Problem when operating Light Stalk on a E11 1300cc 1999 Corolla

[aladinsane1945-1979]

Ah well my ageing Corolla is beginning to give up the ghost and has developed yet another problem with connectivity, lights do not go on the normal way and one must first flash the main beam to get any connection at all to enable the headlights, usually the side lights come on but not the headlights unless one fiddles about with the arm [stalk]. I know its a connection or rather a none connection  issue and the switch arm  needs to come off, electric contacts cleaned and dia electric paste reapplied, however, has anyone ever carried out this repair/ refurb,as looking at The Haynes manual it says the steering wheel needs to be taken out which of course has the airbag installed, surely there must be an easy way than all this, or maybe not for looking at it seems the wheel needs to come off to get at top shroud as there just does not appear to be enough room to manouevre without it. Anyone done this job before and can advise please.