I took my red/black DS Vette sport wheel to my local GM dealer and they only charged me $80.00 for the install. Not worth the risk to me.
04 C5 Steering Wheel Replacement
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma City Oklahoma
04 C5 Steering Wheel Replacement
I am looking for some info on how to replace my factory steering wheel with my new torch red and black steering wheel. I have looked through hundreds of topics and DIY threads and I cannot find anything for the C5. I found a few for the C6 but I am not sure if it is the same process. Thoughts?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,526
Likes: 1,195
From: Dyer, IN
I am looking for some info on how to replace my factory steering wheel with my new torch red and black steering wheel. I have looked through hundreds of topics and DIY threads and I cannot find anything for the C5. I found a few for the C6 but I am not sure if it is the same process. Thoughts?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,520
Likes: 5
From: Long Island NY
From what I understand this is not a DIY project. Because of the airbag and certain tools you need it would be cheaper and safer for you to pay the dealership to do it.
Check out this web site:http://www.vetteessentials.com/instr...structions.htm
Check out this web site:http://www.vetteessentials.com/instr...structions.htm
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Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Rantoul IL
Always amazed at how the opinions vary.....
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 79
Likes: 1
From: Willow Springs/ High Desert Ca
I am a technician and mechanic, and it is apparent to me that some people can't remove a phillips head screw without stripping it. Others can field strip an F/A-18 and only reference the manuals.
For the knuckle busting, metal gouging, ham fist, let the dealer's trained pro-mechanics do it.
For those that are experienced and can read and follow directions, and has a big box of tools. Have a go.
It is a medium difficult task.
For the knuckle busting, metal gouging, ham fist, let the dealer's trained pro-mechanics do it.
For those that are experienced and can read and follow directions, and has a big box of tools. Have a go.
It is a medium difficult task.
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 1
From: Minnesota
If you are intimidated by removing the center console and lower dash pad (as a lot of people are because it does sound complicated) then yes this one is a couple steps beyond that.
The procedure I used was easy to follow and the removal tool is available to rent for free from your local auto parts store. I replaced mine this summer after it got a rather large blemish in it. It took me about an hour start to finish but I have had my center console out about 10 times. You have to respect the airbag but as long as you follow the procedure you will be fine.
The procedure I used was easy to follow and the removal tool is available to rent for free from your local auto parts store. I replaced mine this summer after it got a rather large blemish in it. It took me about an hour start to finish but I have had my center console out about 10 times. You have to respect the airbag but as long as you follow the procedure you will be fine.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,809
Likes: 3
From: Yorktown Virginia
Just pull the fuses and/or disconnect the battery and wait 15 min or so for the capacitors to discharge on the airbags so they cant go off. And it isnt very hard to get the steering wheel off, I didnt even use anything to remove the steering wheel but after you get the wheel off is when it starts to get more difficult to remove the stuff thats further down in the collumn such as the lock which without the right tool is a PITA to remove.
Drifting
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,822
Likes: 2
From: San Clemente CA
It's not complicated to remove, but it can be DIFFICULT. I had to resort to my impact wrench and threaded holes in the wheel because the j-hooks pulled thru the rim. Why GM got rid of simple threaded holes is beyond me. Once I drilled and tapped holes in the wheel, the puller became effective only after I used my impact wrench. That sucker was stuck on the splines really good!
If you're not mechanically inclined, take it to the dealer or your favorite mecahnic and save yourself the pain.
If you're not mechanically inclined, take it to the dealer or your favorite mecahnic and save yourself the pain.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma City Oklahoma
I would much rather take it in to a mechanic however I called 7 shops within 20 miles and nobody will touch it due to the airbags and the chevy dealership is not a close drive and for now the vette is my only car so I cant turn it into a shop 40 minutes away. So I will be doing it myself. Thanks for all the info.
Chris
Chris
