johnnyC4S

Thanks to the many posts here I was able to replace my 993 steering wheel this afternoon in less than an hour.

My original wheel was worn and in sad shape. I had to pull the fuse on my horn a few months ago as the rubber grommets failed causing the horn to go off when I hit the brakes. I hated driving without a horn... rarely use it, but want it when I really need it.

Found a replacement steering wheel from a fellow Rennlister - the wheel was only a couple of years old and in near perfect condition.

The job was easy - and with a couple of tools -- a torx #30 driver (picture included) and a 24mm socket you should be ready.

DISCONNECT THE BATTERY - to avoid accidental air bag activation. I also read that it can cause the airbag light to come on if you don't disconnect the battery. Let the car sit 20 minutes to be sure all potential voltage has dissipated.

Turn the wheel 90 degrees and remove the first torx screw from behind the airbag. Turn the wheel again so you can get to the second screw.

You should now be able to pull the airbag assembly off. There is one wire connector you will remove.

Take your 24mm socket and remove the nut holding the wheel in place. Mine was on very securely - but was not difficult to break loose. I did use a black felt tip pen to mark the top of the spline to make sure the new wheel lines up.

There are two brown wires that you need to pull off their connectors. The wheel is now ready to be removed.

The install is the reverse of the above. In my case it was an exact match even though the wheel was from a newer 996.

Thanks to you all - this was easy

Here are some pic's...
Now I want a three spoke wheel!!!

Floodj

Nice write-up thanks.
You should consider posting in the DIY page and or sending this to pcarworkshop.

95_993

Looks great! Holy cow.....I cannot believe the condition of the original wheel. A DIY project you'll enjoy every time you get in.

johnnyC4S

Thanks - is there a quick way to post to the DIY page - or do I cut and past a new post there?

Ed Hughes

What caused that type of wear in the old wheel? I've not seen one in that condition.

johnnyC4S

The leather on the top of the wheel started deteriorating a couple of years ago and just got worse over time. I think it was due to sun damage. I have some cracks on the top of the dash as well that I will eventually replace. It has been out of the sun now for a while and I only am driving it on weekends. Bought an ML 350 for daily use. The 993 stays in the garage.

csertich

Congratulations! A job well done.
chuck

P-daddy

Nice write up with pics too. Thanks

billapo

any additional concerns with a "TIP" wheel replacement?

Chuck W.

No, just an extra wire or two. When I had a tip I would occasionally hit the steering wheel switches and send the RPMs way up. Since I always shifted manually by the center console shifter I ended up replacing the tip steering wheel with a non tip wheel. Looked cleaner and no more unexpected high RPMs.

billapo

Thanks, As always, this site is the best for info.....

993 770

I'd love to put a 3 spoke silver/black wheel on my car, just don't need a new steering wheel, and can't justify the cost. Great post and thanks for instilling confidence!

kndrck

two things for those who want to try this after reading the thread.

there's a contact unit behind the steering wheel. it is supposed to lock in place automatically once the steering is removed. this, as the name suggests, provides contacts for electronics on the steering wheel including the airbag. If it is moved inadvertently and not reset properly, it can break and will need replacing. Also, on it are 2 prongs. Be careful when putting the wheel back on and make sure they are aligned because they are fragile.

second thing. try not to put the airbag face down like he did in the picture. it is not recommended.

it is great to have these DIY threads so you could work on your car, however, the problem is if the one posting it isn't a mechanic, important procedures or parts where diligent care is required could be missed.

Marc Shaw

True, but many of us are more careful and diligent than a mechanic who sees the car as just another job - we have a vested interest in making sure things are done right on our cars and mechanics do not always know best.

Marc

ps. Note too that this is a 5 month old thread dragged up so the wheel was changed a while ago.

993Maineiac

Nice job and pictures. I did that a few years ago to put on a 3 spoke. It does not take an lot of mechanical ability, just take your time and be methodical. The worst part was waiting the (in my conservative case) 30 minutes after disconnecting the battery.