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Post by Hurricane87 on Nov 2, 2015 13:38:07 GMT -6
I am about to replace my steering wheel, and I haven't done anything like this since my last non-airbagged car. So I have a question. Is a common-blade screwdriver sufficient to remove the airbag/cover/horn pad from the center, or is it somehow more complicated than that?
Also, out of curiosity, there is only one wiring harness in the replacement wheel. I was expecting two, one for the airbag and one for the steering wheel controls and cruise control. Am I missing something, or is there only supposed to be one?
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RCA1186
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Rob
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Post by RCA1186 on Nov 2, 2015 15:23:39 GMT -6
I'd imagine all the connectors are run through the clockspring. The connector you see is probably the one for that. I'm not sure what's included in the replacement wheel you got. I'm not sure exactly what you're trying to remove, the full airbag/horn assembly so you can take off the wheel? If it's anything like the classic (which I have no idea whatsoever if it is or not) there are two screw covers on the back of the wheel you remove and then you unbolt the whole airbag assembly. This is the exploded view of the Classic, notice cover (10) and the bolts (9) to remove the full airbag assembly  This is best I could find online for the 2G  Maybe someone with a 2G FSM or AllData can provide better instructions. |
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Post by Hurricane87 on Nov 2, 2015 16:12:21 GMT -6
I looked at the replacement wheel, and there are two screws on the back. Have no idea how I'm going to reach those...
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Post by Hurricane87 on Nov 2, 2015 16:12:35 GMT -6
And yes, I want to remove everything from the center to change the wheel.
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Paulaurora
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Post by Paulaurora on Nov 2, 2015 17:02:43 GMT -6
I will check my all data tonight we see if i find anything.
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Post by Hurricane87 on Nov 3, 2015 12:25:24 GMT -6
In the meantime, accessing the screws isn't going to be a problem, after all. Harbor Freight sells a tiny 90 degree ratcheting screwdriver that comes with exactly the right Torx head. For $3.49...
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Post by Hurricane87 on Nov 6, 2015 13:35:10 GMT -6
Well, accessing those two screws accomplished nothing--it just allows the plastic shield on the back of the wheel to flop around loose. I checked YouTube, and apparently inserting an Allen wrench into the hole on the back of the wheel, and wiggling it around, pops a clip which releases the airbag. On some GM vehicles, but not these.  AutoZone says neither they nor the competition has anything like an airbag removal tool (and I've certainly never seen one on the pegs), and that if I were to get one from someone like Snap-On, it would probably cost more than an hour's labor at the mechanic, for something I hope never to use again. So, did anyone come up with anything, before I go return my steering wheel puller? |
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Paulaurora
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Post by Paulaurora on Nov 6, 2015 19:15:38 GMT -6
Pm me your email i will send you things i have from all data
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tigger
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Post by tigger on Nov 6, 2015 20:19:27 GMT -6
Here's the air bag tool per 2001 FSM, J44298.  Looks like Paul can get you the procedure. FWIW, you can most likely make a tool that will work. It only releases spring clips that hold the airbag to the wheel... Take PICS! LOL! Never been in there and hope I never have to, but still interesting. Good luck! |
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Post by awehlage on Nov 8, 2015 8:44:14 GMT -6
From experience, you can definitely use (2) stubby flat blade screwdrivers per side and pop the spring locking mechanisms (top and bottom). I did the drivers side first, then to not let the springs slip back into the lock position stick something between the airbag and steering wheel. Move to the passenger side. Probably took 45 minutes this way. -OR- Purchase the tool like I finally did and remove the airbag in 30 seconds (after you pull the SIR fuse and disconnect the yellow airbag sensor connectors). Then one retaining nut holds the steering wheel to the column. I want to say 18mm nut (not for sure though). Pull the steering wheel towards you and it should pop off. Make sure it's straight when pulling off and putting back on or you will get a crooked wheel and alignment will be off. EDIT: FSM Procedure drive.google.com/open?id=0B5l_tU4monthcEpZaWNxb0N6Zm8drive.google.com/open?id=0B5l_tU4monthQl9EM215SWlUWWMdrive.google.com/open?id=0B5l_tU4monthWjRUOFRhWW5oWEk |
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Paulaurora
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Post by Paulaurora on Nov 8, 2015 11:05:06 GMT -6
common awehlage u tell me i waste my time for nothing .. jk ... nice i dont use cloud space much ...
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Post by Hurricane87 on Nov 9, 2015 9:36:03 GMT -6
I definitely will purchase the tool if I can find it--is it something available at the dealer?
And how do I do the passenger side? (Maybe I should be waiting for Pavel's response, but...) There aren't two holes there, just one big one where the cruise control is. If I have to take that off first, I officially give up.
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Post by awehlage on Nov 9, 2015 20:27:37 GMT -6
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Post by Hurricane87 on Nov 17, 2015 16:53:25 GMT -6
So, I got the tool. I put it in the holes. I push it back toward the dash, as in the instructions. Nothing happens. I pull it toward me, just to see. The plastic on the back of the wheel cracks, but nothing else happens. I push the tines in, trying to find the holes I must be missing. It doesn't move.
The instructions also say to use the tool to remove the cruise control lever cover for better access. There is nowhere on the lever cover to insert a tine, or to pry it off in any way.
What am I doing wrong?
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Post by Hurricane87 on Nov 17, 2015 16:54:10 GMT -6
Btw, these are more or less the same results I was getting using Allen wrenches or screwdrivers, as per the YouTube videos.
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Paulaurora
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Post by Paulaurora on Nov 18, 2015 10:13:42 GMT -6
I wish i was more help but i never did that kind of job:(.
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Post by Hurricane87 on Nov 19, 2015 12:04:15 GMT -6
Anybody else? Awhelage, especially? What's the trick to doing it in 30 seconds?
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Post by awehlage on Nov 19, 2015 21:33:33 GMT -6
If I remember you have to insert the tool all the way in until it disengages the spring loaded retainers. The airbag should pop out a bit and then move to the other side.
I followed the FSM procedure and didn't have the issues you are describing.
Cruise control is held on by a screw if I remember. Don't think that needs to be removed before taking the airbag off.
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