My knees hit steering wheel - 964

dlpalumbo · 05-07-2008, 12:11 PM

I'm not all that tall (6 ft) but most of my height is in my legs. The problem is, if I adjust the seat so I'm comfortable with the clutch, i.e., not tip toeing it, my left knee sometimes hits the steering wheel when I release the clutch.

Also my hands can hit my knees when I turn without shuffling. These interferences can get very distracting when things get busy.

Do others have this problem?? Is there a remedy?? I was thinking a 2" spacer to bring wheel closer to me would do the trick. Ever hear of such a thing??

Thanks for help,

Dan

Don Plumley · Don Plumley's Garage

Personally, I'm short, so I have the opposite problem.

Yes, steering wheel spacers for aftermarket wheels do exist. That's a complaint of the Momo mounting kit that with a dished wheel make it too close. I'm not aware of a spacer for the factory airbag wheel, but perhaps someone knows better.

Have you moved the seat down?

roadsleeper · 05-08-2008, 01:39 AM

Do you have the stock seats, or buckets?

I'm 6'2" and I fitted a Sparco bucket in mine the other day which gives me the exact same problem you described. I have never had this problem with the factory eletric seats though as they were extremely adjustable.

The solution that I am going to use is to remove the original seat mounting points for the electric seats, which are welded to the floor pan and use a smaller diameter steering wheel.

A spacer was a factory option (can't remember the code off the top of my head), and you can trying fitting a Momo Prototipo replica. Momo makes several types (i.e., different dish depths) so I am sure you'll be able to find one to suit your needs.

Good luck!

dlpalumbo · 05-08-2008, 06:24 AM

Thanks for your replies.

I have the electric seats and have tried all kinds of positions. I've concluded that moving the steering wheel is the best option, so I'll take a look at Momo wheels.

Dan

roadsleeper · 05-08-2008, 08:13 AM

In case you want to take the OEM route, the option code for the "Sport steering wheel with elevated hub" is 018. I got this number off the options sticker under the hood of a 965.

Obviously the Momo route will be the cheaper one

Tom W · Tom W's Garage

You can also get a smaller wheel. The stock wheel is 350 mm diameter. Momo makes smaller diameter wheels. In a 964 or 993 - cars with power steering - it will not be an issue. In an older car, it would take even more strength to turn the wheel. If you switch to a Momo wheel, you will require a hub adapter and as pointed out, that will move the wheel closer too.

roadsleeper · 05-10-2008, 10:05 PM

Tom W - The OEM wheel in the 964s is 350mm? Keen to know because mine feels gi-normous, and I've never measured it.

dlpalumbo - This is one of the options I'm mulling over:

It's fitted to the 997 GT3 RSR Cup Car!

dlpalumbo · 05-12-2008, 06:23 AM

Thanks RoadSleeper.

Just measured the stock wheel and its 15", 380 mm, so the Momo at 350 mm is just over an inch less in diameter. That plus a spacer might do the trick.

charlesj · 05-12-2008, 06:57 AM

I am 6 ft and have non power seats. Dont seem to have this problem

Cobalt · Cobalt's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by dlpalumbo

Thanks RoadSleeper.

Just measured the stock wheel and its 15", 380 mm, so the Momo at 350 mm is just over an inch less in diameter. That plus a spacer might do the trick.

It actually measures 385mm but whats another 5mm? I have a 320 mm wheel in my turbo it is a great wheel but a little small and makes for more work on longer drives. I have a 360mm wheel in my C2 I find this to be a great all around wheel.

roadsleeper · 05-12-2008, 08:21 PM

dlpalumbo - That should work, it's the same setup my friend has in his 2.7 RS clone. While I can't speak for the feel on long drives, I'm sure it'll feel similar to the stock wheel since it's only an inch smaller.

Leo O'Farrell · 05-17-2008, 07:13 AM

This post got me to thinking as I drove my 993 this week. The pedals are really offset to the right, different than any car I've driven or am familiar with. Having owned the car only a year and 12k miles, here's a couple of thoughts: the pedal cluster is really set for a more flexation of the ankle to get the sole of the foot squarely on the pedal at full extension.

I experimented with this and my knee doesn't contact the wheel, but when using a full leg motion to shift it does. I find that I splay my knee outwards to avoid bumping the wheel.

Learning about the Porsche is an experience.