Guys,

I have a 91 Formula that The horn doesn’t work because the rubber in the center of the steering wheel is stiff which prevents the horn from activating. Does anyone restore or repair these steering wheels?

Mike

 

A 91 Formula should have an airbag, you'll have to find a better example if the plastic over the buttons is too hard to press.

 

Try pushing the top left or right on the airbag. The horn buttons are under the ridges/ribs.There should be a little horn just above.

 

Yes it does have an airbag. Do you guys know if anyone does restoration of these pieces, or if any vendors sell replacements?

 

If you just want to get the horn to work, take the airbag off, then cut out ALL of the white/yellowed plastic on the airbag near the two upper corners where the horn contacts are. If your horn contacts are good, this should get it working.

 

Well I don't want to damage the airbag. I think I'll try and figure out how to take apart the steering wheel and see if I can get it to start working. I was hoping that if mine was acting up that it was a common problem and somebody was servicing these or making repops but I guess not.

 

I'm a little concerned that this 30 year old air bag will go off while I'm working on the steering wheel. If I disconnect the battery does that disable the airbag?

 

I think you disconnect the battery then put the key in run to make sure the system has no capacitance. If you're that worried you should check the service manual

 

yeah i saw the procedure for disabling the airbag in my SM but it seemed complicated a whole lot easier to just disconnect the battery I thought if that worked. I think your recommendation is correct that should be enough to disarm it.

 

I also like to pull the fuse for the airbag when working on it. Can't be too safe.

 

I've done the trimming described earlier and it doesn't hamper the function of the air bag at all, just removes the once pliable but now hard aging plastic that's keeping your horn from functioning. Also smooths out edges of the air bag cover that start curling up, at least on Camaros. Just remove power from reaching it, take it off, give it a good trim, and reinstall. Works great! Just take out all that yellowish plastic anywhere behind where the horn picture on the outer edges is until you can push on it easily. If it's too hard to push you eventually crush the horn buttons trying to make it work. Won't be original, but you won't be able to see it. Depends on what is most important to you. Have fun!

 

Thanks for that input I'll definitely give it a try then. My 91 SM makes the removal of the horn/airbag assembly look pretty easy so it shouldn't be too tough.

 

Nothing to it. Just 4 little torx screws on the back. Then just unplug the yellow connection, and it's free. When putting it back on, just get all the screws started going in before tightening any all the way. Piece of cake! Have fun!

 

Great info , thanks , I'll give it a try

 

So I took the air bag off to get to the horns and the little black plastic horns under the pad are broken. I’ve looked for a vendor who might sell them but no luck. Anyone have any suggestions?

mike