Part One: Revolution Install
Viva La Revolution!
On the left is what the Revolution wheel will replace. While the stock unit is chock-full of safety and creature comforts, it is devoid of anything that could be considered custom. In the past, you would have to lose the airbag if you wanted a custom wheel, or you had to pay a premium at an upholstery shop to have it recovered. The Grant Revolution maintains the use of the stock stereo controls right on the steering wheel.
1. Before we touched anything,...
1. Before we touched anything, we unhooked the battery and waited a full minute for the circuit to completely discharge. This prevents the airbag from accidentally deploying and keeps the horn from honking as well.
2a. There are two small holes...
2a. There are two small holes on the back of the wheel that allow access to the release pins of the airbag
2b. Inserting a small Allen...
2b. Inserting a small Allen wrench into each hole disengages the bag and allows it to come off
3. The bag was pulled away...
3. The bag was pulled away from the wheel just enough to unplug the wires.
4. The plunger assembly for...
4. The plunger assembly for the horn was removed by pressing it inward until it bottomed out, rotating it 90 degrees to the left, and then pulling it out.
5. The horn switch assembly...
5. The horn switch assembly is held on by for four T30 Torx screws. After removing these, the assembly was set aside. Make sure to take note of the position of the horn switch-it does have a top and bottom.
6a. This would be the time...
6a. This would be the time to mark the wheel for center before removing it, but GM was nice enough to put a little mark on the shaft at the 12-o'clock position . If we line that back up with the arrow cast into the steering wheel, it'll be straight.
6b. A ratchet with a socket...
6b. A ratchet with a socket was enough to remove the nut. Grant recommends using a puller to get the wheel off to prevent damaging the bearings in the column. We didn't have a puller at the time so we tempted fate and wiggled it back and forth, and luckily for us the wheel popped free .
7. The wheel was lifted off...
7. The wheel was lifted off the column, while the main harness and airbag wires were fed through their respective holes.
8. The harness that feeds...
8. The harness that feeds the buttons will stay on the wheel at this time, but it will need to be transferred to the Revolution wheel later.
9. The buttons come out the...
9. The buttons come out the front of the wheel; we used a screwdriver to gently push them out.
10. Once the button is free,...
10. Once the button is free, there's enough room to unplug the harness and slip it out of the wheel.
11. It's a good idea to have...
11. It's a good idea to have a clean work area large enough to set both wheels in front of you. This helps you keep track of how things lay out and where each button goes.
12. Just like Grant said,...
12. Just like Grant said, everything went back on the Revolution wheel without a hitch. Every plug and screw lined up thanks to the use of the factory frame.
13. Once the wheel was complete,...
13. Once the wheel was complete, it was installed back on the truck to give us this sweet look. Now, if you aren't into the red, don't fret because Grant has an all-black model as well as models with either burl wood or sporty silver accents.