???Steering Wheel Removal
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 112
Likes: 2
From: Hilliard OH
???Steering Wheel Removal
I am getting ready to change out my Steering wheel. I have looked at the GM service Manual. It does not appear to be too difficult, but I wanted to check with someone who has done it.
Do you really need to replace the retaining nut? I have both a harmonic balancer and steering wheel remover. Do I need the special GM tool?
Air bag disconnect seems like my other cars. Remove fuse and disconnect the connectors. Any need to wait for the capacitors to discharge?
Any other tricks or tips?
Do you really need to replace the retaining nut? I have both a harmonic balancer and steering wheel remover. Do I need the special GM tool?
Air bag disconnect seems like my other cars. Remove fuse and disconnect the connectors. Any need to wait for the capacitors to discharge?
Any other tricks or tips?
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 19,105
Likes: 2
From: Paducah KY
Cruise-In VII Veteran
I've been told it requires a specialized steering wheel removal tool thats made just for the C5.
I had the local Chevy dealer install my Vette Essentials steering wheel and only charged $35. Very reasonable price as far as I was concerned.
I had the local Chevy dealer install my Vette Essentials steering wheel and only charged $35. Very reasonable price as far as I was concerned.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 15,707
Likes: 1
From: Lynnfield MA
Cruise-In II Veteran
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In VI Veteran
I did mine and a friends about a month ago without too much of a problem. Make sure you get the correct steering wheel puller or you will have an issue getting it off easily. I did the Vette Essentials upgrade myself and it is really sweet.... 
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Here
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Mean Green did his may wanna ask him...oh yeah watch out for the airbag 
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 554
Likes: 0
just did mine last nite.
the torx bolts were a treat.
i dissconnected the battery for 30 min first.
leave the nut on loose and just wiggle and pull like the old days.
or for added excitement take the nut all the way off.
don
the torx bolts were a treat.
i dissconnected the battery for 30 min first.
leave the nut on loose and just wiggle and pull like the old days.
or for added excitement take the nut all the way off.
don
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,374
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville Florida
I have a wood wheel installed, but had the dealer do the installation due to the air bag. I didn't want to mess with that. Now, if it fails - it won't be my fault. Of course, I'll probably be dead, but what the heck.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 842
Likes: 3
From: Las Vegas Nevada
Originally Posted by Big Al
I am getting ready to change out my Steering wheel. I have looked at the GM service Manual. It does not appear to be too difficult, but I wanted to check with someone who has done it.
Do you really need to replace the retaining nut? I have both a harmonic balancer and steering wheel remover. Do I need the special GM tool?
Air bag disconnect seems like my other cars. Remove fuse and disconnect the connectors. Any need to wait for the capacitors to discharge?
Any other tricks or tips?
Do you really need to replace the retaining nut? I have both a harmonic balancer and steering wheel remover. Do I need the special GM tool?
Air bag disconnect seems like my other cars. Remove fuse and disconnect the connectors. Any need to wait for the capacitors to discharge?
Any other tricks or tips?
When reinstalling make sure the airbag wiring connection is secure before tightening the two torx screws. Don't ask me how I learned about that :bb
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 10,665
Likes: 56
Originally Posted by Skyguy^^
No tricks required. I just changed mine, however, the wheel puller is a bit different in that it uses "extractors" with hooks, rather than bolts,you may be able to buy the "hooks" to use with your puller though. You can reuse the nut. You might want to pull the horn fuse before hand, or it will most likely go off just as you are pulling off the Airbag When reinstalling make sure the airbag wiring connection is secure before tightening the two torx screws. Don't ask me how I learned about that :bb
When reinstalling make sure the airbag wiring connection is secure before tightening the two torx screws. Don't ask me how I learned about that :bbI've done it the hard way, it wasn't that bad...my steering wheel puller wouldn't fit it, so I pulled very hard. It will come off...don't see why you'd need to reuse the nut, but some people do anyway. Also check to see if loctite is recommended (I can't remember).
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