Repair 7

How to Remove the Steering Wheel in a 2002 Firebird

The steering wheel in a 2002 Pontiac Firebird is held to the steering column with a non-reusable nut. The drivers side airbag unit covers the nut and also contains the horn pad. In order to access the nut, you must disable the air bag system and caully remove the airbag unit from the steering wheel. Removing the steering wheel is a common step in many repair procedures, such as removing the dashboard and replacing the vehicles heater core.

Instructions

Removal

1

Rotate the steering wheel so the front wheels are pointing straight ahead, then turn off the ignition switch and take out the key.

2

Open the drivers side door and remove the left instrument panel fuse block door. Remove the 15-amp airbag fuse and set it aside. Remove the screws holding the drivers side lower dashboard cover to the dashboard with a metric nut driver, then remove the cover. Disconnect the yellow airbag electrical connector at the base of the steering column.

3

Disconnect the negative battery terminal with an 8 mm wrench. Tilt the steering wheel to its maximum downward position. Remove the screws on the back side of the airbag unit with a T-30 Torx bit and a ratchet.

4

Pull the airbag unit off of the steering wheel and disconnect its electrical connector by gently raising the locking tab with a small flat-head screwdriver, then removing the connector from the airbag unit. Remove the airbag unit from the vehicle.

5

Remove the steering wheel lock nut with a ratchet and a metric socket. Push the horn ground lead inward and rotate it counterclockwise to disengage its locking tab, then pull it out of the steering wheel.

6

Attach a steering wheel puller to the steering wheel. Tighten the center bolt on the steering wheel puller with a ratchet and socket until the wheel is free from the steering shaft. Remove the wheel from the vehicle.

Installation

7

Set the steering wheel into position on the steering shaft and thread a new nut onto the steering shaft spindle. Tighten the nut and watch while it draws the steering wheel down to the bottom of the spindle shaft. Torque the nut to 32 foot-pounds with a torque wrench and verify that the wheel is fully-seated.

8

Insert the horn lead back into its mounting hole and rotate the connector clockwise until it locks into position.

9

Reconnect the airbags electrical connector and reinstall the Torx screws holding the bag unit to the wheel. Torque the bag retaining screws to 25 inch-pounds.

10

Reconnect the airbag connector at the base of the steering shaft and reinstall the lower dashboard cover.

11

Replace the 15-amp airbag fuse and reinstall the left instrument panel cover. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.