Steering wheel install on a GVR4

This is a basic VFAQ on installing an aftermarket steering wheel on a GVR4. It can also be used on TELs, though the removal of the stock TEL steering wheel may be slightly different.


    The stock steering wheel is worn out and needed to be replaced.

    Make sure that the wheel is straight or remember its position. This is helpful and will save a lot of headaches trying to make steering sit correctly when the car is being driven down the road later). Pull the horn cover off the stock steering wheel by grabbing on top and pulling downwards. Then disconnect the yellow wire (horn ground, circled pink) to release the horn cover. You will see one big 17mm retaining nut (circled green) that can also be removed. Remember to save this nut, as you will re-use it for the new install.

    Then I just yanked on the steering wheel by grabbing it and pulling as well as shaking it from side to side. The wheel should pop off pretty easily. Otherwise you can get a steering wheel puller kit. It costs $15 at AutoZone and they actually let you rent tools of sorts. They said I could use it and bring it back for a full refund, but this is not off the shelf part and belonged to store stock. When the wheel comes off there will be a blue piece that is spring mounted and this cancels the turn signals. It will have three protrusions (circled pink), which form the shape of a triangle (when the dots are connected). These will need to line up with holes in the back of the hub adapter kit. The spring-loaded metal rod (circled green) is the horn contact.

    Here is the Grant adapter kit that I purchased. It is Part No. 4391 and cost $24.99.

    Here is the steering wheel kit I purchased from Grant. It is part of their signature series and this model is called the Corsa GT.

    The steering kit can be assembled by sliding the accordion rubber sleeve on top of the steering bracket.

    The adapter assembly can be put together by going from right to left and just placing one on top of another and finally bolting down using the three bolts. Make sure to attach the ground wire for the horn to one of these bolts.

    The assembled kit.

    Place the assembled unit on top of the steering column such that the holes on back of adapter kit line up with protrusion on blue piece and press down firmly. The spring-loaded metal rod (pictured above, 3rd picture) coming through the steering column will also need to touch the back of the adapter (or else the horn will not work). The 17mm retaining nut can now be bolted back down.

    Bolt the steering wheel onto the hub. Mine looks a little different as I also added a billet horn and plate to match my door handles, etc.

 

    Viola, it's that easy! Good luck!


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Last modified: Nov 6, 2000
Copyright 2000, KC Chandrasekharan, Tom Stangl
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