How to Put a Chevy S-10 Steering Wheel Back Together

Replacing the steering wheel on your Chevy S-10

Removing the steering wheel on your Chevy S-10 model may be necessary in order to service the ignition switch, turn-signal switch and other components. Most models require a similar process to detach the steering wheel, but the major difference is between those equipped with an airbag system and those without it. Whichever model you have, use this guide to remove and install the steering wheel on your Chevy S-10.

Things You'll Need

• Wrench
• Phillips screwdriver
• Scratch awl
• Ratchet and socket
• Snap-ring pliers
• Crayon
• Steering-wheel puller

Instructions

Remove the Steering Wheel

1. Turn the ignition key to the On position, but do not start the engine. Now center the steering wheel and make sure the front wheels are pointing straight.

2. Disconnect the ground and battery cable using a wrench. If your S-10 model is equipped with an airbag system, wait two minutes before proceeding to make sure the power has been cut off from the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system. This will prevent you from accidentally triggering an impact sensor and deploying the airbags.

3. Turn the steering wheel 90 degrees to the left or right. Then remove the two steering-wheel cover screws from the back of the wheel using a Phillips screwdriver. Turn the steering wheel 180 degrees in the opposite direction and remove the other two cover screws from the back of the wheel. If your particular S-10 model is not equipped with an airbag system, go to step number 6.

4. Turn the steering wheel 90 and 180 degrees, as you did in the previous step. You will see four holes near the mounting screws for the steering-wheel cover. Using a scratch awl or similar tool, push the leaf springs through the holes to release the pins holding the airbag to the steering wheel.

5. Lift the steering-wheel cover carefully and tilt the airbag module rearward from the top to gain access to the wiring. Then disconnect the wires form the module and the inside back of the steering-wheel cover. Unplug the Connector Position Assurance (CPA) electrical connector from the module.

6. Remove the steering-wheel cover and disconnect any wires attached to the steering-wheel cover. Then remove the cover and the airbag module, if equipped.

7. Unscrew the steering-wheel retaining nut from the center of the steering column using a ratchet and socket.

8. Remove the snap ring from the center of the steering column using a pair of snap-ring pliers.

9. Match mark the relationship between the steering column center shaft and the steering wheel using a crayon. This will guide you during the installation process if necessary.

10. Detach the steering wheel from the steering column shaft using a steering-wheel puller.

Install the Steering Wheel

1. Attach the steering wheel to the steering column shaft following the match marks, if necessary.

2. Install the snap ring to the steering column center shaft using the snap-ring pliers.

3. Screw the steering-wheel retaining nut to the center of the steering column using the ratchet and socket.

4. Place the steering-wheel cover on the steering wheel and connect any electrical wires you had to disconnect. If your S-10 model is equipped with an airbag module, go on to the next step; otherwise, go to step number 7.

5. Position the steering wheel cover and airbag module on the steering wheel. Make sure the four pins on the bottom of the module are on top of the leaf springs on the steering wheel and that there are no wires between the module and the steering column. Then press the module against the steering wheel to engage the pins on the leaf springs.

6. Connect the wires to the module and steering wheel. Then plug the Connector Position Assurance (CPA) electrical connector to the module.

7. Turn the steering wheel 90 degrees and fasten two of the cover-to-steering-wheel mounting screws. Then turn the wheel 180 degrees in the opposite direction and install the other two mounting screws using the Phillips screwdriver.

8. Turn the ignition key to the Off position and remove the key.

9. Connect the ground and battery cable using the wrench.

References

• Chevrolet S-10 & GMC Sonoma Pick-ups, Haynes Repair Manual for 1994 thru 2004; Robert Maddox and John H. Haynes; 2008