Removing the steering wheel
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,334
Likes: 1,589
From: Western NY
Removing the steering wheel
I'm contemplating removing the "lock ring" on my steering column, so I'll NEVER have any issues with the dreaded column lock up. I've removed a lot of steering wheels in the past, but never one with an airbag.
Has anyone done this, and other than the usual disconnect battery and/or remove airbag circuit fuse, any other extra precautions need to follow?
Thanks!
Has anyone done this, and other than the usual disconnect battery and/or remove airbag circuit fuse, any other extra precautions need to follow?
Thanks!
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,727
Likes: 19
From: Carson City, NV
Leadfoot,
I'm doing mine now. Just got the air bag module off and I'm fabricating a steering wheel puller. Unfortunately you can't use a standard puller that I can find anywhere. Email me if you decide to dive in. I can share some of my findings as I disassemble mine.
John
cscokd@gmail.com
I'm doing mine now. Just got the air bag module off and I'm fabricating a steering wheel puller. Unfortunately you can't use a standard puller that I can find anywhere. Email me if you decide to dive in. I can share some of my findings as I disassemble mine.
John
cscokd@gmail.com
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
It takes special puller legs, but you can buy them. You can probably get them locally, but I did a search and found mine on-line.
Try toolsource.com if you cannot find them at a parts store
http://www.toolsource.com/ost/produc...MRKNQ7GJ0V9NF9
It also is easier if you have a lock plate compressor to compress the spring and remove the snap ring.
http://www.toolsource.com/ost/produc...&pf%5Fid=61403
A good idea to have a service manual and follow the directions on how to disable the air bag so there are no surprises...
Try toolsource.com if you cannot find them at a parts store
http://www.toolsource.com/ost/produc...MRKNQ7GJ0V9NF9
It also is easier if you have a lock plate compressor to compress the spring and remove the snap ring.
http://www.toolsource.com/ost/produc...&pf%5Fid=61403
A good idea to have a service manual and follow the directions on how to disable the air bag so there are no surprises...
Last edited by TEXHAWK0; Apr 13, 2007 at 06:41 PM.
Team Owner
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any reason you arent just doing the CLB?? no steering wheel removal and it only takes 30 mins....just wondering
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,727
Likes: 19
From: Carson City, NV
I just located and purchased a steering wheel puller at Napa Auto Parts
You'll need the legs which are p/n 3510 $22.49, the puller which is p/n 2291 $19.09 and the lock plate compressor tool p/n 3509 $34.38. I'll let you know how it goes.
John
You'll need the legs which are p/n 3510 $22.49, the puller which is p/n 2291 $19.09 and the lock plate compressor tool p/n 3509 $34.38. I'll let you know how it goes.
John
Last edited by Cscokd; Apr 15, 2007 at 08:00 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 9,369
Likes: 4
From: Zephyrhills, Florida
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
I got lucky and a great tech at the dealership came to my house and did it when I got my VE wheel........He charged me $15 I gave him $40.......great guy, conscientious and will do little jobs on the side for me.
I gave him $40.......great guy, conscientious and will do little jobs on the side for me.
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Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,727
Likes: 19
From: Carson City, NV
Just got the steering wheel off and removed the lock plate. It went very smoothly with the right tools. Now to get the new lock plate from the dealer tomorrow. I think I'll take pics and do a detailed How To for us since I couldn't seem to find one. The airbag module really wasn't all that bad to remove. I don't think it's too risky or difficult as long as you remove the SDM fuse in the passenger footwell and then disconnect the yellow wire harness below the steering column. Just remove the two bolts from the rear of the steering wheel cover and the airbag module comes right out. There was a little trick to remove the wire connector from the back side of the airbag module. It's an odd 2-pin yellow connector. Lift the plastic lock prongs on top and then simply pry it straight out. The other thing that was a little confusing was removing the single wire horn connector. Don't pull it straight out. It actually twists and then simply pulls out.
Cheers,
John
Cheers,
John
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,334
Likes: 1,589
From: Western NY
Guys, thanks for the input. I have a shop manual and have looked over the process. It didn't look too bad, however it always helps to talk to someone who's been down the road before you. Secondly, at least in the past, the factory manuals were somewhat "overstated" as to what actually had to be done. There were always some shortcuts to be found.
Pewter, I tried a CLB a couple of years ago. Installed it, but for some reason, it wouldn't hold the lock pin fully retracted, and I could both hear and feel the pin hitting the detents in the lock plate when I would turn the wheel. I immediately took it out. I know that many people swear by the CLB, but I'm not convinced that it's foolproof.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,334
Likes: 1,589
From: Western NY
John, EXCELLENT idea!
I purchased another lock ring in advance, in order to minimize down time. What I found is the center hub ot the ring has enough of a lip on the one side so you can grip it in a collet for a lathe. I was then able to use a cutting tool, and remove the OD of the lock ring, the part where the lock detents are...
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,727
Likes: 19
From: Carson City, NV
Monday Update
I went to the dealer today to see about purchasing the new lock plate called out in the GM recall instruction. As it turns out, you can purchase the whole kit (P/N 89023816) for $134.00 but you cannot purchase just the replacement lock plate. I asked the parts guy to get the kit so I could inspect it. I was surprised that the replacement lock plate looks very different than the original. So I guess I'll modify my old one because I'm not about to spend that much for a kit that I don't really need especially the inferior K Harness. I'll post some pics of the modified lock plate shortly.
John
I went to the dealer today to see about purchasing the new lock plate called out in the GM recall instruction. As it turns out, you can purchase the whole kit (P/N 89023816) for $134.00 but you cannot purchase just the replacement lock plate. I asked the parts guy to get the kit so I could inspect it. I was surprised that the replacement lock plate looks very different than the original. So I guess I'll modify my old one because I'm not about to spend that much for a kit that I don't really need especially the inferior K Harness. I'll post some pics of the modified lock plate shortly.
John
Last edited by Cscokd; Apr 17, 2007 at 01:28 AM.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,334
Likes: 1,589
From: Western NY
I purchased another lock ring in advance, in order to minimize down time. What I found is the center hub ot the ring has enough of a lip on the one side so you can grip it in a collet for a lathe. I was then able to use a cutting tool, and remove the OD of the lock ring, the part where the lock detents are...
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,737
Likes: 0
From: Northern VA
Monday Update
I went to the dealer today to see about purchasing the new lock plate called out in the GM recall instruction. As it turns out, you can purchase the whole kit (P/N 89023816) for $134.00 but you cannot purchase just the replacement lock plate. I asked the parts guy to get the kit so I could inspect it. I was surprised that the replacement lock plate looks very different than the original. So I guess I'll modify my old one because I'm not about to spend that much for a kit that I don't really need especially the inferior K Harness. I'll post some pics of the modified lock plate shortly.
John
I went to the dealer today to see about purchasing the new lock plate called out in the GM recall instruction. As it turns out, you can purchase the whole kit (P/N 89023816) for $134.00 but you cannot purchase just the replacement lock plate. I asked the parts guy to get the kit so I could inspect it. I was surprised that the replacement lock plate looks very different than the original. So I guess I'll modify my old one because I'm not about to spend that much for a kit that I don't really need especially the inferior K Harness. I'll post some pics of the modified lock plate shortly.
John
Can't you just remove the actuator altogether? The result would be the same no?
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,727
Likes: 19
From: Carson City, NV
cannot remove the actuator in my opinion, but the grinder is still an option on the table
I should check out the lock plate for an '04. That might work.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
The original recall kits with the Harness K wiring harness in them, came with a small plate to replace the larger locking plate. You still need a plate in the column to cancel the turn signal cam and to maintain the proper spacing of components.
Since the later model automatics did not have the full sized locking plate, check with the dealer to see if you can order just the smaller plate that came on the automatics. I think it is the same as the one that comes in the recall kits.
(Cscokd-if you find you cannot buy just the smaller plate, I have an extra one that you can get for a lot less than $135)
Since the later model automatics did not have the full sized locking plate, check with the dealer to see if you can order just the smaller plate that came on the automatics. I think it is the same as the one that comes in the recall kits.
(Cscokd-if you find you cannot buy just the smaller plate, I have an extra one that you can get for a lot less than $135)
Last edited by TEXHAWK0; Apr 17, 2007 at 07:01 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,727
Likes: 19
From: Carson City, NV
The original recall kits with the Harness K wiring harness in them, came with a small plate to replace the larger locking plate. You still need a plate in the column to cancel the turn signal cam and to maintain the proper spacing of components.
Since the later model automatics did not have the full sized locking plate, check with the dealer to see if you can order just the smaller plate that came on the automatics. I think it is the same as the one that comes in the recall kits.
(Cscokd-if you find you cannot buy just the smaller plate, I have an extra one that you can get for a lot less than $135)
Since the later model automatics did not have the full sized locking plate, check with the dealer to see if you can order just the smaller plate that came on the automatics. I think it is the same as the one that comes in the recall kits.
(Cscokd-if you find you cannot buy just the smaller plate, I have an extra one that you can get for a lot less than $135)
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,727
Likes: 19
From: Carson City, NV
Okay gang...got it done and wheel is on. Enjoy the pics.
John
Inflation module removed (bottom view)
Steering wheel removed (note the airbag connector)
Lock Ring Exposed
Lock Ring Removed
Lock Ring (Outside View) - note I traced an outline of the replacement lock ring that comes in the recall kit. Quite different.
Lock Ring (inside view)
Spot welds (3x) drilled out and outer ring removed
Ground off outer slots
Modified Lock Ring Installed
Installation Finished
John
Inflation module removed (bottom view)
Steering wheel removed (note the airbag connector)
Lock Ring Exposed
Lock Ring Removed
Lock Ring (Outside View) - note I traced an outline of the replacement lock ring that comes in the recall kit. Quite different.
Lock Ring (inside view)
Spot welds (3x) drilled out and outer ring removed
Ground off outer slots
Modified Lock Ring Installed
Installation Finished
Last edited by Cscokd; Apr 18, 2007 at 04:01 AM.