2009.11.23 - Nardi Steering Wheel Install
- Removed stock steering wheel w/ airbag
- Installed Nardi wheel w/ NRG hub and WorksBell quick release
This was not quite as straightforward as I had expected. I was able to depin the aribag/horn connector pretty easily, but the NRG hub material was thicker than I expected and left very little room for anything to fit (which complicated my plans a bit). I initially routed the horn and airbag wires through the hole in the hub and planned to tuck them into the base of the quick release, but the hub seated so far down that the shaft bolt actually inserted into that cavity which didn't leave much room for the wires and the airbag resistor. I ended up removing the hub and tucking the airbag wires and resistor in the cavity on the back side of the hub and only bringing the horn wire through. Even so, it was still a tight fit for everything. Eventually I got it all bolted up though and went for a test drive. WIN! I couldn't believe how much difference a good steering wheel makes. The steering wheel is slightly smaller diameter (5mm) and more responsive in that respect, but the biggest factor I think is that the stock plastic wheel had so much give/flex in it that the steering felt somewhat disconnected and lethargic. Steering is now crisper and more responsive and provides more feedback. Feedback is still somewhat limited due to the power steering, but it's still even more of a joy to drive than before.
I still need to decide what, if anything, to do with the seatbelt fold that was designed as part of the SRS system. There are several schools of thought on the necessity of removing the fold, but the general consensus it that the wise choice is to remove it. Still, it's a bit of an irreversible modification, so I haven't yet committed myself to doing it. I also still need to look into removing the plate under the steering column that prevents it from collapsing as quickly. As the airbag is no longer in place, this plate no longer serves a potentially beneficial function.
- Installed Nardi wheel w/ NRG hub and WorksBell quick release
This was not quite as straightforward as I had expected. I was able to depin the aribag/horn connector pretty easily, but the NRG hub material was thicker than I expected and left very little room for anything to fit (which complicated my plans a bit). I initially routed the horn and airbag wires through the hole in the hub and planned to tuck them into the base of the quick release, but the hub seated so far down that the shaft bolt actually inserted into that cavity which didn't leave much room for the wires and the airbag resistor. I ended up removing the hub and tucking the airbag wires and resistor in the cavity on the back side of the hub and only bringing the horn wire through. Even so, it was still a tight fit for everything. Eventually I got it all bolted up though and went for a test drive. WIN! I couldn't believe how much difference a good steering wheel makes. The steering wheel is slightly smaller diameter (5mm) and more responsive in that respect, but the biggest factor I think is that the stock plastic wheel had so much give/flex in it that the steering felt somewhat disconnected and lethargic. Steering is now crisper and more responsive and provides more feedback. Feedback is still somewhat limited due to the power steering, but it's still even more of a joy to drive than before.
I still need to decide what, if anything, to do with the seatbelt fold that was designed as part of the SRS system. There are several schools of thought on the necessity of removing the fold, but the general consensus it that the wise choice is to remove it. Still, it's a bit of an irreversible modification, so I haven't yet committed myself to doing it. I also still need to look into removing the plate under the steering column that prevents it from collapsing as quickly. As the airbag is no longer in place, this plate no longer serves a potentially beneficial function.