Steering Wheel

Procedure to remove and replace the steering wheel on a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV, including proper airbag handling and steering wheel alignment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering wheel (if replacing) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering wheel nut (recommended new) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface with wheels pointed straight ahead
2. Turn ignition OFF and remove key fob from vehicle
3. Disconnect 12V auxiliary battery (located in rear cargo area) negative terminal
4. Wait minimum 2 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge
5. Verify steering wheel is centered with front wheels straight
6. Cover fenders and steering column with protective covers to prevent damage

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark steering wheel alignment
   Before removal, mark the relationship between the steering wheel and steering shaft using masking tape or a paint pen. This ensures proper alignment during reinstallation and maintains correct steering wheel centering.
2. 2

   Remove airbag module access covers
   Locate the small access holes on the left and right sides of the steering wheel back. Insert a small trim tool or T30 Torx bit into each hole to release the airbag module retaining clips. Some models may have Torx screws instead of spring clips.
3. 3

   Remove airbag module bolts
   Using a T30 Torx bit, remove the airbag module retaining bolts from both sides of the steering wheel. Support the airbag module as you remove the second bolt to prevent it from falling. There are typically two bolts securing the module.
   ⚠️Support airbag module carefully during removal. Do not let it hang by electrical connectors.
   Torque spec

   Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect airbag electrical connectors
   Carefully pull the airbag module away from the steering wheel. Locate the yellow airbag connector (typically yellow safety connector) and horn connector on the back of the module. Depress the connector locking tabs and disconnect both connectors. Remove airbag module and place face-up on a clean, padded surface away from the work area.
5. 5

   Disconnect steering wheel controls
   Locate and disconnect all remaining electrical connectors behind the steering wheel, including steering wheel control module connectors (cruise control, audio controls, etc.). Note the routing and position of all wiring for reassembly.
6. 6

   Remove steering wheel retaining nut
   Using a 19mm deep socket, remove the steering wheel retaining nut from the center of the steering wheel. Do not turn the steering shaft during this process. Keep the nut if reusing or have a new nut ready for installation.
   ⚠Do not strike the steering wheel or shaft with a hammer. Use a proper puller if wheel is tight.
   Torque spec

   Steering Wheel Nut54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove steering wheel
   Grasp the steering wheel firmly at 3 and 9 o'clock positions and pull straight back while applying even pressure. If the wheel does not release easily, use a steering wheel puller or harmonic balancer puller to avoid damaging the clockspring. Rock the wheel gently side to side while pulling if needed. Once released, carefully route all wiring through the wheel opening.
8. 8

   Inspect clockspring and shaft
   With steering wheel removed, inspect the clockspring assembly for damage, proper centering, and secure mounting. Verify the steering shaft is still in the straight-ahead position and splines are undamaged. Do not rotate the clockspring or steering shaft.
   ⚠If clockspring appears damaged or is not centered, it must be replaced or re-centered before proceeding.
9. 9

   Install new or replacement steering wheel
   Align the splines on the replacement steering wheel with the steering shaft, ensuring the alignment marks made during removal are matched. Route all electrical connectors through the wheel hub opening. Press the wheel firmly onto the shaft, ensuring it seats fully against the clockspring.
10. 10

    Install and torque steering wheel nut
    Thread the steering wheel retaining nut onto the shaft by hand to avoid cross-threading. Using a torque wrench and 19mm socket, tighten the nut to specification. Verify the steering wheel is properly centered with wheels straight ahead before final tightening.
    Torque spec

    Steering Wheel Nut54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect steering wheel electrical connectors
    Reconnect all steering wheel control module connectors, ensuring they click fully into place and are properly routed. Verify no wires are pinched or twisted. Connect the horn connector.
12. 12

    Reinstall airbag module
    Reconnect the yellow airbag connector and ensure it locks securely. Position the airbag module onto the steering wheel, aligning the mounting holes. Install both airbag module retaining bolts and torque to specification using a T30 Torx bit and torque wrench. Follow any specific tightening sequence indicated on the module or in the service manual.
    ⚠️Ensure airbag connector is fully locked before installing module. Verify no wires are pinched between module and wheel.
    Torque spec

    Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect battery and initialize system
    Reconnect the 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal. Turn the ignition to ON position (do not start) and verify the airbag warning light illuminates briefly then extinguishes. If the light stays on, do not proceed and diagnose the fault code.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Verify steering wheel is centered with front wheels straight ahead
3. Confirm airbag module bolts are torqued to exact specification and in proper sequence
4. Check that no wiring is pinched or under tension

Verification

• Start vehicle and verify airbag warning light extinguishes within 6-10 seconds
• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock slowly and verify smooth operation with no binding
• Test all steering wheel controls (cruise, audio, phone) for proper function
• Test horn operation
• Drive vehicle at low speed and verify steering wheel remains centered during straight-line driving
• If airbag light remains illuminated, use scan tool to retrieve fault codes and address before returning vehicle to service

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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