Steering Wheel/Turn Signal Switch Removal???

[roozter87]

I just purchased an '89 GP SE and need to repair the directional switch. I have purchased the Haynes repair manual but it doesn'r go into detail about removing the steering wheel. The wheel has the radio controls in it and I have popped all the buttons out to look behind them....no luck, just found the illumination plate for them. I can't seem to find a way to remove the darn thing so I can get to the switch.
Has anyone done this before?
Thanx in advance.

[paul1965]

While I cannot provide specifics to your vehicle, I can provide the following. Before attempting removal of any steering wheel, it is important to deactivate the SRS system (if equipped). On most vehicles, this can be done by first disconnecting the battery, and waiting about 15 minutes before doing anything else. Next, locate the large yellow wire coming out of the column, under the dash. There should be a connector (with a warning tag) that you need to disconnect. This will prevent accidental deployment of the air bag. Now, most GM models have 2 screws on the backside of the steering wheel. These 2 screws hold the horn pad to the wheel. Once you have the horn pad removed, you'll see the steering shaft nut. While removal of the shaft nut is quite simple, the rest of the procedure requires special tools. You will need a puller kit (common known as a pulley removal kit) and a special spring plate tool. Once the shaft nut is removed, you use the puller kit to pop the steering wheel off the splined column shaft. Once the wheel is out of the way, you will see a small c-clip. Under that c-clip is a spring with a lot of pressure on it. You will need the spring plate tool to compress the spring before you can remove the c-clip. Once you have that done, the rest of the procedure is very simple. A few screws get removed, you disconnect the wiring coming out of the multifunction switch, then remove it. The fun part is fishing the new wiring down the column. Then, it's reassembly time. Unless you are mechanically inclined and have the correct tools, I suggest this repair be left to a professional....

[paul1965]

While mentally reviewing my reply, I realized I forgot one important item. Once you have the steering wheel off, you'll see (if air bag equipped) what's called the clock spring. This is more or less the contact ring for the horn and the air bag. It is extremely important that the clock spring is not rotated or disturbed when it's removed from the column. It has to be held in pretty much it's exact position once it's removed and reinstalled. Just another reason to leave this repair to a professional.