The 2008 Chevrolet Impala was available in six trim packages -- LS, LT, 2LT, LTZ, SS and 50th Anniversary Edition. The base model LS was equipped with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produced 211 horsepower and 214 foot-pounds of torque. A 3.9-liter V-6, and a powerful 5.3-liter V-8 were available in other trim levels. There are many reasons a person would need to remove the steering wheel from their 2008 Impala, including deployment of the air bag, changing the turn signal or ignition switches or realignment of the wheel with the front end steering parts.
Instructions
- 1
Open the driver's door of the Impala. Turn the engine on. Turn the steering wheel so it is in the straight position. Turn the ignition key to "Off." Open the hood using the hood release lever. Move to the front of the Impala. Open the fuse block in the engine compartment. Remove the fuse labeled "Airbag/Display" from the fuse panel using a fuse puller. Wait one minute before proceeding with any repairs. Proceed to the driver's side of the Impala and sit in the driver's seat.
2Insert a flat-head screwdriver into both the left and right side openings, between the air bag and the steering wheel. Push the screwdriver's inward to release the airbag from the steering wheel. Remove the air bag from the steering wheel. Disconnect the electrical connector on the air bag module. Set the air bag carefully onto the passenger seat.
3Remove the mounting fasteners for the steering wheel control switch panels using a Torx bit hand driver. Remove the control switch panels by hand, then remove the electrical connectors from the back of the panels. Set the switch panels on your passenger seat gently. If your steering wheel is not equipped with heater and radio control switches, skip this step.
4Remove the six horn switch plate bolts with a ratchet and socket. Remove the horn switch screws with a Torx hand driver. Remove the washers and rubber grommets with the fasteners. Set the horn switch plate on the passenger side.
5Remove the center nut from the steering wheel using a ratchet and socket. Install a steering wheel puller J 1859-A or equivalent onto the steering wheel. Rotate the center spline shaft of the steering wheel puller to remove the steering wheel and countergear from the steering column. Remove the steering wheel electrical connectors from the steering column by hand.
6Install the new steering wheel onto the steering column so it is in the exact position that the old steering wheel was in. Install the center nut onto steering wheel shaft and tighten the nut to 30 foot-pounds using a 1/2-inch-drive torque wrench and socket.
7Install the horn switch plate onto the new steering wheel. Install the bolts and screws by hand to start them to avoid cross threading. Tighten the bolts to 62 inch-pounds using a 3/8-inch-drive torque wrench and socket. Tighten the screws to 41 inch-pounds using your 3/8-inch-drive torque wrench and a Torx bit socket.
8Install the electrical connectors onto the right- and left-side steering wheel control switches, if equipped. Install the switches onto the new steering wheel. Tighten the switches to 18 inch-pounds using your smaller torque wrench and a Torx socket.
9Install the electrical connector onto the air bag module. Install the air bag module onto the new steering wheel. Push the module straight onto the steering wheel until it clicks and the locking tabs lock into place. Tug the air bag module outward toward you to ensure proper installation and locking. The horn may sound during this installation, so don't be alarmed.
10Step out of the car and proceed to the front. Install the "Airbag/Display" fuse into the fuse block by hand. Install the fuse panel cover. Go back to the driver's seat. Turn the engine on. The air bag indicator will illuminate once, then shut off.
