. Put the bolt in a safe place. See the picture below…
![Image]()
Step 6: Remove the steering wheel
Again, be sure wheel is straight. Gently but firmly pull the wheel towards you with a left-to-right rocking motion. As you pull the wheel off be careful not to catch the wire clips on the steering wheel as they pass through the center hole! After removal, let the wires dangle freely. IMPORTANT: Do not touch or spin the white airbag plate on the column! More info on this issue here.
I found my Pilot steering wheel on eBay. I looked at various parts sources on the Internet and concluded that eBay is much cheaper. I got my wheel for $35 plus shipping but since you could pay $150 or more through an Internet dealer anything under $75 seems like a pretty good deal to me.
This is a simple job if you have the right tools and have a modest amount mechanical ability. Do not attempt this mod if you do not have the proper tools. You will need the following…
- 1/4” drive ratchet and extension
3/8” drive ratchet and extension
1/4” drive Torx T30 socket bit (for 2 airbag bolts)
1/4” drive Torx T40 socket bit (for 4 horn plate bolts)
3/8” drive 14mm socket (for steering wheel bolt)
Philips head screwdriver (for various trim pieces)
Step 1: Turn off the horn!
When you remove the two airbag bolts the horn will sound unless you do something about it first. All you have to do is open the hood, find the fuse box on the driver’s side near the battery and squeeze the four tabs together to take the lid off. Once the lid is off, find the 15 amp fuse for the horn and remove it. There is a fuse puller right inside the box for this purpose. See the diagram below…
Step 2: Remove the airbag bolts
Get out your 1/4” drive ratchet and extension and snap on the Torx T30 bit. Take out one bolt on each side of the airbag. Extract the bolts from the holes and put them in a safe place. See the picture below…
Step 3: Remove the airbag
In order to remove the airbag once the bolts are removed carefully pull it towards you until you can reach behind the airbag and disconnect the large yellow wire clip. Set the airbag aside. See the picture below…
Step 4: Take a good look!
Make a mental note, or a drawing, or use the picture below to remember how things are laid out at this point. This is important since you’ll need to put things back exactly this way when done.
Step 5: Prepare to remove the steering wheel
Make sure the wheel is straight. Disconnect the black wire clip on the left and the green wire clip on the right. Get out your 3/8” drive ratchet and extension and snap on the 14mm socket. Remove the center bolt. Put the bolt in a safe place. See the picture below…
Step 6: Remove the steering wheel
Again, be sure wheel is straight. Gently but firmly pull the wheel towards you with a left-to-right rocking motion. As you pull the wheel off be careful not to catch the wire clips on the steering wheel as they pass through the center hole! After removal, let the wires dangle freely. IMPORTANT: Do not touch or spin the white airbag plate on the column! More info on this issue here.
Actually, you just leave the bolt on but 3 or 4 turns loose. Not that it matters in my case - I have the rare optional Perma-Wheel.
