Steering Wheel swap
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Instructor
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 107
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From: North West UK
Steering Wheel swap
I have ordered a nice Momo 'Race' wheel and hub kit for my 1990 C4.
I was wondering if anyone has performed a wheel swap and how do I remove my non-airbag steering wheel?
If you think that's a little basic, I am planning to change my gearbox oil this weekend, so I hope you're all suitably impressed!!!??
I'll remove the filler plug first... ...just in case!!
Cheers
Nick <img src="graemlins/wave.gif" border="0" alt="[byebye]" />
I was wondering if anyone has performed a wheel swap and how do I remove my non-airbag steering wheel?
If you think that's a little basic, I am planning to change my gearbox oil this weekend, so I hope you're all suitably impressed!!!??
I'll remove the filler plug first... ...just in case!!
Cheers
Nick <img src="graemlins/wave.gif" border="0" alt="[byebye]" />
Technical Specialist
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From: TX
Nick,
This is from memory, sometimes a dangerous thing
Pull the front horn pad off, including the wire attached to it. Mark the position of the big nut with paint or nail polish. This is a useful reference when you install the new wheel. Loosen the big nut with a 24mm-27mm (forget exact mm) socket, pulling the nut and washer off. Pull off the steering wheel. Here's where you're on your own. Don't know if you remove the slip ring and move it to the Momo adaptor. I do know when I installed my Momo wheel, I had to carefully sand down the plastic shroud around the steering column that the Momo adaptor goes into. If you have to do this, do it very carefully, as poor work will be very visable. I used sandpaper and, gently, a dremel. I know another person who used sandpaper attached to a small can to keep a curved surface for sanding. I also found it easier to remove the two plastic pieces, although it's a pain if you have the computer in the tach, which adds another lever you need to undo before you can remove the plastic shrouds. Assembly, as they say, is the reverse. Make sure you test the horn before putting it all back together. The hardest part will be torquing the nut back to 33 ft lbs. Do NOT use the steering locking mechanism as leverage to torque against. I put my key in the ignition and turned it slightly just to ensure the steering column was unlocked.
This is from memory, sometimes a dangerous thing
Pull the front horn pad off, including the wire attached to it. Mark the position of the big nut with paint or nail polish. This is a useful reference when you install the new wheel. Loosen the big nut with a 24mm-27mm (forget exact mm) socket, pulling the nut and washer off. Pull off the steering wheel. Here's where you're on your own. Don't know if you remove the slip ring and move it to the Momo adaptor. I do know when I installed my Momo wheel, I had to carefully sand down the plastic shroud around the steering column that the Momo adaptor goes into. If you have to do this, do it very carefully, as poor work will be very visable. I used sandpaper and, gently, a dremel. I know another person who used sandpaper attached to a small can to keep a curved surface for sanding. I also found it easier to remove the two plastic pieces, although it's a pain if you have the computer in the tach, which adds another lever you need to undo before you can remove the plastic shrouds. Assembly, as they say, is the reverse. Make sure you test the horn before putting it all back together. The hardest part will be torquing the nut back to 33 ft lbs. Do NOT use the steering locking mechanism as leverage to torque against. I put my key in the ignition and turned it slightly just to ensure the steering column was unlocked.
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,887
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From: California Boardwalk, Skanderborg Denmark
I would like to add to Bill's post above that the 1989 C4 has no airbags and you can install the plastic trim shroud behind the steering wheel from this car. You also remove the contact ring for the airbags and the installation is nice and neat. The part numbers are 964.552.273.00 and 964.552.275.00 for the plastic trim pieces and 964.652.104.00 for the horn contact. The parts cost around $20 at the dealer. The new problem now is how to disconnect the airbags otherwise the warning light is always on. To do this, install bypass plug part number 928.612.220.00 in the wiring harness at the access port that is loacated in the center console on passenger side at forward end above where a passsenger's left toes would be. This will disconnect both airbags, someone else may be able to tell you how to just disconnect the drivers airbag, perhaps modifying the kit Porsche sells to disconnect the passenger airbag?
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From: TX
[quote]<strong> how to just disconnect the drivers airbag</strong><hr></blockquote>
If you go over to the Rennlist email archives, there were some detailed procedures posted, I believe in the racing forum, on how to remove just one airbag. You will need to use a Porsche airbag test tool. The airbag connector plugs into the test tool, which tells the computer all is well. The passenger side remains armed and ready.
If you go over to the Rennlist email archives, there were some detailed procedures posted, I believe in the racing forum, on how to remove just one airbag. You will need to use a Porsche airbag test tool. The airbag connector plugs into the test tool, which tells the computer all is well. The passenger side remains armed and ready.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 144
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From: Hertfordshire, UK
Nick,
I replaced the steering wheel on my 1990C2 with a Momo. I'm not sure if the america versions are different, but mine took about 10mins from start to finish without the need for any sanding or 'dremelling'. It was a literally a straight swap as the Momo boss sits about 2mm away from the plastic shroud and looks like it came from the factory. Yours should be just the same.
It's one of the best upgrades IMHO, looks and feels great, especially if you get a Porsche centre crest instead of the Momo one.
Rob
I replaced the steering wheel on my 1990C2 with a Momo. I'm not sure if the america versions are different, but mine took about 10mins from start to finish without the need for any sanding or 'dremelling'. It was a literally a straight swap as the Momo boss sits about 2mm away from the plastic shroud and looks like it came from the factory. Yours should be just the same.
It's one of the best upgrades IMHO, looks and feels great, especially if you get a Porsche centre crest instead of the Momo one.
Rob
Race Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,922
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From: London, UK
I won't see my car until Sunday - could someone tell me the diameter of my present steering wheel? It's the non airbag 4 spoke thing, with a few threads hanging off in a few places.... 
The reason I ask is that I have been looking at other steering wheels (RS etc.) as I need a smaller diameter wheel. The reason is my thigh gets in the way when turning the wheel and working the clutch. I'd rather see if I can get a smaller wheel rather than working the gears without using the clutch , rally style......
thanks!
The reason I ask is that I have been looking at other steering wheels (RS etc.) as I need a smaller diameter wheel. The reason is my thigh gets in the way when turning the wheel and working the clutch. I'd rather see if I can get a smaller wheel rather than working the gears without using the clutch , rally style......
thanks!
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 524
Likes: 1
From: Netherlands
<strong>I won't see my car until Sunday - could someone tell me the diameter of my present steering wheel? It's the non airbag 4 spoke thing, with a few threads hanging off in a few places....
</strong>
The standard 4-spoke non-airbag wheel has a 38cm diameter.
I'm in the process of changing steering wheels myself, as I have a similar problem, but with my right leg (my car is LHD).
Instead of going for a smaller wheel (as I originally intended), I'm going for the 964RS wheel (also 38cm, but thicker rim, 3 spokes) in combination with a made-to-measure hub that places the new wheel 6cm further away from the dash.
Cheers,
JW
</strong>
The standard 4-spoke non-airbag wheel has a 38cm diameter.
I'm in the process of changing steering wheels myself, as I have a similar problem, but with my right leg (my car is LHD).
Instead of going for a smaller wheel (as I originally intended), I'm going for the 964RS wheel (also 38cm, but thicker rim, 3 spokes) in combination with a made-to-measure hub that places the new wheel 6cm further away from the dash.
Cheers,
JW
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Race Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,922
Likes: 1
From: London, UK
I just purchased a 3 spoke Momo RS wheel - 365mm with 15mm spacer. I think this will be enough to solve my problem. (if not, custom hub next step - i got the spacer thrown in for free this time...)
I will keep the retro-crappy 4 spoke in storage just in case.
Christer
I will keep the retro-crappy 4 spoke in storage just in case.
Christer
AutoX
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
Christer
Where did you buy your RS wheel from and how much (including the spacer)?
...and JW Hubbers , have you got any pictures of the 964RS steering wheel...I wasn't aware that it was a 3 spoker...I thought it was a standard 4 spoke steering wheel with an RS centre pad.
Cheers
Anil
Where did you buy your RS wheel from and how much (including the spacer)?
...and JW Hubbers , have you got any pictures of the 964RS steering wheel...I wasn't aware that it was a 3 spoker...I thought it was a standard 4 spoke steering wheel with an RS centre pad.
Cheers
Anil
Race Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,922
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From: London, UK
[quote]Originally posted by anil999:
<strong>Christer
Where did you buy your RS wheel from and how much (including the spacer)?
Anil</strong><hr></blockquote>
I purchased mine at Porscheshop here in the UK. The price was around£275 incl VAT and delivery.
I can get you a picture of it after it arrives....
Christer
<strong>Christer
Where did you buy your RS wheel from and how much (including the spacer)?
Anil</strong><hr></blockquote>
I purchased mine at Porscheshop here in the UK. The price was around£275 incl VAT and delivery.
I can get you a picture of it after it arrives....
Christer
Racer
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 323
Likes: 0
From: Oxford, England
The three spoke wheel you mention is off a 968 Club Sport, the 964 RS has a four spoke wheel similar in design to a regular non-airbag 964 wheel but of a smaller diameter and with a thicker rim. The centre horn pad has "RS" embossed on it(see photo below)
Race Car
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,140
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From: Surrey, UK
Hi,
I replaced mine a couple of months ago from PorscheShop. I'd be interested to know how long yours takes to arrive - they told me it was in stock and would arrive in 2 days. I got it 2 weeks later because "they didn't have the correct centre in for 964", then "the wrong one was sent to us" etc. even though they told me twice they had sent it.
One thing you should check before you fit it:
You need to remove the back from your steering wheel (basically a plastic ring with a tab to cancel the indicators) and add this onto the new steering wheel. But - you can only fit it in one place (because it has to line up with a hole for the horn connector). When I did this, the tab for the indicator was near the bottom - and hence didn't cancel the indicators one way. I had to unscrew the steering wheel from the centre and there are a second set of holes which I needed to use to get the indicator tab level with the indicator switch.
Also - on mine, the electrical spade connector for the horn is a different size so you will need to sort this if yours is the same.
Dave
90 C4
I replaced mine a couple of months ago from PorscheShop. I'd be interested to know how long yours takes to arrive - they told me it was in stock and would arrive in 2 days. I got it 2 weeks later because "they didn't have the correct centre in for 964", then "the wrong one was sent to us" etc. even though they told me twice they had sent it.
One thing you should check before you fit it:
You need to remove the back from your steering wheel (basically a plastic ring with a tab to cancel the indicators) and add this onto the new steering wheel. But - you can only fit it in one place (because it has to line up with a hole for the horn connector). When I did this, the tab for the indicator was near the bottom - and hence didn't cancel the indicators one way. I had to unscrew the steering wheel from the centre and there are a second set of holes which I needed to use to get the indicator tab level with the indicator switch.
Also - on mine, the electrical spade connector for the horn is a different size so you will need to sort this if yours is the same.
Dave
90 C4
Race Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,922
Likes: 1
From: London, UK
I'll have a quick look at it - if it looks like it might be a pain in the **** i'll take it up to JZM. They owe me a little favour as they still have to look at my groaning clutch (or whatever it is). Althought the noise now happens olny very rarely.
thanks for the heads up though!
thanks for the heads up though!