Swapping Steering Wheel Out

Dablk · Post by **Dablk** » Fri Mar 17, 2017 1:45 pm

HI All,
Any issues swapping the steering wheel out like for like on a Z4MC? I have a brand new one sat in a box so may as well fit it. Even though mine isn't that bad.

I'm well versed doing it on Clios without killing myself or yanking too hard and destroying cables and keeping bolt in to save teeth ect.

Is there any ill effects from disconnecting the battery to prevent airbag deployment? for say 1 hour.

Many Thanks

Chris

Marlon · Post by **Marlon** » Fri Mar 17, 2017 1:58 pm

I found this youtube video useful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHmBWSnHEUw&t=238s

Releasing the clips on the air bag can be a pita.

Disconnect battery 20 mins before removing air bag.

You could get a good price for your old one, especially if its in good condition

Dablk · Post by **Dablk** » Fri Mar 17, 2017 2:26 pm

Cheers Marlon,
have read a few of the excellent guides. its more the knock on effects of the battery off which I want to prepare for if any.

Haven't yet found a torque setting for the bolt when done.

Yeah might sell the old one or keep it as spares. it has a minor scratch on it and needs the plastics refurbishing as the previous owner wrapped them in faux carbon to match the dash

Chris

Marlon · Post by **Marlon** » Fri Mar 17, 2017 2:33 pm

I cant remember any issues following the battery disconnect (possibly a clock reset)
i didn't use a torque setting.

VRSteve · Post by **VRSteve** » Fri Mar 17, 2017 3:34 pm

My battery was off for over 2 months through winter.

It doesn't cause an issue.

Get it done!!!

Mangozac · Post by **Mangozac** » Fri Mar 17, 2017 11:46 pm

Marlon wrote:Disconnect battery 20 mins before removing air bag.

TIS specifies that only one minute is necessary for E85/E86. Give it 5 mins if you're particularly paranoid

It's an easy job. The splined shaft even has little alignment marks on it so you don't put it on not-straight!

D4dawg · Post by **D4dawg** » Sat Mar 18, 2017 12:15 am

Only thing I found with battery out was resetting windows
And that's a doddle
Key in 1st position
Full down hold button for 10 seconds
Up n hold for 10 seconds
Release:)

Ps haha good idea ref leaving nut loose but still on hhahah
Almost lost front teeth taking mazzer wheel out years ago!

Dablk · Post by **Dablk** » Sun Mar 19, 2017 2:08 pm

Thanks All,

Job done. No issues. I must have lucked out as i did the airbag in 30sec flat. Having a 2nd wheel to work out push angle did help

. Comedy momment as the rain came down and I shut the boot. Was a mild 2 min panic of how the hell am i opening that with the battery disconnected. Thankfully remembered a mate told me about the hidden key lock access underneath the flap.

D4dawg · Post by **D4dawg** » Sun Mar 19, 2017 9:56 pm

Nice buddy

Marlon · Post by **Marlon** » Sun Mar 19, 2017 10:43 pm

Very nice - and good going with the air bag, it took me ages.

Dablk · Post by **Dablk** » Sun Mar 19, 2017 10:57 pm

Thanks,
The trick i found was too push the end of the screwdriver in square keeping the "clock face" angle constant but push the end of driver towards the windscreen so it was sliding down the metal plate inside rather than trying to hit the spring on the end. It then kind of naturally collected it.

TomK · Post by **TomK** » Sun Mar 19, 2017 11:24 pm

Dablk wrote:Thanks All,

Job done. No issues. I must have lucked out as i did the airbag in 30sec flat. Having a 2nd wheel to work out push angle did help . Comedy momment as the rain came down and I shut the boot. Was a mild 2 min panic of how the hell am i opening that with the battery disconnected. Thankfully remembered a mate told me about the hidden key lock access underneath the flap.

Nothing like a brand new wheel. I had a new one about a year ago and I'm already jealous of your fresh one.

Contact patches (i.e. the bits you touch) are so important with a car I find.

You ought to deal with your gear knob next no? I can recommend the f10 m5 one,

chapeau · Post by **chapeau** » Mon Mar 20, 2017 8:44 am

I think i'll have to add the m wheel to my shopping list for mods i want to do. It lools very nice as a brand new one. Where did you get it from if you don't mind me asking?

Dablk · Post by **Dablk** » Mon Mar 20, 2017 9:16 am

Hi I bought it thru a friend in germany.

Mine old one is up in the sale section if its of interest.

Chris

ZAR4MC · Post by **ZAR4MC** » Mon Mar 20, 2017 10:40 am

New steering wheel looks so grand!!

wish i had a new one lying around

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