Change steering wheels?

[paulie1981]

Okay lads & ladettes...I'm not a technical person and really don't "attempt" stuff well!!

The steering whell in my car is a bit like the attached, and is cr@p (too small). I really can't put up with it any longer.

I recently bought an original Momo item from e-bay and want to fit it. Can somebody give me a step by step walkthrough type thingy............??

My car is a 97 non-airbag mk. 1. The donor was (I think) a 93 Eunos.

Thanks all...

P

[leamyj]

Easy, put your wheels in straight ahead position.
Prise off the horn button and disconnect any wiring.
You'll need a 21mm socket ( I think) to slacken and remove the central retaining nut.
Once the nut is off, you can employ a special "puller"(don't ask me where to get one) or you can GENTLY ROCK AND/OR TAP THE WHEEL backwards and forwards to release it from the splines. DO NOT USE EXCESSIVE FORCE.

Take your time because if you damge the splines then replacing the wheel will be a nightmare.

Putting on a new wheel is just the reverse of the procedure listed above. Ensure that the steering wheel position is correct when the wheels are dead ahead. As you TAP the new steering wheel into place, be sure to keep it as in-line with the splines as possible.
Don't give the nut the final tightening until you are sure that the wheel is in the correct position, ie centred with wheels straight ahead.

I did this job once and I had to re-position the wheel a couple of times before I was happy.

Good luck

John

[Steve]

Just did it the other night too. Unlike John's experience, I had to hammer the bejeasaz out of the wheel front behind with a lump hammer, then soak it in WD40 over night, then hammer it again with lump hammer and ratchet extention. It came off in the end though. Copper grease the splines before refitting!

Yup, its a 21mm socket (spark plug socket works well).

Steve

[leamyj]

LOL @ Steve,

I now have this image of Steve beating the living daylights out of his beloved car, lumphammer et al in hand, is nothing sacred??

John

[Steve]

Can't see it with the wheel on though Might be changing it soon anywhoo..

Yeah, it did need some work.. maybe I'll put a hub puller on the shopping list..

[paulie1981]

Cheers lads.....I'll 'ave a go!

[aquarian5]

TIP.....

Dont remove the centre nut completely when you're loosening the steering wheel...slacken it off by 1-2 turns first..! It will save you going flying....when it eventually releases......

Regards John.

[paulie1981]

Thanks for the tip.

Job is being finished tonight - the existing wheel has a centre cap held on by 6 allen key bolts. Of course one was completely rounded off by the gorilla who fitted the wheel!

A friend is calling over tonight with some "persuasion equipment"

Momo ready to fit once this is off.

TIP.....

Dont remove the centre nut completely when you're loosening the steering wheel...slacken it off by 1-2 turns first..! It will save you going flying....when it eventually releases......

Regards John.

[paulie1981]

Job done, wheel fitted BUT, it seems to feel tight and is making a rubbing noise as it's turned lock to lock. Is it possible that it's too tight (see picture)? I don't think I'm missing any parts.

Any help greatly appreciated as I'm now worried about doing damage or causing excessive wear.

[Steve]

maybe a little.. try loosening the 4 screws under the column cover push it back a bit, then retighten them.

[paulie1981]

I'll give that a try - thanks!

maybe a little.. try loosening the 4 screws under the column cover push it back a bit, then retighten them.