DIY: 2012-2013 Steering Wheel Replacement

[pcguy2u]

For any of you folks that have removed their steering wheel. Were the threads on the bolt holding the steering wheel on, reverse threads?

Also, FWIW, if your plugs on the bottom of the airbag canister won't come off, ie. the orange locks won't budge, then the plugs got melted during the firing of the airbag. They sell new plugs on eBay.

Appreciate any help here.

Nick

[pcguy2u]

Originally Posted by hinkle3_trey

I can not find the spring to get the airbag off can anyone help??

It's there, I had one hell of a time finding them myself. I ultimately used the long end of a longish allen wrench (but smaller size). With the wheel upside down (holes exposed) reach into the hole and fiddle around until you find something that feels springy.

My confusion was that I couldn't be sure which way to push the spring. The simplest way to explain it is to say "push the spring toward the other hole while gently lifting on the airbag. The slightest movement (it's not much) means you got it and the other side needs to be done.

I actually was working on one side not knowing I had already released the other side - surprise, it just fell off.

[pcguy2u]

Originally Posted by pcguy2u

For any of you folks that have removed their steering wheel. Were the threads on the bolt holding the steering wheel on, reverse threads?

Also, FWIW, if your plugs on the bottom of the airbag canister won't come off, ie. the orange locks won't budge, then the plugs got melted during the firing of the airbag. They sell new plugs on eBay.

Appreciate any help here.

Nick

FWIW and for future reference, the main steering wheel bolt is indeed a T47 Torx and the threads are standard and removal is CCW.

However, the bolt is installed with blue Loctite and is a bitch to remove. I ended up using a dead blow hammer and a blunt punch on the perimeter of the head. The new bolt part number is 11610164 and retails at about $4...

Nick

[vroomapunk]

All, the airbag takes 10 seconds to remove, if its taking you longer, youre doing it wrong. Get a smallish screwdriver, slide it in the hole, it goes in on an angle, so let the hole guide you.

You will note the back has a round hole towards the inside and turns into a slot. Put it in the round hole, push in towards the airbag, then slide the handle of the screwdriver towards the slotted part (outside), it should pop off. Repeat for the other side.

Edit, I think it might be a little diff for the 2010-2011 cars.

Also, the Malibu wheel isn't the same. For all the 2012 steering wheel hate, I love it and it has a much better look and feel, especially if you paint the bowtie and bezel.

[Shawno72]

Good info

[jst1970]

Just did a wheel change (13 SS2 to ZL1) in about 10 minutes flat. The 'springy' tab on one side took a sec of fishing, but then nailed it. Other than feeling like a bomb technician handling that airbag (silly worry, but was there) All went perfect as described - simple. T50 for SURE for center wheel size.

[GO BIG ORANGE]

I'm swapping out my 2011 ls wheel for a 45th anniversary edition wheel. Thx for this write up, seems super simple.

[strickland03]

Everything worked GREAT, EASY swap! Only problem is Service Airbag Light now on? Any hints here?

[Hilflos]

Just wanted to take a moment to thank you for this post / thread.

It was useful today. Swap out went quite smoothly.

Thank you.

[Mr2Hard2See]

I have a 2011 camaro SS and have plans of swapping to a 2012 style steering wheel. Can I use the same clock spring I have already?

This is my donor wheel that I’ll be taking the control buttons from.

[Mr2Hard2See]

This is the real steering wheel I plan on installing after I swap control buttons over like I mentioned before. I know I need to purchase a new air bag as well. If 1 of you gents have the GM part number for air bag that would be awesome if you shared info with me as well.

[Vegas Bound]

I got stuck at 10mm socket.

[Mr2Hard2See]

Originally Posted by Vegas Bound

I got stuck at 10mm socket.

I have not made a attempt to do the swap because my car is at the shop for gear upgrade. There shouldn’t be any problems with me to remove my old wheel and I guess at this point I’ll see if the 2010/11 clock spring will work for a 2012-15 wheel. That will let me know what additional items to buy to complete this mod