GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 42578 Steering Wheel Puller

Removal Procedure

Caution: Safety precautions must be followed when handling a deployed inflator module (air bag). After deployment, the inflator module (air bag) surface may contain a small amount of sodium hydroxide, a by-product of the deployment reaction, that is irritating to the skin and eyes. Most of the powder on the inflator module (air bag) is harmless. as a precaution, wear gloves and safety glasses when handling a deployed inflator module (air bag), and wash your hands with mild soap and water afterwards.

Caution: When you are carrying an undeployed inflator module:

   • Do not carry the inflator module by the wires or connector on the inflator module
   • Make sure the bag opening points away from you
When you are storing an undeployed inflator module, make sure the bag opening points away from the surface on which the inflator module rests. When you are storing a steering column, do not rest the column with the bag opening facing down and the column vertical. Provide free space for the air bag to expand in case of an accidental deployment. Otherwise, personal injury may result.

Caution: Never rest a steering column assembly on the steering wheel with the inflator module (air bag) face down and column vertical. This is necessary so that a free space is provided to allow the inflator module (air bag) to expand in the unlikely event of accidental deployment. Otherwise, personal injury could result.

Notice: In the event deployment has occurred, inspect coil assembly wire and driver inflator module for any signs of scorching, melting or other damage due to excessive heat. If the coil or inflator module has been damaged, replace it.


    Object Number: 862544  Size: SH
  1. Disable the SIR System. Refer to Disabling the SIR System in SIR.

  2. Object Number: 862526  Size: SH
  3. Remove driver inflator module. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement in SIR.
  4. Disconnect cruise control (if equipped) switch connectors and disconnect harness from steering wheel.

  5. Object Number: 862530  Size: SH

    Notice: If roll connector is not properly oriented to steering column assembly, it will be damaged.

  6. Remove steering wheel attachment nut and discard.

  7. Object Number: 862536  Size: SH
  8. Install J 42578 by fitting puller legs into steering wheel puller holes.
  9. Install puller bridge over puller legs and finger tighten steering wheel puller nuts on legs.
  10. Insert center bolt through bridge and align with steering column shaft.
  11. Tighten center bolt until steering wheel is disengaged.
  12. Remove steering wheel while feeding wiring through wheel opening.
  13. Important: If yellow tab is not available, use tape to prevent roll connector from rotating. If roll connector is rotated, refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Centering .

  14. Insert yellow tab or use a piece of tape to prevent coil assembly from rotating.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 862539  Size: SH

    Important: If roll connector is unintentionally rotated during steering wheel service, the roll connector must be repositioned. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Centering .

  1. Remove yellow tab or tape from roll connector.
  2. Route wiring through steering wheel and install steering wheel onto steering shaft noting orientation notch that locates steering wheel in correct position.
  3. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

    Important: A new steering wheel attachment nut must be used.

  4. Install new steering wheel attachment nut.
  5. Tighten
    Tighten Steering Wheel Attachment Nut to 35 N·m (26 lb ft).


    Object Number: 862526  Size: SH
  6. Connect cruise control switch connectors (if equipped) and attach harness to wheel.

  7. Object Number: 862544  Size: SH
  8. Install driver inflator module. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement in SIR.
  9. Enable the SIR System. Refer to Enabling the SIR System in SIR.