[Snake_Eyes]

I've had my '23 2SS 1LE for nearly a month now and have noticed that the PO drove with his hand/hands at the top of the wheel for all 7k miles that are on the clock, thus there is an area that is completely flattened and actually feels like smooth rubber. I have ordered some Adams Alcantara cleaner and a brush to try and get some nap back, but I know deep inside that I'll never be able to live with it. I can get a new wheel for $350ish but wanted to know how difficult the remove and replace is. I am a competent mechanic and have a well-stocked home shop.

[clg82]

It's not hard at all, I replaced mine with an Alcantara and carbon fiber one. Plenty of videos on youtube to walk you through the process.

[bishopts]

Pop the airbag off, then unplug the connectors that feed through the center from the clock spring. One nut holds the wheel on. It's a tapered stud so it's going to still be tight after you remove the nut. Grab the top of the wheel and pull and push really hard from just the top of it and it will release from its taper press.

[clg82]

Originally Posted by bishopts

Pop the airbag off, then unplug the connectors that feed through the center from the clock spring. One nut holds the wheel on. It's a tapered stud so it's going to still be tight after you remove the nut. Grab the top of the wheel and pull and push really hard from just the top of it and it will release from its taper press.

Unplug the battery first...

[Snake_Eyes]

Awesome, thanks guys.

[Snake_Eyes]

Alright, I found a few videos, actually seems easier than the old days, no gear puller required. Do you guys know the torque spec for the bolt on reinstallation? Typically, a bolt like that (at least on a Harley) would be a single use deal, is that the case with the Camaro also?

I know there's a lot of bad info on the internet but as a new Camaro guy it seems like there are a lot of hacky video makers out there doing sussy sh|t specifically on new Camaros. The video I just watched had the guy put blue Loctite back on the uncleaned bolt and bolt hole and realigned the yellow reference mark (as if it meant something) and called it good. That is some no bueno.

[bishopts]

Originally Posted by clg82

Unplug the battery first...

I usually don't do that. Working against the clock all your life you will learn which steps can be skipped.

[arpad_m]

Originally Posted by Snake_Eyes

Alright, I found a few videos, actually seems easier than the old days, no gear puller required. Do you guys know the torque spec for the bolt on reinstallation? Typically, a bolt like that (at least on a Harley) would be a single use deal, is that the case with the Camaro also?

I know there's a lot of bad info on the internet but as a new Camaro guy it seems like there are a lot of hacky video makers out there doing sussy sh|t specifically on new Camaros. The video I just watched had the guy put blue Loctite back on the uncleaned bolt and bolt hole and realigned the yellow reference mark (as if it meant something) and called it good. That is some no bueno.

That T50 bolt is technically reusable, it isn't torque-to-yield, but you have to be extra careful not to strip it out with an ugga-dugga impact wrench or being impatient with your hand tool. I would buy a replacement ahead of time just in case.

It will be very, very tight, at least mine was, so I used a 24" breaker bar and a helper to hold the wheel steady while breaking the bolt free, with as much pressure on the head as I could muster.

Torque spec for the T50 bolt is 33 lb-ft as per my 2018 service manual.

[arpad_m]

BTW I replaced mine with this steering wheel (then also bought different CF paddles than those pictured here).

I know it's much more expensive than what you're looking for, but this is my forever Camaro and I wanted a girthier, better looking wheel that won't degrade quickly.

[Warrior102]

Start with the front wheels straight, the battery negative disconnected, also leave the nut on a couple of turns while breaking loose the wheel.

[bishopts]

Originally Posted by arpad_m

BTW I replaced mine with this steering wheel (then also bought different CF paddles than those pictured here).

I know it's much more expensive than what you're looking for, but this is my forever Camaro and I wanted a girthier, better looking wheel that won't degrade quickly.

Can you get that one with the "fifty" lettering instead of "ss"?

[arpad_m]

Originally Posted by bishopts

Can you get that one with the "fifty" lettering instead of "ss"?

Yes, see below.

https://carbonaddons.com/products/20...steering-wheel

The customizability and quality of these steering wheels is spectacular, and they're 100% compatible, because the company starts with OEM cores and replaces the stock material layer by layer with the options you choose. It can even retain the heating function [for a cool $200 extra...].

[arpad_m]

...and since I'm a hopeless tinkerer, I replaced my SS emblem with a beautiful CF inlay form 13GFab, see below.

Took a bit of work, but nothing crazy and now I have a 1 of 1 steering wheel , there were one or two too many SS badges inside and outside this car anyway.

[beowulf556]

Hey I had a similar issue with my wheel when I bought the car. I bought the Sonax cleaner and a nice brush. Watched some good youtube videos on how to "revive" alcantara and it came out very nice. I was amazed that I was able to get my flat spots to be fluffy again.