STEERING WHEEL SHAFT RETENTION MECHANISM ASSEMBLY AND SERVICE TOOL

A steering wheel shaft retention mechanism assembly includes a steering shaft having a mounting groove, a retention mechanism positioned in the mounting groove and having at least one resilient locking projection, and a steering wheel hub having an opening configured to receive a portion of the steering shaft. One section of the opening is configured to receive the at least one locking projection to prevent removal of the steering wheel hub from the shaft. A service tool includes a body portion to be gripped by a user and an engaging portion having at least one projection extending from the body portion, the at least one projection configured to engage the at least one locking projection such that the at least one locking projection is moved to an unlocked position and the steering wheel hub is movable relative to the steering shaft for removal from the steering shaft.