This procedure covers removal and installation of the steering wheel on a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette with 327ci V8 engine, including disconnection of the horn contact and proper alignment during reinstallation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering wheel (if replacing) × 1 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent
• Horn contact spring (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering wheel nut (reuse if not damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park the vehicle on level ground and set the parking brake.
2. Turn the front wheels to the straight-ahead position.
3. Disconnect the negative battery cable and secure it away from the battery terminal.
4. Allow the steering wheel to reach ambient temperature if the vehicle was recently driven.
5. Gather all tools and parts before beginning the procedure.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove horn button or center cap
   Locate the horn button or center cap assembly in the center of the steering wheel. On 1966 Corvettes, this is typically a center horn button/cap assembly (verify the exact style for your wheel, which may be a plastic horn cap rather than chrome). Carefully pry the cap off using a flat-head screwdriver wrapped in a shop towel to protect the finish, or twist counterclockwise if threaded. Some models have small retaining screws on the underside of the steering wheel spokes that must be removed first before the cap will release.
2. 2

   Disconnect horn wire and remove horn contact
   With the center cap removed, locate the horn contact assembly. Disconnect the horn wire terminal from the contact spring or push-on connector. The horn contact spring may be held by a small retaining screw or may simply press into place. Remove any retaining hardware and carefully extract the horn contact spring, noting its orientation for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Mark steering wheel and shaft alignment
   Before removing the steering wheel retaining nut, use masking tape or a paint marker to create alignment marks on both the steering wheel hub and the steering shaft. Mark the position where the shaft index notch or flat aligns with the steering wheel. This ensures the wheel will be reinstalled in the exact same position, maintaining proper spoke orientation relative to the straight-ahead position.
4. 4

   Remove steering wheel retaining nut
   Using a large socket (approximately 7/8", verify exact size on your vehicle), remove the large steering wheel retaining nut from the center of the steering shaft. This nut is located directly on the steering shaft and secures the wheel to the shaft splines. Keep this nut in a safe place for reinstallation, as it should be reused unless damaged or stripped.
5. 5

   Install steering wheel puller
   Thread a steering wheel puller into the threaded holes provided in the steering wheel hub (verify hole count and configuration against factory documentation for your specific wheel). Ensure the puller bolts are threaded fully and evenly into both holes. Ensure the puller bolts are threaded fully and evenly into both holes. Position the center screw of the puller so it contacts the center of the steering shaft end, not the threads.
6. 6

   Remove steering wheel with puller
   While holding the steering wheel firmly with both hands, tighten the center screw of the steering wheel puller gradually. Apply steady, even pressure. The steering wheel will release from the shaft splines with a sudden pop. Do not strike the puller or shaft with a hammer. If the wheel does not release after moderate puller pressure, apply penetrating oil around the shaft-to-hub interface and wait 10-15 minutes before continuing.
7. 7

   Remove puller and lift steering wheel off
   Once the wheel breaks free from the shaft splines, remove the steering wheel puller by unthreading it from the hub. Carefully lift the steering wheel straight off the steering shaft, guiding any remaining wire harness or contact components clear of the column. Inspect the shaft splines for damage, rust, or debris.
8. 8

   Clean and inspect steering shaft
   With the steering wheel removed, clean the steering shaft splines using a wire brush or shop towel to remove any dirt, old grease, or corrosion. Inspect the splines for wear, damage, or mushrooming. Check the shaft for any lateral play or excessive endplay which could indicate worn column bearings. If installing a new steering wheel, verify that the spline count and diameter match the shaft.
9. 9

   Align and install steering wheel
   Align the steering wheel hub with the steering shaft, matching the alignment marks made during disassembly. The wheel hub will only fit onto the shaft splines in one position due to the master spline or indexing feature. Slide the steering wheel onto the shaft, ensuring it seats fully against the shaft shoulder. The wheel should slide on with moderate hand pressure. If excessive force is required, remove the wheel and recheck spline alignment.
10. 10

    Install and tighten steering wheel retaining nut
    Thread the steering wheel retaining nut onto the steering shaft by hand until finger-tight. Using a socket and ratchet, tighten the nut securely. While no specific torque specification is available in the database, tighten firmly to ensure the wheel cannot slip on the shaft splines during operation. A factory torque specification should be confirmed before final tightening; published GM service data for this era typically falls in the 30-50 ft-lbs range. Verify the exact value against the 1966 Corvette Chassis Service Manual before final assembly.
11. 11

    Reinstall horn contact and connect horn wire
    Position the horn contact spring into its recess in the steering shaft or steering wheel hub, matching the orientation noted during removal. The spring should sit flat and make contact with the horn wire terminal when the horn button is pressed. Reconnect the horn wire to the contact terminal, ensuring a secure connection.
12. 12

    Install horn button or center cap
    Align the horn button or center cap assembly with the steering wheel center. If threaded, twist clockwise until snug. If press-fit, align any indexing tabs and press firmly until the cap seats and locks into place. If equipped with retaining screws on the underside of the spokes, install and tighten these screws securely.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery terminal.
2. Verify that the steering wheel is centered with the front wheels in the straight-ahead position.
3. Double-check that all horn components are properly connected and the center cap is secure.

Verification

• Turn the ignition to the ON position (engine off) and verify that the steering wheel does not slip or move on the shaft when turned lock-to-lock.
• Press the horn button and verify proper horn operation, confirming electrical connection through the horn contact.
• Start the engine and turn the steering wheel through its full range of motion, listening for any unusual noises or binding that might indicate improper installation.
• Verify that the steering wheel spokes are properly aligned with the vehicle traveling straight ahead.
• Check that the horn button or center cap is secure and does not rattle or come loose.

More procedures for this vehicle