How to Remove the Steering Wheel of a 1988 Chevy S10 Blazer 4x4

Whether you need to remove the steering wheel on your 1988 Chevy S10 Blazer to service the steering column or replace the wheel, you can do it at home without fear of misaligning the steering wheel and front tires. But you need to follow the correct procedure. You will need a few simple tools you might already own, a steering-wheel puller, and you will need to make sure you are starting off with the front wheel properly centered.

Things You'll Need

• Wrench
• Ratchet
• Ratchet extension
• Socket
• Snap ring pliers
• Permanent marker
• Steering-wheel puller
• Torque wrench

Instructions

Removing the Steering Wheel

1. Detach the negative (black) battery cable using a wrench.

2. Turn the ignition key to the "On" position. Set the steering wheel in the horizontal position so the front wheels point straight ahead and remove the key.

3. Unscrew the shroud mounting bolts from behind the wheel using a ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.

4. Lift the steering wheel shroud and disconnect the electrical wire from under the shroud by pulling the wire-fitting spade connector. Put the steering wheel shroud to the side.

5. Take off the steering wheel-to-steering shaft retainer clip using a pair of snap ring pliers.

6. Make alignment marks on the steering wheel and steering shaft using a permanent marker so that you can reinstall the steering wheel in the same exact position.

7. Install a steering wheel puller and pull out the steering wheel from the steering shaft.

Install the Steering Wheel

1. Verify that the turn-signal switch is in the "Off" (center) position.

2. Rest the steering wheel on the steering shaft so that the alignment marks fit together and carefully push the steering wheel on the steering shaft splines. The steering column on your Chevy S10 Blazer is designed to collapse on impact in case of an accident, so do not try to fit the steering wheel on the shaft by hammering on it.

3. Install the steering wheel retaining nut finger tight. Then torque the nut to 30-foot lbs. (40 Nm) using a torque wrench.

4. Replace the steering wheel-to-steering shaft retainer clip using the snap ring pliers.

5. Place the steering wheel shroud on the steering wheel and connect the electrical wire on the spade connector.

6. Set the steering wheel shroud in its mounted position and tighten the wheel mounting bolts using a ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.

7. Attach the negative (black) battery cable using the wrench.

References

• "Chevrolet S-10, GMC S-15 & Olds Bravada Automotive Repair Manual"; Robert Maddox and John H. Haynes; 1994