How to Remove the Steering Wheel of a Buick Regal?
3 Answers
To remove the steering wheel of a SAIC-GM Buick Regal 2004 model, first unscrew the two screws located beneath the steering wheel cover, which will allow the cover to be detached. Then, use a pry tool to carefully open the gap of the steering wheel cover along the direction of the headlight switch lever of the SAIC-GM Buick Regal 2004 model. Finally, remove the three clips securing the steering wheel airbag of the SAIC-GM Buick Regal 2004 model to complete the process.
I disassembled the Buick Regal steering wheel myself a while ago to replace the multifunction buttons. Remember to disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait 20 minutes for the airbag to discharge! There's a T30 screw hidden under each side of the steering wheel airbag cover—use a hex wrench to gently loosen them. When removing the airbag, hold it steadily and be careful with the yellow connector at the back; press the clip before pulling it out. The large nut in the center of the steering wheel requires a 24mm socket wrench to remove. After loosening the nut, don’t pull the steering wheel immediately—rock it left and right to release the threads. The most critical part is aligning the steering column and steering wheel gear marks; marking them with a pen ensures proper alignment. After removing the airbag, lay it flat—don’t flip it upside down—and avoid twisting the clock spring coil. It’s recommended to prepare a set of Torx sockets and plastic pry tools. The whole process takes about two hours, so beginners should consider getting help for safety.
Handling the steering wheel requires caution, especially those with airbags. Before starting, disconnect the battery and wait for half an hour. Prepare a T30 Torx wrench to remove the airbag screws, and be careful not to scratch the dashboard when removing the steering wheel cover. The wiring connectors for the airbag module have locks; press them to separate—do not pull forcefully. The steering wheel fixing nut is under the cover plate, and a 24mm deep socket is the most convenient tool for this task. When reinstalling the steering wheel, align the steering column's locating pin, and ensure the steering wheel is properly seated before tightening the nut. Do not power on during the entire process, or the airbag light will trigger a fault code. Checking if the clock spring assembly rotates normally is also crucial; otherwise, the turn signals may not reset.
