DIY Aftermarket Steering Wheel Install

[kylefrs]

I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE for any damage to your car or any damage to you due to working on your car.
CAUTION: You are working with airbags and airbag wiring.

So i noticed that there is not a really good diy guide for the FRS or BRZ aftermarket steering wheel install. i just installed an aftermarket steering wheel in mine and i wanted to share on how to install it for anyone who it should interest. also, if you have any questions don't be afraid to comment and ill get back to you as soon as i can.

Step 1:
First you need to DISCONNECT THE BATTERY!!!


Step 2:
After you do that take out the factory airbag. There is already a good diy for this here... http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12257

Step 3:
After you follow those steps remove the whole wire harness for the horn and the cruise control. DO NOT REMOVE AIRBAG WIRES! After that remove the nut in the center holding the steering wheel on.


Step 4:
Make sure the steering wheel is perfectly straight. you might want to get out and look at the tires to be completely sure. After that, remove the steering wheel by pulling towards you, and try not to hit yourself in the face. Also do not turn the clock spring behind the steering wheel any rotations. (this controls when your steering wheel locks up when turning too sharp)

Step 5:
Attach the wiring harness with the red wires to the spot where the cruise control/horn harness was. (this is for your horn) Once that is in, put the hub on. Again Make sure it is straight and that the clockspring was not rotated. Feed the horn and airbag wiring inside the hub.


Step 6:
Put the 2 OHM resistors that came with the kit on the airbag plug ins as seen in the picture below. you might want to use some electrical tape so the resistors do not come out while driving or while installing the wheel.


Step 7:
Stuff the airbag wires in the hub and attach the steering wheel to the hub. (i had to use a adapter with mine to match the nardi wheel to the momo hub)


Step 8:
After to attach the wheel connect the horn with the two red wires. My horn button only has one male connector because it is a nardi button. Also if you buy a Nardi wheel with horn. the horn grounds itself so there is no need to make a ground. Just attach one of the female connectors to the horn.


Step 9:
Attach the horn and go enjoy your new steering wheel. Also i had no lights after this install.

[Kimsey47]

Just curious, but what made you want to change the steering wheel to an aftermarket without an airbag?

[kylefrs]

Just personal preference. I like it better. This is just a DIY for anyone wondering how to do it.

[Kimsey47]

Originally Posted by kylefrs

Just personal preference. I like it better. This is just a DIY for anyone wondering how to do it.

No worries, I was just interested into what benefits you percieved from the swap? Is it the feel of an after market wheel? Lack of bulk/weight, etc?

Never drove with an after market thus my curiosity...

Thanks!

[kylefrs]

Some people get aftermarket steering wheel for better feel or to get the steering wheel closer or farther away from them. Some steering wheels are made so you can wear gloves while driving for track days. And also it for looks purposes. Main thing that people hate is, no airbag and no cruise control. But you can make a mounting bracket for the cc.

[Scalzo]

Finally!! Thank you

[Anthonytpt]

Nice DIY contribution, but I'd caution against this for street driving unless you enjoy having your face smashed with steel.

[raytrix]

Better yet how about not driving the car at all with or without an airbag. Accident is an accident and that's the way it is. At speeds over 40 mph good luck surviving with or without safety protection. Everything is a gamble, just because a car is loaded with airbags does not make you invincible from all elements on the road. An airbag is not going to save you from a wooden plank flying right through your windshield into your head.

Every time someone puts a aftermarket steering on or aftermarket seat on that some internet idiot comes on to read you a pamphlet about safety when operating a vehicle with anything aftermarket that isn't OEM. For god sakes it's the owners car and it's his choice to do the mod for reason they want or need. Not everyone is a fat ass that could only fit o the OEM seat or some dude with large hands that loves the thickness of the OEM steering wheel. Some people are skinny and want a narrow seat for more support or a thinner steering wheel to allow their tiny hands to wrap around. Vice versa for people that are fatter than the normal American that requires bigger seat than OEM or a thicker steering wheel than the OEM for more comfort. People do these mods to their cars to help keep them comfortable and appreciate the car even more.

People in general need to grow some balls and just take responsible for all mods you do to a car. You don't need forum mommy's to tell you all day long about the hazards of anything you do to your car. I'm sure it's getting borderline ridiculous to a point where one day someone is going to say your aftermarket lugs are unsafe to use, stick with OEM. Nut up or shut up.

end of rant.

[vividracing]

Looks good. Thanks for the write up.

IMO when I was rockin a 240, I changed the steering wheel because I didn't have the airbag option. Now that I drive a newer car, I like that safety feature. Plus my EVO has a smaller sporty style wheel that does the job. It is Bulky however.

[FriedRicr]

I'm new ot this, what is the clock spring? whats it look like? that big silver things with the holes in it? or am i missing something?

[avp1]

Unless you have five point harness with your seat, removing airbag is dangerose. You will reduce your chances of survival in accident. Keep in mind that even if you are an expert driver, some bonehead may decice to cross your path. It happened to me, and may happen to you too. Dealing with cars, try to think about safety first.

[drftx]

Originally Posted by avp1

Unless you have five point harness with your seat, removing airbag is dangerose. You will reduce your chances of survival in accident. Keep in mind that even if you are an expert driver, some bonehead may decice to cross your path. It happened to me, and may happen to you too. Dealing with cars, try to think about safety first.

You must be new to cars and the modding scene. First of all YOU DO NO NEED a 5 point harness just because you do not have a steering wheel air bag. Second an accident is a accident shit happens. Safety first? I had a 240sx with NO AIR BAGS and im sure a lot of people had cars with no bags and got in to accidents before. As long as you have you're seat belt on you will be alright. Cars have been driven with no bag since god knows when. And lastly WTF is a "dangerose" I personally cant wait to change my wheel to a key's


@avp1 If you want safety this car is not for you get a prius or a volvo or something.

@kylefrs good write up digging the nardi is its a 330?

[kylefrs]

Seriously. There is way to much bad remarks talking about airbags and how safe they are. This is just a DIY, nothing more. Of you don't want to change your steering wheel then why did you even click on the link. It is just a preference. Someone else could feel a different way. Please keep your bad remarks to yourself. Respect your fellow car members. Thankyou

[drftx]

Originally Posted by kylefrs

Seriously. There is way to much bad remarks talking about airbags and how safe they are. This is just a DIY, nothing more. Of you don't want to change your steering wheel then why did you even click on the link. It is just a preference. Someone else could feel a different way. Please keep your bad remarks to yourself. Respect your fellow car members. Thankyou

^^ exactly IF you do not like it then don't do it easy as that. To many cry babies thinking about safety.