How do I take the steering wheel off?

Taaaaaaahoe? · October 17, 2003

As talked about here....

I need to take my steering wheel off. Is this something I can do, do I need special tools, or is this not a DIY?

Mike

chevy4x4trucks · October 17, 2003

You can do it yourself, I did when I installed the SWAC from JPCustoms.com in my last truck which was two years ago so I'm going on memory...

Unhook the neg battery terminal. Pull the airbag fuse. Unhook the yellow airbag connectors (one is under the drivers seat, another if you flip open the glove compartment all the way, and the final one is under the drivers side panel by your knee underneath the wheel which can be removed w/ two screws).

After that you set the parking brake and turn the wheel 90 degrees, insert a small flathead screwdriver in the tab at the top and it should release one side. Then turn the wheel 180 in the opposite direction and do the same thing. The airbag should fall out for the most part. Unhook the connector and your airbag is off. Then use a steering wheel puller to get the wheel off. The shroud on the steering column is removed by yanking out the tilt wheel adjuster lever and then two screws from the bottom.

Before tackling this I would consult a manual and also drop Jason Pendlum and email ( [email protected] ) to verify my information since, like I said, was two years since I've done this and I'm going by memory.

Just be careful and take your time, the airbag is a dangerous tool and make sure you keep it away from any sort of static discharge or power source so that you can't accidentally set it off.

SAFETY FIRST!!!!

Taaaaaaahoe? · October 17, 2003

Thanks for the info. I guess I need to pull the wheel to get to the clockspring...is that easy to replace? any thoughts?

Mike

chevy4x4trucks · October 17, 2003

I have no idea what a clock spring is.... so not much help there. Like I said drop JP an email. Maybe one of the parts that needs replacing is part of the SWAC kit so you can just upgrade w/ some steering wheel audio controls right away and save a little money.

Taaaaaaahoe? · October 17, 2003

Well I guess its actually called the airbag steering wheel module. this is my GUESS as to whats wrong. since i just fooled with the steering column. Basically alows the connection of the airbag but allows the wheel to rotate while mantaning the connection.

What im guessing I did was when I had my intermediate shaft out the wheel rotated a a revolution and is now off. so when I made my thight turn the airbag module was at the end of its travel but b/c the well moved it still had more movement...

So im not sure how to replace that, and make sure its properly aligned!

Mike

Oh I did e-mail him...THanks!

What all was included in your kit? I assume its not going to work with an aftermarked radio?

chevy4x4trucks · October 17, 2003

there's a modulator that will work if your aftermarket radio has a remote control. It should be listed on the site.

Okay, I think I know what you're talking about now.

The black piece w/ the yellow cable sticking out of it?

A new one is included in the SWAC kit that has a few more wires in it for the SWAC. If at all possible I would just get the kit since you'll be doing all the work necessary to install it anyways.

Oh, and here's my install guide (not all the directions) for the SWAC from JP Customs.com:

http://www.chevy4x4trucks.com/silverado/in...wacinstall.html

Taaaaaaahoe? · October 17, 2003

YES thats the module exactly.

Just went to chevy and bought it. Wholesale price of 80 bucks! YOur right, I should put the SWAC in but thats another hundered plus.

SO you pulled out the airbag and stuff? Im not sure I see exactaly where that tab is to "pop" out the airbag. if the wheel is in the normal position it would be at the top of the weel?

Just behind the airbag, or behind the trim stuff?

Any install info on this would be awesome! Im going to try and do it tonight before I head out on a road trip.

I asssume I can rent a wheel puller from autozone...Any type? are they universal?

Mike

chevy4x4trucks · October 17, 2003

I bought a wheel puller from checker for like 10 bucks, cheapest one they had and it worked fine.

If you live near Milwaukee, WI I could lend you a hand, but I'm guessing you don't.

For the tab, you have to turn the wheel 90 degrees and insert a small flathead screwdriver from the backside towards the seat in a horizontal position.

Here's my quick graphical representation of it. Hopefully this clarifies it for you.

Going from memory so the drawing is very crude.

Taaaaaaahoe? · October 17, 2003

Thanks so much! you have been a great help!! Im about to go pick up a wheel puller to see if I cant do this. Not to sound dunb...YOu need a wheel puller to get the wheel off, does it go back on with ease?

Mike

chevy4x4trucks · October 17, 2003

I don't recall having any problems getting the wheel back on. Actually putting everything back together was a cinch. The only part I remember having problems w/ was getting the torx screw back in the steering coloumn shroud.

Taaaaaaahoe? · October 17, 2003

Ugh.

Im working on it now, but cantr seem to free the airbag. I have the screw driver in that ares right next to the torx bolt. But all that is there is a little metal clip...and Im not sure what way to move it??

Mike

chevy4x4trucks · October 18, 2003

I don't know what to tell you. It was waaaaay too long ago to remember. I just know I fiddled around w/ it to get it to release. I could almost feel the side come free.