Mechanic for Dummies: Steering Wheel Change

[Morat]

Could someone tell me how to change the steering wheel in simple steps? I really don't want to break my new wheel, or end up with it spinning freely or something terrible. I've just got a nice leather three spoke one and I'd love to fit it myself if possible..
Cheers!

[Ziggy]

What wheel have you got at the mo? Either way, you need to remove the cover over the centre of the wheel - exactly how depends on the type of wheel you've got, but it probably just prises off. Point the wheel straight ahead, so it's easy to line the new one up.

Then there's a 22mm nut to undo (socket & short extension). Easiest to get this off with the steering lock engaged, but you'll then need to disengage it (insert the key!) to get the wheel off. Just pull the wheel off, & make sure you put the new one on in the same position. Put the nut back on, & the centre button / hornpush accordingly...

It really is easy!

[Morat]

Its the four spoke plastic "bus drivers" wheel at the moment...
Thanks for the reply tho, really useful!

Morat

[Ziggy]

Never had one of those! I'm guessing that it's the same as a tech-1 WRT the centre cover:- just prise the bmw logo off with a flat screwdriver?

[mark_i]

Hey Morat, when you remove the 4-spoke, do the instrument cluster/temp gauge nut at the same time. Mark

[orangecurry]

Never had one of those! I'm guessing that it's the same as a tech-1 WRT the centre cover:- just prise the bmw logo off with a flat screwdriver?

Yes it is - go in behind the BMW plastic logo at a big angle to get to its edge, then it'll prise out really easily.

[d6dph]

May be worth leaving the nut on a few turns when you pull the wheel off. They can come off with a jolt, and I'm guessing you don't fancy a broken nose

[Chris-W]

May be worth leaving the nut on a few turns when you pull the wheel off. They can come off with a jolt, and I'm guessing you don't fancy a broken nose

Tip of the day!

[Ziggy]

Heh - that's quality! Mine's been off loads of times, so no worry about it happening to me, but I still like the image! I pity the fool who trys to change a steering wheel and gearknob for the first time on the same day!

[orangecurry]

Nurse - 'so how did you break your nose AND your hand at the same time, Mr Morat?'
Morat - 'That's nothing compared to the mayhem I caused whilst driving to the hospital and my steering wheel came off...'

[d6dph]

Sorry if it was a dumb comment, but i have seen it happen (not to me i must add!)

[Chris-W]

I meant it - I think everyone came at least close to injury first time!

[Morat]

hahahah, you guys are going to get me sacked

Thanks for the info, and yes - I'll do the temp gauge at the same time!

[dazleeds]

May be worth leaving the nut on a few turns when you pull the wheel off. They can come off with a jolt, and I'm guessing you don't fancy a broken nose

never done it with the steering wheel

but nearly knocked myself clean out a few times changing gearknobs

[Morat]

daz, you have PM!

[dazleeds]

daz, you have PM!

replied mate

[paulj]

Heh - that's quality! Mine's been off loads of times, so no worry about it happening to me, but I still like the image! I pity the fool who trys to change a steering wheel and gearknob for the first time on the same day!

[Morat]

Its on! not quite straight
Ah well, practice makes perfect! Its much better than the original too, I like leather steering wheels.
Thanks folks!