How-To and tips- Aftermarket Steering Wheel

[Jeff]

Ok boys and girls! This here is my little how to and tips for installing a bangin' aftermarket wheel in you ride. I have a little disclaimer outright.

I am not responsible for anything you do to yourself or your car relative to the data presented in this post. Neither I nor Madison Motorsports endorses or recommends the removal of any safety device from your vehicle. This post shows information relative to the removal of an airbag from car. This is intended for off-road use only and the data is only given to make this operation safer...because if you are gonna do it you need to know how to do it safely. So, this having been said, don't do anything stupid.

All techniques shown here apply (and should be used on) non-airbag cars only for on-road use.

So, there are a few things to need to have before you begin. You must choose a wheel, I have chosen a Grant GT wheel


You should also acquire the specific installation kit designed by your wheel company for your car.


Given with the installation kit is the base that mounts to the steering shaft, the horn ring, grease (the little pills), the beauty rings (a choice in my case, I used the larger one) and if needed an extender (the black thing with the ridges on the sides in the back)

This kit includes instructions and they should be followed. The purpose of this tutorial is to mention some things not stated out right in the instructions and I have learned (sometimes the hard way) from my three wheel installations.

Also, buy, borrow, or steal a steering wheel puller...you will need it.

Begin first, every-time, airbag or not, by removing the negative (-) battery cable

This protects you from any kind of false start while the steering column is apart and protects you from accidental airbag deployment if applicable.

TURN THE WHEELS STRAIT AHEAD AND MARK THE COLUMN WITH TAPE AT THE TOP

Next (as shown on my display wheel) you must remove the cover (or airbag module) from the wheel.

If you are removing an airbag...BE CAREFUL. These things can blow up. Remove it and unplug it. Place it FACE UP away from your work area until you are done.

Next you are greeted by the base of the wheel. Where it attaches to the column. There will be one large nut here...if it is an airbag wheel there will be some sort of vibration dampener that is also attached to this bolt and will come out after it is removed. REMOVE THIS LARGE NUT AND SET IT AND THE DAMPENER ASIDE. You will need this nut later.

After removing the nut you will need to install your puller. There are two holes on each side of the stud and the kit should have bolts to screw in. Screw the puller in against the center stud until the wheel gently pushes off.

As the wheel comes of make sure to guide any wires for the horn or the airbag thought it.

Ok, so you are greeted now by a fun little device called a clock spring. This will only be there if you have cool little horn buttons or an airbag...I happen to have both. If you lack this fun thing (usually in a non-airbag car) skip to the "%"


Something to know about this device; it keeps contact with the airbag and horn buttons via a HUGE and tightly would spring. This is all fun and games until someone looses and eye. REMOVE IT FROM THE CAR AND DO NOT PLAY WITH IT OR TAKE IT APART. This can get you hurt. Remove the screw holding it in place and then unplug (or cut in my case) it from the wiring harness.

Simply discard it in the trash...it is only dangerous if you try to take it apart.

%- ok either you are past the clock spring or you did not have one. So here you are at the standard steering column horn contact ring...a copper button that keeps the horn button in contact with the car.


This is where you must construct your steering wheel mount per the instructions...mine looks something like this.


From the rear...you can see the copper ring that the horn button rubs against, this must be lubed from the small white and green pills...follow the instructions...lol


Ok, now, remember your TDC mark? You need to light the "Top A" mark on the lug up with this mark and reinstall your big nut.


Make sure to feed thought your horn wire and it is not crimped, some cars may have more then one wire, follow the instructions please.

Make sure you back up your driver as you tighten it. IT WILL BREAK THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK!!!!! that is...if you don't back it up.


Now she is all snug, get out your handy dandy service manual and make sure you are at (or slightly above) torque spec.



Now it is a cakewalk to the finish. Simple install the wheel to the bracket using the 5 alan bolts, and then install the horn button per the instruction relative to your wheel. You have gone from this...

To this!!! YAY!!!


Once again, make sure everything is tight and that all the switches and all work (don't forget to reinstall the battery!!!) There may be one complication...


For my situation...I unhooked the control module under the dash and the light went out. This might not be safe for every car and all plugs should be taped up if you do remove them. Ask others who own your car if you need help. I can't even remotely say anything about dual airbags....ask someone in your respective car's community for help. Anyways, I hope this can help someone out. If anyone sees anything I may have left out or something they think is important...POST!!! Also, let me know what u think guys!!!

An afterthought-

The airbag must be disposed of via the proper channels and it cannot be discarded into the regular trash. If you keep it, store it away from moisture in a well padded and tightly bound box. MARK IT as hazardous and poisonous. Once again, I and Madison Motorsports are not responsible for anything you choose to do with this information and a strongly encourage you to weigh your options before making any decisions relative to an airbag equip car. If you donÔÇÖt have airbags, have fun and enjoy your new wheel, check it for tightness every now and again.

[ScottyB]

awesome write-up dude. new wheel looks baller 8)

[JustinG]

not to mention it is illegal to have an aftermarket steering wheel in a car that came standard with a steering wheel equipped with an airbag.

[Jeff]

hence, offroad use only. In 1989 on the Dodge Daytona an Airbag was an option not a standard feature. I have just downgraded myself to an ES. My logic on this was, if someone has their mind made up to remove the bag they need to know how to do it safely. I used all the Chrysler airbag care procedures. However, thank you for pointing out that is illegal and will not pass inspection in Virginia. These instructions are also a body of knowledge relative to any wheel install...hey, it might save you from breaking your wheel lock (lol on me).

Don't you have neons under your car? And strobes? hmmm....passes inspection...illegal....hmmmm :wink: :lol:

[JustinG]

not in sight.........plus i never use em, but they are to pimp to take off

[Jeff]

not in sight.........plus i never use em, but they are to pimp to take off

:wink:

[NTIman]

Just a note: airbag systems can still be operational up to 30 minutes even after the battery cable is pulled on many cars. Its a good idea to wait a while after pulling the cable to let the capacitors discharge. Also remeber to ground yourself when removing an airbag module. It can take less than 1 volt to ignite the squib,and static electricity usually exceeds it. When carrying the airbag module,carry it with the bag side up, not the squib side,so at least if it does go off,you don't lose your jaw.

[Jeff]

Just a note: airbag systems can still be operational up to 30 minutes even after the battery cable is pulled on many cars. Its a good idea to wait a while after pulling the cable to let the capacitors discharge. Also remeber to ground yourself when removing an airbag module. It can take less than 1 volt to ignite the squib,and static electricity usually exceeds it. When carrying the airbag module,carry it with the bag side up, not the squib side,so at least if it does go off,you don't lose your jaw.

True that. These things are no laughing matter. I never knew they could hold charge though that is good to know. Never touch the plug on the back...she can go BOOM BOOM. Mine will be going BOOM out in the woods next time I go to the cabin... Hey Nick, how bout' some AK-clackin' and an airbad explosion...it will be like out own little war.

[Mike]

heh.... i never unplugged my battery when i removed and reinstalled my airbag the 10 or so times i did it

[JustinG]

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.big-boys.com/articles/airbagboom.html">http://www.big-boys.com/articles/airbagboom.html</a><!-- m -->

[ScottyB]

http://www.big-boys.com/articles/airbagboom.html

whaaaat!!! i replayed that like 10 times, that was amazing

[Jeff]

HECK YEAH BABY....just not in my face.

[Dave]

you should try to sell your airbag on Ebay. I sold both of my airbags and the entire dash from the Prelude for ~$250, and then shipped it as a whole unit through UPS . I know, I am an evil person, but they were very well packaged and nothing happened.