Why is Steering Wheel Replacement Required?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Cincinnati OH
Why is Steering Wheel Replacement Required?
Why does a C8 steering wheel require replacing if the airbag deploys in a minor collision? What exactly gets damaged in the steering wheel? Why couldn't you just have a new airbag installed in the existing steering wheel?
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2021
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From: Bristow, VA
2023 C8 of the Year Finalist - Modified
My guess would be liability reasons. If there was an accident that deployed the airbag there is also the possibility that there was an impact/forces applied to the wheel itself. Just a conservative approach to a safety related components.
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
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From: Nashville TN
Second guess, the airbag/wheel assembly are designed to be configured in more of an assembly line environment than in a field environment. Perhaps some post-assembly calibration or testing required.
Pro
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From: Bay Area, CA
2025 C8 Stingray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Cannot repack airbags. They are single use items. Not just the bag either, but the other components which trigger the airbag come assembled as a single unit.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,620
Likes: 1,131
From: Cincinnati OH
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,620
Likes: 1,131
From: Cincinnati OH
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Thread Starter
Drifting
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From: Cincinnati OH
Team Owner
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The wheel is subject to quite a bit of force in an accident and does deform even with the airbag deployment in some cases. My guess is for that reason they recommend replacing both.
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Interesting topic - did not realize that the steering wheel may need replacement.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2023
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Yes according to the service information provided by GM the steering wheel should be replaced after an airbag event. Also steering column should be measured and if any seat belt tensioners went off. All components should be replaced. Belts, tensioner, and anchor.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2011
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From: Michigan
Wheel/column damage might only be a cosmetic concern if, for example, the airbags triggered by some default. But in an actual accident with a passenger, they're not going waste the time or take the risk of bothering with the wheel. Just replace the whole thing.
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Drifting
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From: Cincinnati OH
Last edited by hdrider1; Mar 18, 2024 at 10:55 AM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,620
Likes: 1,131
From: Cincinnati OH
I found a workaround for the backorder problem -- I told the service center I was OK with accepting a different trim level steering wheel than I than came with my 2LT. He was immediately able to find a 3LT steering wheel in stock. Problem solved.