Removal & refitting steering wheel?

[MadOnVaux!]

I have a 1995 Calibra, and standard leather Calibra airbag steering wheel, same as found in majority of vauxhalls around the time, and mine is warn and the stitching is coming loose, so i bought another one 2nd hand and getting the leather removed and cut and having Cream leather sections stitched in, and the leather stitched back on the wheel.

However, having never done this before i have no idea how to start the removal process to swap them over once the other wheel comes back from the trimmers.

Would really appreciate it if someone could list the process step by step if they could please?

I'm planning on getting hold of a puller to make it easier.

Thanks in advance

[Fraz]

oh and do not turn your ignition on while the airbag is disconnected ...or you will have the airbag light on, and will need reset by a tech1 or similar

[MadOnVaux!]

I take it the torx screws are easy enough to get to?

sorry for the questions, just want to get it right

[Allys Cally]

they can be a pain in the arse, its a T27 bit for the torx screws. you can get a long T27 bit which makes things easier.
i got mine in a kit that i use for work, most hardware stores should stock them

[MadOnVaux!]

damn, so i'll need a long bit?...would a bit holder work?, you know the bit that generally comes with bit sets to allow you to use them with power tools?

[Allys Cally]

yes that long bit holder will do the trick, attach that to a socket bit for a ratchet and use a ratchet as undoing them for the first time they are abit tight

[MadOnVaux!]

That sounds promising then cheers ally.....so undo them and the airbag unit comes straight off with the Black centre cover once disconnected, and then its just the nut to undo and then the wheel is off?

[Allys Cally]

yes once the screws are undone just follow what is said in post 2

[MadOnVaux!]

What size is the nut that holds the wheel on?....knowing my luck i won't have a socket big enough

[v6 steve]

22mm at a guess

[Fraz]

its a 22mm

[v6 steve]

its a 22mm

im right what have i won

[Fraz]

you win going in the pit next Saturday

[MadOnVaux!]

Cheers I think ive got a 22mm with my wheelbrace thingy

I might have the wheel back for this weekend too, cant wait

[MadOnVaux!]

Attempted to fit it today...bad start when i discovered i didn't have a 22mm socket, trip to Halfords, 22mm socket, back home.....undo nut, and steering wheel wont budge a single mm, so back to Halfords to buy a puller...got home, puller is totally useless, wont grip onto anything...so car still in bits, and me effed off!

No idea what to do next really.