Fitting after market steering wheel.

Alf · Postby **Alf** » Wed Apr 19, 2017 6:59 pm

I must be getting old. I used to love doing this sort of stuff. Anyone know of a shop that'll put an aftermarket steering wheel into an ND and do a service? Maybe Dick Richey.

smy0003 · Postby **smy0003** » Wed Apr 19, 2017 7:41 pm

Dick Richey would, yes. Would be your best bet as I don't see the dealer liking that idea too much.

Which steering wheel? AutoExe?
I don't think I've seen an aftermarket wheel on an Australian MX5 yet.

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Wed Apr 19, 2017 8:09 pm

on most cars with an air bag in the steering wheel you would not be able to legally change steering wheels.Surely modern cars are tested and designed with a specific integrated system for that car. Would you contemplate asking a Mazda dealer and would it void warranty ? Any workshop would I imagine be very wary of making a change on something that could render a car not roadworthy. Service- what does Mazda say- does the ND have to be done by a dealer and do Mazda have fixed priced servicing for the ND?

Alf · Postby **Alf** » Wed Apr 19, 2017 9:52 pm

It's a KenStyle steering wheel. Airbag and controls transplant. http://rev9autosport.com/kenstyle-steering-wheel.html
I'm sure it will void the warranty on the steering wheel controls, horn, wheel airbag etc., but shouldn't affect warranty on rest of car.
The thing I miss most from my BMW is the MSport steering wheel. The ND's 60's sized wheel is just too thin.

smy0003 · Postby **smy0003** » Wed Apr 19, 2017 10:12 pm

Nice, should look great. Make sure to share some pics when it's done.

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Blade_Hunter · Postby **Blade_Hunter** » Thu Apr 20, 2017 10:30 am

Does it have the Cruise Control buttons? Some picture it does, some it doesn't. I like the wheel but avoided it because I didn't think it had those buttons.

Edit:

" It is compatible with steering wheels with cruise control, bluetooth, audio controls, etc."

Well that answers that then ;) It reuses your existing ones

.

bruce · Postby **bruce** » Thu Apr 20, 2017 11:52 am

Yes, u reuse the whole centre of the wheel. It is just the rim and the hub section as they are one piece.

Vat · Postby **Vat** » Thu Apr 20, 2017 12:05 pm

Great looking wheel, but hate to be the bearer of bad news.

From VicRoads Guide to Modifications for Motor Vehicles:
Vehicles manufactured after June 1995, which are required to comply with ADR 69 (Full Frontal Impact Occupant Protection), may only be fitted with steering wheels certified by the vehicle manufacturer as suitable for that vehicle

Up to yourself if you want to go ahead and fit it, of course, but be aware there will be consequences if something happens, which I hope doesn't.

smy0003 · Postby **smy0003** » Sun Apr 23, 2017 10:06 am

I wonder what the go is. The kenstyle and autoexe items are based on the factory item. Same airbag, same crash cover, same central strength structure and same electronics. Its just the rim is a bit sportier.
It's not like pulling your airbag wheel out and sticking a nardi deepcorn in there.
You'd be hard pressed to know it was any different unless you were a mazda maniac.

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bruce · Postby **bruce** » Sun Apr 23, 2017 10:08 am

Yes I agree. They'd use Mazda parts, they only retrim the leather grip.

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Sun Apr 23, 2017 10:37 am

its easy to increase the rim thickness- you just get a steering wheel cover. It was common place once. Many old cars had thin steering wheel rims. The other thing to do is wear driving gloves. Vats remarks look clear to me- i.e. does Mazda certify the aftermarket product?