Changing steering wheel

gwl123 · 07-27-2008, 07:05 PM

I haven't been able to find a thread on changing the steering wheel on my '89 911. I find it too big for me. Is it a difficult process and what should I do look out for? Thinking about getting a Momo Prototipo.

dlagerstrom · 07:45 PM

It is not a difficult process. I am doing the same on my '82 as I also find the wheel too big. Hard to steer while in first gear as my leg is in the way.

Not sure about your carrera as far as removing the horn pad, but that is the only difficult step. You will need a long socket but I don't remember the size. I found one with inch threads that works well enough. I think it was 1 1/16" or something close. The nut is a ways in there. When removing the nut, it helps to have an impact driver. If you don't have one, you will have to figure out how to hold the wheel in place so it doesn't turn. You don't want to use the wheel lock or turn to one side and stress out the steering rack. Some people use a club locking device. I have been able to just hold it when I didn't have access to an impact driver.

When you buy the wheel, you will also need a hub adapter. It is all pretty straight forward.

I am going to install the wheel with adapter and then decide if I want to space it out further toward the driver, away from the dash. There are spacers available to make this easy. I guess it depends on the dish of the wheel.

good luck.

vreference · 07-27-2008, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dlagerstrom

I have been able to just hold it when I didn't have access to an impact driver.

Impact driver or impact wrench? I've never really tried using an impact-driver on hex-headed fasteners but it's an interesting idea for times when no compressed air is available. I'd be afraid of damaging the steering-column though.

RWebb · RWebb's Garage

neither is needed - 2 guys are good - one holds wheel & other pulls on the socket handle

IIRC, it is 27 mm

4flyboy · 4flyboy's Garage

It's a piece of cake. You will need a long socket. Remember not to use the integrated wheel lock anti theft feature to torque on you'll break it. Get the proper adapter and a spacer if you prefer and go at it. There are tons of threads on it.
I had the opposite reaction I preferred the larger diameter wheel and switched back. I found the Momo to be twitchy and toy like. That said I just bought a Turbo reproduction wheel but I think the diameter is greater than the Momo. I hope so or I'll be posting it here.

Good luck,

Scott

BeyGon · 07-27-2008, 08:19 PM

I got a 930 wheel for my 89, it is off set so it rides higher giving you more leg room. It is also thicker and looks great. It sets a little farther away from the dash. A great wheel. It is a little more money but you don't need an adapter and it is all leather and all Porsche.

4flyboy · 4flyboy's Garage

Nice! Can't wait to install mine. How is it that you didn't need an adapter?

S.

BeyGon · 07-27-2008, 08:41 PM

It is a factory 930 wheel, very easy to replace. Unbolt the old and bolt on this one.

Pazuzu · 07-27-2008, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeyGon

I got a 930 wheel for my 89, it is off set so it rides higher giving you more leg room. It is also thicker and looks great. It sets a little farther away from the dash. A great wheel. It is a little more money but you don't need an adapter and it is all leather and all Porsche.

They're offset, huh? Interesting...I need more leg room, and I didn't know that the 930's would work. How long does it take to get used to steering a slightly offset wheel? It seems that your acquired instinct for steering would not like that.

vreference · 07-27-2008, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pazuzu

They're offset, huh? Interesting...I need more leg room, and I didn't know that the 930's would work. How long does it take to get used to steering a slightly offset wheel? It seems that your acquired instinct for steering would not like that.

I actually dislike the offset a lot! Like others have mentioned, it rides closer to the dashboard as well. Was the 930 steering column longer? what's going on with this? I'd like to get a spacer for mine that, at the same time, takes out the offset; I think I'll be getting a machinist friend to assist on this unless one is already available. If it weren't closer to the dash I wouldn't be as troubled by the offset but currently I find my self smacking the dash with my finger tips as I turn the wheel past the "lowest" point.

JWest · 07-28-2008, 04:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pazuzu

They're offset, huh? Interesting...I need more leg room, and I didn't know that the 930's would work. How long does it take to get used to steering a slightly offset wheel? It seems that your acquired instinct for steering would not like that.

The factory wheel is offset also - you don't really notice it unless you look for it. If you get rid of the offset you will block the view of the top of your gauges.

You can buy an offset spacer for MOMO wheels (shamless promotion) from Pelican - I posted a thread recently.

BeyGon · 07-28-2008, 05:14 AM

The 930 wheel is one piece no adapter needed, it sits away from the dash, giving you more room between the wheel and the dash pad. It is ONLY noticable the first few times you drive it and only then when you are parking. It isn't something you should worry about even in auto x. I am only 6' but it makes a big difference getting in and out of the car. While driving the difference is the feel of a thicker wheel. Factory Porsche.