How to Change Out Steering Wheels

You probably touch the steering wheel of your vehicle more than any other part. Steering wheels do wear out, so sometimes you need to replace them. Pulling a steering wheel isn't difficult, but it can be a touch tricky depending on what year the vehicle was built. Newer vehicles are equipped with airbags, so they require a few different steps. It's daunting, but it can be done by yourself. In this case, the vehicle is a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado, but the steps are similar for other vehicles.

Things You'll Need

• Steering wheel puller
• 3/8-inch ratchet and socket set
• 3/8-inch ratchet extension, 12-inches long
• Replacement steering wheel
• Allen key set
• Needle-nose pliers

Instructions

1. Pop the hood and disconnect the battery. Disconnect the negative post first, then the positive, and place them away from the battery. To avoid accidentally discharging the air bag, wait 30 minutes before working on the vehicle any further.

2. Lock the steering wheel by turning it side to side with the key out of the ignition. You want to lock the wheel as straight as possible so you can align the new one properly.

3. Place the allen key in one of the access holes on the rear side of the steering wheel. This is one of the clips to release the airbag, and an allen key is just used to pop the clip out of place. Do that on each side, while holding the airbag steady with another hand.

4. Unclip the clip that holds the yellow wire to the steering wheel using the needle nose pliers. You'll be reusing these clips, so be careful with them.

5. Unclip the yellow airbag harness wire from the clock spring using the needle nose pliers or your fingers. This will disconnect power to the airbag and render it inert. Place it to the side, with face up.

6. Unbolt the steering wheel using the 3/8-inch ratchet, socket set and extension.

7. Thread the steering wheel puller into the steering wheel itself using the supplied bolts. The center of the puller is designed to push on the steering column while the bolts pull the wheel back.

8. Tighten the center bolt of the wheel puller until the steering wheel breaks free from the column. At that point, you can unbolt the steering wheel puller from the steering wheel. Remove the old wheel.

9. Put the new steering wheel onto the steering column, being careful to note the orientation of the wheel.

10. Bolt the wheel down using the 3/8-inch ratchet, socket and extension.

11. Connect the yellow airbag wire to the clock spring by pushing the two clips together. You can clip the wire to the steering wheel again in this same step.

12. Push the airbag into the steering wheel, being firm. The horn will most likely go off at this point, but just be prepared for the noise.

13. Reconnect the battery, positive post then negative post, using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket set. The job is now complete.