Hello and question, steering wheel

[T56 Impala]

Hello. I'm new here. Got my QX new in May of 2012 (2011MY) and have loved nearly every minute of owning it. There have been some issues, battery x3, fuel gauge, dealer broke the windshield while it was in for service, timing chain noise, tires (3rd set at 65K) just installed. Overall I'm a happy owner.

My question is about the steering wheel. I have the Sand interior. Even with kids and dogs (Georgia red clay) it has stood up well. Actually better than I expected. The drivers seat is starting to show some typical wear but my biggest disappointment has been the steering wheel. Very early on, about 28k, it started to discolor and wear. Being heated I didn't want to put a cover on it, but finally did last year. I really don't like the look of it.

My other option was to buy a new one. Dealer wants $900+ without the airbag! I have found them on line for about $420. I'm a pretty mechanically adept fellow so I thought I might give this a go at home. What worries me is all of the electronics involved. That and the air bag. I do have a puller in my tool box so actually getting it off shouldn't be too bad.

I was wondering if anyone here can tell me the correct procedure for disarming the air bag, removing the air bag, removing the wheel, then reinstalling. Anything under the wheel I need to worry about? Any special tools? I've pulled my share of steering wheels in pre airbag cars. Anything really that different? Anyone know of a cheaper OEM wheel?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Rsanders24]

Yeah...the leather in this vehicle wears pretty quickly...both grades...go fiigure.

Have you talked to your dealer to see if they will goodwill the seat and steering wheel? I got both of mine replaced outside of the warranty by my dealer because they looked so bad. I have the wood trim steering wheel and it wears very quickly where the leather meets the wood. If you have a good relationship with your dealer I would give it a shot...if they won't pay for it all they might pay for a portion of it...

 

[T56 Impala]

No, my dealer and I do not have a good relationship ever since they broke my windshield and refused to own up to it. I also like doing things myself. Just thought there might be a Tech on board willing to describe what I might run into.

Thanks for the reply though!

 

[T56 Impala]

Okay, I'll follow up on this.

A friend from another forum detailed to me how to do this. No big deal. I was able to pick up a new leather wheel for $99. I had to buy a set of Torx safety bits to pull out the air bag retaining bolts. Luckily I had the puller already in the box. Rocking the wheel had no effect and the puller was very much needed. I had to crank down on it pretty hard to get the wheel to pop.

Pasting this from another forum:


"First, disconnect both battery cables and wait at least 10 minutes for the capacitors in the Air Bag control unit to discharge. Keep the key outside of the vehicle in case the cables are unintentionally reconnected. Second, do not let the spiral cable turn when the steering wheel is off. It can only turn two and a half turns in either direction. If it turns beyond that the wires inside will break and the air bags will not deploy in a collision.

In order to remove the steering wheel there are two round covers on both sides of the steering wheel assembly. Pop the covers off and inside will be either 10mm bolts, security torx or possible a locking bolt similar to a wheel lock key. Remove both bolts. The air bag module will easily pop right out. On the back of the air bag are two connectors. One orange and one yellow. With a small pick tool carefully pop the black connector locks away from the connectors. The connectors will be able to be pulled straight out from the air bag. There will also be one ground connection on the steering wheel and a thin flat connector for the spiral cable. Once the air bag is removed you can remove the 19mm nut on the steering wheel. Note the notch on the center of the steering column. There should be a locating punch mark on the steering wheel to line it up during reassembly. You shouldn't need a puller. Normally you can just firmly grab the steering wheel at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions and rock it back and forth. After about 4 or 5 times rocking it the wheel should come loose. With the wheel removed it's very important not to disturb the spiral cable. It's the round black assembly with a white plastic stud at the 12 o'clock position still remaining on the column.

Reassemble in reverse order.

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[Rsanders24]

Nice write up! Thanks! I hope I don't have to replace it again...dealer told me lotions and oils really break the leather down quickly. I wipe mine off once a week.