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

[hammdo]

Appreciate that!

My build has a ton of other things I've done. Always something going on...

You'll love the change, I know I did...

-Don

[MarioSS]

Originally Posted by hammdo

Appreciate that!

My build has a ton of other things I've done. Always something going on...

You'll love the change, I know I did...

-Don

Can't wait to get rid of my 2010 steering, and fit my 1LE suede wheel!
It's so uncomfortable to drive around with the deep dish steering. I also find it huge compared to my previous car (Audi S3)

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using Tapatalk

[olblue75]

Did mine about 6 weeks ago I also restitched it from gray to orange so it's very unique a flat bottom suede with orange stitching.

[MarioSS]

Originally Posted by olblue75

Did mine about 6 weeks ago I also restitched it from gray to orange so it's very unique a flat bottom suede with orange stitching.

Nice! I would imagine it looks cool.

Did you notice the size difference when you switched the steering wheel?

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using Tapatalk

[jrob56]

Great work on this write up, shopping 5th gens and hate the 10-12 wheel. Good to know if I get a deal I can swap wheels.

[huskerborn]

Originally Posted by 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

Don, in the above pictures, where you are comparing the two air bags and show the different connectors on the air bags. Did you swap the blue connector over or did you just make sure you moved the blue over so it would connect on the other side? it doesn't really say if you removed that blue part and moved it or just moved the wire itself.





Hopefully I asked that so you can understand what I meant.


Oh, and I am one of those that likes the newer style better than the round button look.. Glad I am not the only one.

[olblue75]

There’s enough slack to move the blue wire over with out issue.

[hammdo]

Originally Posted by olblue75

There’s enough slack to move the blue wire over with out issue.

Exactly, no issue at all doing that...


-Don

[huskerborn]

Originally Posted by olblue75

There’s enough slack to move the blue wire over with out issue.

Perfect, that was what I thought, but thought it best to ask.