streering wheel pad

[mark21742]

does anyone know what the secret is to get the steering wheel pad (horn cover) off? is there bolts or screws, or do I just pull really really hard?

[surfinjoe]

Man, you gotta be careful with that cover. That is where the airbag is. You don't want that thing going off in your face! Just my $0.02 but I know that they are very tempormental buggers and can go off very easily.

[mark21742]

Man, you gotta be careful with that cover. That is where the airbag is. You don't want that thing going off in your face! Just my $0.02 but I know that they are very tempormental buggers and can go off very easily.

I know, had a car we were junking one time, pulled an air bag out, clamped it to the work bench and hooked a motorcycle batter to it... it flipped the bench over....it was great!

I want to swap the stock wheel for an aftermarket wheel, I need to get it off but don't want to damage it. I need to know how to get the cover off.... I pulled on it and tried look under it and couldn't see anything holding it in. do I just need to pull harder and will it just pop off?

[surfinjoe]

I will check the service manual and see if they talk about removing the wheel.

[Sarge]

Some crap from the GM manual that may be of help for you man....
Tools Required
EL-46844 Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Removal Tool


--- Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone See: Air Bag(s) Arming and Disarming\Service and Repair\Air Bag Disarming and Arming\SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3

---Place the front wheels in the straight ahead position.
Rotate the steering wheel 90 degree to expose 2 of the 4 access holes in the rear of the steering wheel hub.
---Use EL-46844 to relieve the tension of the 2 spring loaded retaining clips. When tension is released the steering wheel module will move slightly away from the steering wheel.
---Rotate the steering wheel 180 degree to expose the other 2 access holes in the rear of the steering wheel hub.
---Use EL-46844 to relieve the tension of the 2 spring loaded retaining clips. When tension is released the steering wheel module will move slightly away from the sterling wheel.
---Disconnect the steering wheel module connector (2). IMPORTANT: When disconnecting connector (1) take care to avoid damage to the wiring harness.
---Disconnect the wiring harness connectors (1 and 4).
---Remove the steering wheel module (3).
---Fully deploy the module before disposal. If the module was replaced under warranty, fully deploy and dispose of the module after the required retention period.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's not that difficult.
Disconnect the battery for 30 mins.
Push the brake pedal a couple of times to drain electrical charge
Turn the steering wheel 90 degrees
Use small flat blade screw driver to release spring clips from back side
Cover pops right off

[mark21742]

Thank You Sarge!!!!

[mark21742]

Some crap from the GM manual that may be of help for you man....
Tools Required
EL-46844 Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Removal Tool


--- Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone See: Air Bag(s) Arming and Disarming\Service and Repair\Air Bag Disarming and Arming\SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3

---Place the front wheels in the straight ahead position.
Rotate the steering wheel 90 degree to expose 2 of the 4 access holes in the rear of the steering wheel hub.
---Use EL-46844 to relieve the tension of the 2 spring loaded retaining clips. When tension is released the steering wheel module will move slightly away from the steering wheel.
---Rotate the steering wheel 180 degree to expose the other 2 access holes in the rear of the steering wheel hub.
---Use EL-46844 to relieve the tension of the 2 spring loaded retaining clips. When tension is released the steering wheel module will move slightly away from the sterling wheel.
---Disconnect the steering wheel module connector (2). IMPORTANT: When disconnecting connector (1) take care to avoid damage to the wiring harness.
---Disconnect the wiring harness connectors (1 and 4).
---Remove the steering wheel module (3).
---Fully deploy the module before disposal. If the module was replaced under warranty, fully deploy and dispose of the module after the required retention period.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's not that difficult.
Disconnect the battery for 30 mins.
Push the brake pedal a couple of times to drain electrical charge
Turn the steering wheel 90 degrees
Use small flat blade screw driver to release spring clips from back side
Cover pops right off

once again thank you sarge! took me only a minute to pop it off after I knew what I was looking for!

[Sarge]

Good....amazing what you can do with a screwdriver isnt it!
Good job....