Car steering wheel - design, replacement, shape and features

Why does the steering wheel sometimes need to be replaced? The main reason is its mechanical damage or wear of the hem. Such defects are the result of improper or prolonged use. The unsightly appearance makes drivers decide to put on a cover, cut the steering wheel or replace it. Some also opt for a sports steering wheel. Do you think this part of the car has no secrets for you? Check if you really know everything about the steering wheel!

How are steering wheels made?

The frame of the steering wheel is often made of aluminum. This results in a low product weight with simultaneous stability. All handles and electronic components are also mounted on the frame. In currently produced cars, the steering wheel is designed to control the engine, multimedia and other receivers installed in the car. It should also fit the airbag along with the elements responsible for steering.

How to disassemble the steering wheel in the car?

The case is very simple only in older models of cars that were not equipped with airbags. The steering wheel is replaced with a used one by removing the upper element, under which the horn control is hidden. How to do it? Remove this part firmly. You can undermine it in 2 ways:

• fingers;
• carefully with a flat-blade screwdriver. 

This way you get access to the clamping nut on the spline. By unscrewing it, you can remove the steering wheel.

Removing the steering wheel in a car with airbags

Here the situation is a little more complicated. Whether you're interested in a sports steering wheel or just a trade, you'll need skill and precision. The first thing to start with is to disconnect the battery. This will protect you from accidental shorting and airbag deployment. And this can lead to serious health damage.

How to disassemble the steering wheel of a car? Removing the pillow

What to do next? On the next steps:

• find and unscrew the two screws responsible for stabilizing the pillow, which you will find on the back of the steering wheel;
• after unscrewing them, you can pry off the front part and thanks to this you will get to the airbag;
• here it is necessary to disconnect all plugs very carefully and carefully so as not to damage them.

A car steering wheel may have different connection schemes in a given car, but you need to be able to deal with them. When you remove the pillow, put it in a secluded place very carefully so as not to damage it.

Removing the steering wheel of the car after removing the pillow

Now you only have a few minor steps left. First of all, you need to unscrew the nut from the slot and disconnect the plug from the multimedia regulator. Don't forget to mark the position of the steering wheel. Do this so you don't have to change its settings after installing a new copy. If you are installing a new car steering wheel, you can skip this step. However, if you only have a new rim cut off, then the front ones with buttons will still have to be installed. How the steering wheel will look depends on your accuracy.

Sports steering wheel - why wear it?

There are two reasons:

• visual tuning of the cabin;
• better feel of the car on the track. 

In the first case, we are talking primarily about the aesthetic aspect. The offset and diameter of the rim itself does not matter much. Drivers adapt such models as cab changes and style expectations change. On the other hand, a sports rally steering wheel is usually three-spoke and has a diameter of 350mm. The offset is chosen in such a way as to maintain the optimal distance between the shoulders. Sheathed in leather (more durable and reliable) or suede (cheaper, less durable).

How much does it cost to replace the steering wheel with a new one and cut the old one?

If you want to replace your old copy with a completely different one, you will have to take into account the cost of at least 250-30 euros. Sometimes, of course, we are talking about second-hand goods, but original ones that are in very good condition. Remember that the newer the car, the less profitable it is to buy a new product. The cost of such a steering wheel can even exceed several thousand zlotys. Trimming is much cheaper, especially when you disassemble the steering wheel yourself. With delivery, this service will cost you a maximum of 300-35 euros.

Prices for new sports steering wheels - is it worth it?

This is quite tempting when it comes to old and not stuffed with electronics cars. For such a car, a sports steering wheel can cost as little as 20 euros. It is clear, however, that the higher the workmanship and the higher the technological progress, the more expensive it is. Therefore, do not be surprised when you have to pay 600 or even 80 euros for it.

Steering wheel replacement will not be very frequent, but sometimes it will be necessary. Our tips for removing a car steering wheel can be useful not only when replacing it with another instance. If you use the hint, then handle the disassembly. However, if you do not feel confident in this, it is better to entrust the disassembly and replacement to someone who knows what he is doing.