DIY: 2011 SS A6 Steering Wheel to 2013 ZL1 (Leather)

[hammdo]

So, let me get this out of the way:

Yes, ZL1 Steering wheel in a 2011 2SS -- I bought it from a member here and I liked the style (goes with my ZL1 wheels).

Why Change:

1. 2011 has some 'ergo' issues that I didn't like (controls are harder to reach)
2. 2011 Paddles are 'stiffer' to use
3. 2011 Steering wheel lacked a 'performance' feel

I know some don't like the 'bow-tie' -- I'm ok with it.

So here is what I did to install:

Before I started, I opened the drivers door before I disconnected the battery (in the trunk):



This was so I could open/close the door without worrying about the window.

I then disconnected the battery terminals (both) -- I found the terminals were 'white dusted' so I figured I'd clean them off:

10mm socket:



notice the 'white' dusting on the terminal



now cleaned:









Have to do this to avoid 'issues' later -- need to know 'why' this happened too.

I waited 30 minutes before I attempted to remove the air bag (just to be SURE)...

Now, I followed this great post to take off the air bag on the older style steering wheel:

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showpo...20&postcount=6

Great guide and great pictures.

Once I had the air bag off, I was then able to follow these steps:

Located the bolt on the existing wheel, used a T50 to take it off but I did remove the air bag first. I have some shots of the 'removal' of the air bag so you'll see what I did:





Now its time to disconnect the air bag. I wanted to show this just so folks are aware of the need to 'raise' the clip:



Note the colors on the 'older style bag too...









Air bag off and 'up' per directions from other sources:



Now, disconnecting the wiring harness:

Note, press in the 'tab' in the middle to remove it:



Dis-connected and bolt removed:



Note the blue locktite:



Clean this and remember to 'add' blue locktite when you install the bolt...

Steering wheel removed -- note the alignment of the clock spring! It moves a little but line it up and keep it there...



Back of 'older style' steering wheel:



Now the new one -- slide on the wheel -- it ONLY goes on one way. Keep the clock spring lined up and also fish the air bag wires through the opening:



Aligned:





Wheel on:



Locktite, then bolted and torqued (22 ft lbs):



Now, notice the 'difference' in the older style air bag vs new:



The 'blue' connector is on the right on the newer one, and the 'left' on the older one!

Wires before switching:



After:



Connected:



So, you push these on and then 'press down' the clips. This locks it in...

Now, press on the air bag -- gently but firmly' and you'll feel the air bag 'lock' in. Here it is installed:



Now to test. Turn the car 'on' but don't start. You'll see the air bag indicator flash and then turn off. Mine is now off and this means all is well (you have to see it flash -- its really quick though):



Now, you can test the controls and horn!

Here it is all done!





Reprogrammed the clock and speed limit warning (those were off due to disconnecting the battery).

Took it for a drive and I really like the way this steering wheel feels! Love the 'flat bottom' and I think it looks great too...

Overall (outside of the wait time) took about 25 minutes to do...

Hope this helps!

-Don

[spyderbuddy]

Glad you like it, but you could have gotten a sterring wheel out of a Malibu

[hammdo]

Originally Posted by spyderbuddy

Glad you like it, but you could have gotten a sterring wheel out of a Malibu

I know the 'parts bin' but that's ok. I know some folks don't like the new wheel and I understand but hey, I'm ok with it...

Thanks!

-Don

[mlee]

Nice DIY thread. Thanks for posting...

[hammdo]

Glad to do it. Some folks may wonder what it took to do that conversion so, here it is. The ZL1 is an awesome car (see you have one -- I'm jealous!). I like many features they have, so I've taken a few of them and 'installed' them. Some folks will like it, others won't -- that's ok. I'm more into 'helping educate' those who may 'think' about doing it and giving them some idea of what it takes.

So now, I'm gonna finish up my 1LE upgrade today (struts). The gen 5's are amazing cars and I like how I can 'finally' work on one again!

Thanks!

-Don

[Blownfogger540]

Originally Posted by spyderbuddy

Glad you like it, but you could have gotten a sterring wheel out of a Malibu

why would u want to put that crappy round wheel in from a Malibu ?

when u can put a zl1 in

[hammdo]

Originally Posted by Blownfogger540

why would u want to put that crappy round wheel in from a Malibu ?

when u can put a zl1 in

Like the saying goes 'No good deed goes unpunished' ;o)


-Don

[Shawno72]

Good info

[MarioSS]

Thanks for the great write-up!

Can you please share the steering wheel airbag part number?

I think the camaro has a different airbag part number compared to the Malibu and Cruze tho they are the same size and look.

Would appreciate any input

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using Tapatalk

[hammdo]

I'll see if I still have it...

-Don

[MarioSS]

Originally Posted by hammdo

I'll see if I still have it...

-Don

I would really appreciate it

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using Tapatalk

[hammdo]

This is the only number I have and its for a 2012-2015 Camaro:

23170890

Don't go by what the 'pics' on the parts websites -- those are wrong -- go by the year

2012-2015 ZL1 and this will get you the part number for sure...

http://www.chevypartscentral.com/p/C...wd=&origin=pla

-Don

[MarioSS]

Originally Posted by hammdo

This is the only number I have and its for a 2012-2015 Camaro:

23170890

Don't go by what the 'pics' on the parts websites -- those are wrong -- go by the year

2012-2015 ZL1 and this will get you the part number for sure...

http://www.chevypartscentral.com/p/C...wd=&origin=pla

-Don

Thanks a million Don

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using Tapatalk

[INFERNOSS/RS]

Solid write up and excellent pics, Thank you! I'm about to tackle the 1LE wheel upgrade in my '10 and I'm hopeful it goes this smooth. Well done, Sir, well done.