How to Remove the Steering Wheel on a 1995 Chevy Pickup
by Russell Wood
Over time, the stock steering wheel in a 1995 Chevrolet pickup can get really worn down, and even irritating to use. The answer is to replace it with either an aftermarket model or a new stock part, but to do that, you have to remove the old one. That also means taking off the airbag, which can be tricky to do. In this case, the project vehicle is a 1995 Chevrolet Silverado, but the process is similar for other vehicles as well.
Step 1
Open the hood and disconnect the negative terminal from the battery using an open-end wrench. Allow the vehicle to sit for 30 minutes before you work on the airbag.
Step 2
Place the key in the ignition and turn it to the on position. Turn the steering wheel 90 degrees clockwise from the straight forward position. Locate the small hole in the back of the steering wheel. Place the flathead screwdriver into the hole and push it forward, which will pop the airbag out of that side of the wheel.
Step 3
Turn the wheel 180 degrees counter clockwise. Place the flathead screwdriver into the hole and push it forward, which will pop the airbag out of that side of the wheel. The airbag will pop out of the wheel into your hands, then unplug the wiring harness leading into the airbag. Remove the airbag from the vehicle and set it face up in a safe place, away from any static electricity.
Step 4
Unbolt the center bolt on the steering wheel using the 1/2-inch ratchet and socket. Then bolt the steering wheel puller to the steering wheel using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Tighten the center nut on the puller until the steering wheel pops off of the column.
Things You'll Need
- Open-end wrench set
- Small blade flathead screwdriver
- Steering wheel puller kit
- 1/2-inch ratchet and socket set
Warnings
- Never work on a vehicle's airbag system with the battery connected, otherwise you risk setting it off which could cause severe injury.
Writer Bio
Russell Wood is a writer and photographer who attended Arizona State University. He has been building custom cars and trucks since 1994, including several cover vehicles. In 2000 Wood started a career as a writer, and since then he has dedicated his business to writing and photographing cars and trucks, as well as helping people learn more about how vehicles work.
