How do I get this thing off???

[crawdad]

I'm trying to fix the horn on my truck. I've got the steering wheel off, but that's as far as I've gotten. There is a plastic plate that was underneath the steering wheel that I can't get off. I'm afraid to try to pry on it for fear of breaking it. Can someone tell me what it is and how to get it off? If I do break it, is this part easy to find? Thanks for any help.

[pugs]

there is a tool that goes on to the threads abd when ya tighten it up it pushes down on the plate to remove the retaing clip that holds the plate in place, i have removed it without the tooll tho its just mor of a pain but can be done

[speed]

I would say get the tool, it saves alot of headache. They are about $10-15 at most parts stores, I think Autozone also rents them out.

[hotrodhomi]

The tool will make it 100 time easier to pu the thing back together also. I've done this with the tool and with out. I will never do it again with out. The tool is worth ten time what you pay fo it.

[crawdad]

Ok, that you much guys. Appreciate the info.

[piecesparts]

First of all the plastic piece is held on by little cllips on the inside of the outside ring. Take a small screwdriver and put it into the holes at the edge and rock the bottom of the plastic shield outwards (away from the steering shaft). once the shield is gone then use the tool that you can buy at most auto parts stores or Snap-on to compress the steel lock plate and use a couple of metal picks to lift the snap ring off othe shaft. and then let it all loose.
I had to pull one of those in the dark in Louisville one night on the HotRod Power tour with a couple of pry bars and a hook pick, and a flashlight. It can be done, but it is not fun. Luckily I have had experience with these columns in the past.

[romero]

The tool is called a lock plate remover.