When Ford was developing the new S197 Mustang for '05, it invited the aftermarket to come along for the ride, an unprecedented move and a first for both a Detroit automaker and the aftermarket. The result has been the greatest selection ever of aftermarket performance components and accessories for Mustangs.
Grant Products was interested in developing good-looking custom airbag steering wheels with sport grips for the newest Mustangs. The result is a new line of Grant Airbag Solutions steering wheels for '05-'11 Mustangs, including a special steering wheel for Roush models.
Grant offers a special buy-back core program for purchasers of these cool Grant airbag steering wheels. Ship Grant your factory '05-'11 airbag steering wheel and they will reimburse you $80 for your '10-'11 or $185 for your '05-'09 steering wheel.
Julie Eldridge's '07 California Special has all kinds of cool aftermarket accessories, like cold-air induction, lowering springs, and throaty mufflers. When she saw the Grant steering wheels, she had to have one. Julie had her pick of colors red, gray, or black appointments. She chose black.
A great advantage to this steering wheel is how good it feels in your hands, providing extraordinary control when it's time to tackle an autocross, canyon pass, or drive to work. Julie trusted her Mustang to Oxnard, California's Vista Ford service department, where Ford service technician Eprain Flores is going to show us how to swap steering wheels in 15 minutes.
1b Check out the Grant custom...
1b Check out the Grant custom airbag steering wheels for ’05-’11 Mustangs, including Roush models...
1b ...Place your grip on...
1b ...Place your grip on a Grant wheel and it feels good in your hands. Installation takes about 15 minutes.
2 Before doing any work on...
2 Before doing any work on an airbag steering wheel, disconnect the battery’s negative ground cable to prevent airbag activation. We also suggest the use of eye and face protection just in case. Ground yourself between the car body and floor before disassembly to discharge any static electricity. Although there’s only a remote chance, there is some risk of static electricity firing the air bag.
3 Mustang airbags for ’05-’11...
3 Mustang airbags for ’05-’11 models are secured with two bolts, accessible from the 9 and 3 o’clock positions at each side of the factory steering wheel. Pop off the plastic caps and remove these bolts with an 8mm socket.
4 Airbag removal involves...
4 Airbag removal involves lifting the unit out and disconnecting two color-coded (white and black) electrical connections. The airbag assembly works hand-in-hand with the horn switch, which is an integral part of the steering wheel. When you hit the ’05-’11 horn button, you’re completing power to ground, which sounds the horns.
5 This multiplex plug for...
5 This multiplex plug for cruise control switches is disconnected using a small screwdriver on the release tab.
6 Unlike vintage Mustangs,...
6 Unlike vintage Mustangs, the ’05-’11 steering wheel is bolted to the steering shaft instead of being secured with a locknut. Leave the ignition switch in its locked position for steering shaft security and remove the bolt with a 24mm socket. Not a press-fit like the early cars, the steering wheel will slide off easily. Use caution removing the steering wheel to protect yellow airbag connections.
7 Our Grant steering wheel...
7 Our Grant steering wheel in black is installed next, again using caution to protect those airbag connections.
8 The steering wheel bolt...
8 The steering wheel bolt mandates the use of a thread locker along with 41 ft-lb of torque.
9 Reinstall the air bag assembly,...
9 Reinstall the air bag assembly, reconnect the cruise control, and install bolts and caps.
10 The Grant steering wheel...
10 The Grant steering wheel looks sharp and fits your hands perfectly. Whether you tackle a race course or the morning commute, the Grant wheel is a winner by anyone’s standards.