M steering wheel button removal

[olds350]

I just had my replacement M steering wheel refinished by Fibernew and Redshift and it looks great! Problem now is the buttons let the rest of the wheel down. I have some paint flaking on the button surrounds that I want to correct. I've removed the button pods and have removed the backing plate. I'm down to just the surround and buttons. I've looked here and on line, but can't find a good source of how to remove the buttons from the surround. I've tried using painters tape, but there's not enough clearance around the button to cover it properly.

It looks like a simple pivot and I've used a small screw driver to drive and pry off the tab, but without knowing exactly how this is put together, I'm very hesitant to pry to hard and break the buttons. Would someone point me to a link or youtube on how to physically remove the buttons from the surround? Would make painting them so much easier in regard to being able to sand down the flaky area and hit it with new paint. Greatly appreciate some advice!

[Hatesposers]

I just did this job... the switches are two part, the front of the button (black) clicks into the back section of the switch (white part). Use a precision screw driver wedged into the joint (from the inside of the white backing) from the back side and the eraser side of a pencil to push the button out the front.

The rocker switch is one part with short pins for the pivot. Use a precision screw driver from the back, spread the housing slightly, and press it out from the back.

[olds350]

OK, success in removing the buttons from the pod surround. I didn't quite follow hatesposers text, but it did trigger the idea of using a set of spring clip pliers to aid in removing the button. Added a few pics below....

Using the pliers, I spread the sides of the plastic so the pivot pins could clear the sides of the buttons...



Carefully spreading the sides, and using the pencil eraser as mentioned, gently push on the bottom side of the button and it will pop out. It helped to have some small wood blocks to elevate the pod. I also recommend placing a soft cloth under the pod to catch the button after it pops out. Sorry for the fuzzy picture, but you can see the pivot hole in the side of the button and the pins in the button surround hole



A little light sanding with some 1000 sand paper and it's ready for some paint. I've had great luck with SEM black trim paint. I find it very durable and won't fade from sunlight



I'll post up the finished wheel once it's done....

[olds350]

I was able to get everything painted and reassembled, just no time to put it in the car, that will be in a few days. The paint turned out nice and is the same matte finish as the newly refurbed wheel. Considering the money I have in this wheel, I'm very happy.

That said, I do have to note that using the spreader pliers probably wasn't the best thing to use as I broke off a side of the of one the button supports. There just is no easy way to get those out. The broken part was glued back in place w/ some Gorilla glue, so should be good to go for a while. Right now I'm glad I didn't break the side of an actual button or shear one of the pivots. I'll take lucky any day... Here's a final pic of the wheel. Can't wait to get this installed!

[StephenVA]

Looks GREAT!

[cnsorial]

Looks fantastic. Is that wheel re wrapped with new leather or was the original leather restored


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[dannyzabolotny]

Looks pretty good! Is there a reason you went with the older style M-Sport wheel versus buying and restoring a newer style M-Sport wheel? Your car is a 2001 so it would work fine with the newer style wheel.

[f355spider]

OP, looks great, what was the cost?

I went with a refurbished unit from Germany off Ebay, easy swap, and no downtime or waiting. Sold my old wheel on Ebay for $70. I think I paid around $325 delivered 2.5years ago...still looks new. Ebay seller was Tanik, but there are tons of sellers today...so more competition and lower prices probably.