The steering wheel is part of the vehicle's control system, which is manipulated by the driver to indicate a change in the direction of travel. This part of the vehicle is firmly in the driver's hands and is the first point of contact after boarding the vehicle.
In the past, steering wheels were simple steel or wooden hoops connected to the steering column without any accessories, horn or airbag. Nowadays, the steering wheel contains many control elements, such as radio controls, cruise control, horn, touch buttons and other modern conveniences. Safety features such as an airbag, lane assist sensors or haptic response are also a matter of course.
Not everyone though, requires the multimedia controls on the steering wheel, or on standard OEM steering wheels. During regular track driving or when building a racing car, the driver will appreciate the possibility of replacing the standard steering wheel with a sports one. This replacement is subject to several interventions that must be carried out in order to correctly fit the sports steering wheel into the vehicle, therefore we recommend that the replacement is handed over to an experienced service centre.
You can find what types of steering wheels are available and which one to choose in our previous blog.
Installation of the sports steering wheel:
Installation may vary depending on the make and model of your car. However, we provide general instructions that should help you with the installation process. Please keep in mind that if you are unsure of the specific steps or if your car requires additional modifications for installation, it is essential to review your car's owner's manual or seek professional service.
1. Prepare the necessary tools and equipment: You will usually need a set of wrenches/ screwdrivers or sockets, a steering wheel puller tool (if needed) and any other hardware that came with the sports steering wheel kit.
2. Disconnect the battery: To ensure safety, locate the battery in the car and disconnect the negative terminal. This step will prevent any problem with the electronics or the airbag while working on the steering wheel.
3. Removing the original steering wheel: Locate the screws that secure the horn pad or airbag module in the centre of the steering wheel. Carefully remove them using a screwdriver or socket wrench, depending on the type of fasteners used. After removing the fasteners, gently disconnect the horn pad or airbag module from the steering wheel and disconnect any wiring harnesses or connectors, if present.
4. Remove the steering wheel nut: Locate the steering wheel nut in the centre of the steering column. Use a wrench or set of socket wrenches to loosen and remove the nut. Keep the nut in a safe place as you may need it when fitting the new steering wheel.
5. If the steering wheel is loose after removing the nut, you can gently pull it towards you and push on both sides at the same time until it is completely free.
6. After removing the steering wheel, slide dedicated sports steering wheel hub onto the steering column. Prior to installation, the use of a steering wheel ring (from the original steering wheel) may be required to allow the turn signals or other controls to be turned off. The hub must be aligned so that it is level with the direction of travel after installing the sports steering wheel.
7. Use the original screw/nut to tighten the steering wheel sports hub on the steering rod. Connect the airbag resistor (if your vehicle requires it to prevent the airbag light).
8. Between the steering wheel hub and the steering wheel, it is possible to install removable or extendable steering wheel hub. These products cannot be used without a sports steering wheel hub.
9. Connect the horn wiring. A sports steering wheel can be installed on the steering wheel hub/adapter using the hardware included in the steering wheel/hub package. The steering wheel must be mounted in line with the position of the wheels, otherwise, it may happen that the direction of the steering wheel is not identical to the direction of travel of the vehicle.
10. Reconnect the negative pole of the car battery. This will restore power to the electrical components and systems in your vehicle.
11. Test the functionality: Sit in the driver's seat and test whether you are satisfied with the offset of the steering wheel together with the hub (and possibly the steering wheel adapter) and the general functionality of the steering wheel. Make sure the horn, if equipped, and all other controls on the steering wheel are working properly.
Remember that these steps are general guidelines and the process may vary depending on the specific model of your car and the sports steering wheel you are installing. It is always recommended to seek professional service or contact our telephone support.
If you have any questions, please contact us at info@races-shop.com
