I'm changing out my clockspring/wheel position sensor and need to remove the steering wheel in my '07 XC70. I have watched numerous videos and it looks simple enough, but when I have tried to get the airbag to release by sticking a flathead screwdriver in the holes on the back, no joy! I noticed that on my car there are also two smaller holes 3-4" away from the large holes on either side of the back of my steering wheel that aren't shown in the videos. Also, my steering wheel looks a little bit different than the others.

One other note, this car was in an accident and there was a front end impact and repair, not sure if this is the original airbag - could that make a differnece in why mine doesn't look like the ones I'm seeing in the videos? Any help from the "Sleuths" would be helpful!



Note the hole in the side of the steering wheel - does this contain a set screw?

XC70 steering wheel as viewed from the front


Is there a step or a "trick" that I'm missing? Any advise on this will be appreciated - I'm a little nervous about this, don't want to accidently damage something when I'm trying to fix a problem...

 

Here's Instructions from Volvo for a 4 spoke wheel. The 4 spoke should take a torx bit to loosen and tighten the two retaining bolts. (from what I remember) They are normal right head thread bolts and accessed on the side of the wheel. (the instructions show the screws turning clockwise to loosen- The installation picture shows the same motion, both can't be right!)
3 spoke wheel instructions are below also - to remove those bags use a screwdriver to depress a spring to release it from the back of the wheel.


3 spoke wheel instructions -

 

Awesome info! Thank you!!!

 

most importantly, disconnect the battery before you strart opening the steering column. :-)