MGA

Received my FVD 3-spoke wheel recently. I've read the DIY write-up and wanted to do it today...
1) Where can i purchase the "torx" wrenches i will need?
2) Can i keep my battery maintainer attached (after disconnecting battery) in order to avoid some of the "battery disconnect" challenges i'll have when back in-service? I asume not because power is power and it still may trip the airbag.

thanks,

JimGinKC

Hi MGA,

I changed my airbag wheel last year, very straight forward. I don't recall needing anything special in a torx - I think the last ones I bought were at Home Depot. I'm sure SEARS sells what you need too.

I left my battery disconnected overnight not to take any chances, but I think you're supposed to wait like four hours, and I would not use a maintainer...resetting the clock and radio is not a big deal compared to blowing the windshield out of the car when the dash comes apart from triggering the bags...

e9stibi

1. Torx:
I bought my Torx at Home Depot. They had a nice set where you can unfold the different sizes out of a shaft (like a swiss military knife).

2. Battery:
I did it per Porsche guidelines (use search function to find it). After the waiting period I switched on the radio for 5 minutes to be sure that there is no energy left. I think it is still a good idea to limit the time in front of the airbag during the change. You can do most of the work from the sides.

This is one of the easiest and best DYI!

Erik

abar

Yep, as above, it's a simple job and there where no issues other than having to reprogram the radio with disconnecting the battery.

I got the larger torx as a set of L shaped keys from a local motor factor.

Best of luck, I'm dead happy with my FVD / Raid wheel.

Felix

1. You need a T30 torx; you can get a screwdriver-style one at Sears but the screws may be too tight and you'll be better off with a long bit that you can put into a 1/4" socket.

2. do not use a battery maintainer!

TheOtherEric

I'd recommend the swiss-army-style torx set as well. If you use little torx bits stuck into a screwdriver, the bits can actually fall off inside the wheel.

Blue Ocean

I've changed about 4 wheels and have always used a #4 allen. Seems to fit nicely. Plus I already one in my box!

MarkD

+1

I didn't even know it was a torx until I got the airbag off

Felix

On my car the torx screws were incredibly tight; using a 4mm allen might will have stripped the heads and then I would have been screwed.

MGA

Thanks to all for your comments...tried a #4 allen...fit well, but got nervous after phelix comments, so went to Home Deeps and got the Torx.

It's down to about 20 F in the garage, but i'll take a little heater out for the project.

thanks again...

swftiii

MGA - I have swapped mine a couple of times over the last year and everyone here is right on. I waited about 30 minutes after disconnecting the battery and had no issues. The car will search for idle a little bit when re-started, but after a drive or two it was fine.

Enjoy the new feel in your hands.

-Skip