Is steering wheel replacement difficult?

tryn2lrn · October 26, 2004

I am thinking of replacing my steering wheel on my 04 GMC, I actually found I miss something from my blazer . I figure on going to the junk yard and picking one up. Is this difficult due to the air bag? I don't want to add steering wheel radio controls etc, just a leather wrapped wheel. I am assuming the higher end models have this option? Thanks

neomorphin · October 26, 2004

I have replaced a few of them. Only with aftermarket ones not oem style, and they were a pain in the butt. Every kit that I got which was designed for the truck didn't work correctly. I have had to mix and match parts everytime. As long as you have patience and time go for it. Airbag might be a problem if they aren't the same size. If you do remove it you will have the light to deal with the airbag light

tmf6902 · October 26, 2004

I've done it with a non-airbag equipped truck but never with an air bag....I always had this picture of myselft with a screwdriver stuck in my fore head after the bag blew.

budhayes3 · October 26, 2004

I've had many airbag steering wheels off, but never on a GM. To me, it's a piece of cake, just have to take your time and make sure that the battery's disconnected first.

carguru · October 26, 2004

Replacing the wheel is not too bad. As budhayes said, just have to take your time and the safety precautions for disabling the airbag. There should be a yellow plug behind the knee bolster under the steering column to disconnect. The hardest part of the steering wheel replacement is to unlatch the airbag from the access holes in the cover behind the steering wheel for the first time. After that, the steering wheel is just like any non airbag wheel.

Taaaaaaahoe? · October 26, 2004

I agree,

Its easy. There are a few plugs to disco the airbag, pull the fuse too To me, I will disco it in 10 spots just to be sure but Im sure just pulling the fuse would be enough...But you never know!

Not bad job .. of the 04 is anything lu 01, the aibag basically just snaps right out!

Mike

99-2door · October 26, 2004

The LS trucks without the steering wheel controls should have what you are looking for. I agree the rubberry feeling steering wheels are the worst.

Is your truck a base model?

You will also need a steering wheel puller set to get the job done.

Wingnut · October 26, 2004

I've done quite a few steering wheels (no airbag ones though) and I never used a puller.

Of course, I gave myself a bloody nose jerking one off once too.

Taaaaaaahoe? · October 26, 2004

I've done quite a few steering wheels (no airbag ones though) and I never used a puller.

Of course, I gave myself a bloody nose jerking one off once too.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

LOL, I needed one on mine, and for the FREE rental at autozone,....I'll do w/o the bloody nose

tryn2lrn · October 27, 2004

Thanks for comments, I do have the base model but with all the upgrades I have done I am up to an LE I think . I was just wondering if the air bag cover is leather as well or that rubbery material? If I have to buy an air bag and a steering wheel this could get expensive

budhayes3 · October 27, 2004

Thanks for comments, I do have the base model but with all the upgrades I have done I am up to an LE I think . I was just wondering if the air bag cover is leather as well or that rubbery material? If I have to buy an air bag and a steering wheel this could get expensive

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Nah, the airbag is the normal rubber stuff, just the ring of the wheel is wrapped in leather.

99-2door · October 28, 2004

Thanks for comments, I do have the base model but with all the upgrades I have done I am up to an LE I think . I was just wondering if the air bag cover is leather as well or that rubbery material? If I have to buy an air bag and a steering wheel this could get expensive

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Nah, the airbag is the normal rubber stuff, just the ring of the wheel is wrapped in leather.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yeah, the airbags are the same either way.

Good luck

Blue-2001-Z71 · October 29, 2004

No big deal, just be safe around the air bag. I believe the capacitor is depleted after only a few minutes of loss of power from the battery. Do use a puller, I almost broke a telescopic column on my old Cadillac by trying to slam the wheel off (coulda been a nose shot, but I gave up before I broke it). If you don't already have one, get yourself a good repair manual and just go step by step. Probably be best to hang on to your OE airbag unit and not trust one from the yard.