After Market Steering Wheels

invincible7 · 13th June 2007, 20:46

How good are the after market steering wheels especially sports one... does the handling really improves with them or is it just for the show.. how much do they cost.. both original and fake ones.. and if fake are these reliable...does one needs any special addons to make them work after installation or they are hot swaps..on the existing ones..

manson · 14th June 2007, 02:19

invincible, i am assuming you';re talking about the aftermarket steering wheels available at the local accessory stores for 2-6K, and by a sports one i'm guessing you mean a steering wheel smaller than the stock one in most cases.

They arent anywhere close to your stock steering wheel in terms of quality.
Improved handling is a misconception.
Smaller wheel = more rotationsd to make the same turn compared to your stock steering wheel, only a fraction more to turn on your new 'SPORTS' steering wheel, but it can be viewed as a serious hassle for daily city driving where one needs to make efficient use of the steering wheel for parking.
The aftermarket steering wheels which have flooded our accessory market in the last couple of years are merely for show, atleast from the few i have seen and the couple of cars i have driven equipped with one of these aftermarket steering wheeels.

And, a slightly used wheel can probably be had for 1-2K from locals who deal in parts, chor bazaar sorts.

Btw, which car is this for?

manson.

hellspawn · 14th June 2007, 08:06

try to opt for a steering wheel which has the same diameter as your stock steering wheel.other than that its purely for improving the aesthetics of the interiors.(im talking about the fake ones).
@manson:if you compare the stock steering wheel of the zen with an aftermarket one (like the one which i have put in my car),i found the quality to be much better than the stock s.w.the stock is just too plasticky and hardand too big.the aftermarket ones usually have a goodcontour for grip and placing your thumbs.(something like the one on the ford ikon)

harry15 · 14th June 2007, 09:30

hey guys i was planning to buy one for my swift . how much is the hub diammeter and all ? or do all of them have the same hub diammeter ??

n_aditya · 14th June 2007, 11:52

I have been using an aftermarket sports steering wheel which is smaller in diameter than the stock Esteem sterring wheel. Using this for almost a year now.

I havent faced any issues in terms of handling or negotiating turns. Handling remains the same if not improve. No. of turns increases marginally but not a cause for concern at all. Lock to lock i feel only 0.5 or max 1 turn increase is felt.

I mostly drive in the city and i have not faced any issues negotiating in traffic. The only disadvantage is that the horn in in the center.

But during long drives my arms sometimes ache as i cannot rest my right elbow on the right door panel.

The wheel cost me 2.5k including the cost of the hub and installation.

However the ones that come in real leather can be more expensive.

If u really want one, go ahead. There are no serious "side effects". Just make sure installation is perfect (bolts are super tight).

manson · 14th June 2007, 12:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellspawn

@manson:if you compare the stock steering wheel of the zen with an aftermarket one (like the one which i have put in my car),i found the quality to be much better than the stock s.w.the stock is just too plasticky and hardand too big.the aftermarket ones usually have a goodcontour for grip and placing your thumbs.(something like the one on the ford ikon)

Yeah, buy the zen is probably one of the few exceptions, but its yet somewhat better than some of the aftermarket stuff. Like you mentioned, its just about the novelty value.

manson.

reignofchaos · 14th June 2007, 12:47

If the current steering wheel has an airbag in it, is there any chance to get it fitted into an aftermarket wheel too?

n_aditya · 14th June 2007, 13:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by reignofchaos

If the current steering wheel has an airbag in it, is there any chance to get it fitted into an aftermarket wheel too?

I seriously doubt the possibility and feasibility of adding an air bag into an aftermarket steering wheel. Impossible in a sports steering all the more.

Even if it was possible to fit an airbag, i doubt any safety is guaranteed as there are no tests to determine it.

manikjeet · 14th June 2007, 13:53

i have been using a after market steering for some time now

no issues till now i am loving and i have a feeling that i have more control over my car the lock to lock has increase much and the quality is much better than the stock steering

Dhar's · 14th June 2007, 14:25

I have one in my Alto and did not find any improvement in handling. But the lock to lock turn has increased marginally. I fixed it purely on aesthetic grounds. I hate that 2 spoke stock ones.
You will require a hub adaptor which I think will be coming along with the steering wheel. Only issue is horn button placed in center. But one gets used to it. Emergency honking to be practised.
@Harry15
Why do you want an aftermarket steering wheel? The Swift already has a sporty one. Of course unless u want to go for MOMO / Sparco etc which cost +12K.

razor4077 · 14th June 2007, 14:36

Aftermarket steering wheel manufacturers like Momo clearly state that their products are not meant to replace OEM airbag-equipped steering wheels, and are only for "racing" use. Basically, if you want to fit a cooler looking wheel, be prepared to sacrifice your airbag (if your car came fitted with one).
@harry15: you normally have to buy a hub to adapt to the new wheel. These are available from companies like Momo, and you have cheaper alternatives like Boss.

Original Momo steering wheels start at around 12k.

faithless_1984 · 14th June 2007, 15:07

@ invincible - PM aZa or Manveet , both have installed after market steering wheels in there cars.

hellspawn · 14th June 2007, 18:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by faithless_1984

@ invincible - PM aZa or Manveet , both have installed after market steering wheels in there cars.

what????did you forget me..??

faithless_1984 · 14th June 2007, 19:52

Quote:

what????did you forget me..??

ooppss....my bad.!

@ invincible - please PM helli for further assistance.!

sumeethaldankar · 14th June 2007, 21:29

Hi guys , can someone explaing what the steering hub is.And if i was to go for a after market steering for my m-800 will i need to purchase this "hub" thing separately
thanks

13th June 2007, 20:46	#1
invincible7 BHPian Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Delhi NCR Posts: 665 Thanked: 173 Times	After Market Steering Wheels How good are the after market steering wheels especially sports one... does the handling really improves with them or is it just for the show.. how much do they cost.. both original and fake ones.. and if fake are these reliable...does one needs any special addons to make them work after installation or they are hot swaps..on the existing ones..
	() Thanks

14th June 2007, 02:19	#2
manson Team-BHP Support Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 3,934 Thanked: 4,167 Times View My Garage	invincible, i am assuming you';re talking about the aftermarket steering wheels available at the local accessory stores for 2-6K, and by a sports one i'm guessing you mean a steering wheel smaller than the stock one in most cases. They arent anywhere close to your stock steering wheel in terms of quality. Improved handling is a misconception. Smaller wheel = more rotationsd to make the same turn compared to your stock steering wheel, only a fraction more to turn on your new 'SPORTS' steering wheel, but it can be viewed as a serious hassle for daily city driving where one needs to make efficient use of the steering wheel for parking. The aftermarket steering wheels which have flooded our accessory market in the last couple of years are merely for show, atleast from the few i have seen and the couple of cars i have driven equipped with one of these aftermarket steering wheeels. And, a slightly used wheel can probably be had for 1-2K from locals who deal in parts, chor bazaar sorts. Btw, which car is this for? manson.
	() Thanks

14th June 2007, 08:06	#3
hellspawn Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: noida Posts: 1,686 Thanked: 7 Times View My Garage Infractions: 0/1 (10)	try to opt for a steering wheel which has the same diameter as your stock steering wheel.other than that its purely for improving the aesthetics of the interiors.(im talking about the fake ones). @manson:if you compare the stock steering wheel of the zen with an aftermarket one (like the one which i have put in my car),i found the quality to be much better than the stock s.w.the stock is just too plasticky and hardand too big.the aftermarket ones usually have a goodcontour for grip and placing your thumbs.(something like the one on the ford ikon) Last edited by hellspawn : 14th June 2007 at 08:10.
	() Thanks

14th June 2007, 09:30	#4
harry15 BHPian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: hagerstown, MD Posts: 45 Thanked: 0 Times	hey guys i was planning to buy one for my swift . how much is the hub diammeter and all ? or do all of them have the same hub diammeter ??
	() Thanks

14th June 2007, 11:52	#5
n_aditya Senior - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Namma Bengaluru Posts: 5,348 Thanked: 3,683 Times View My Garage	I have been using an aftermarket sports steering wheel which is smaller in diameter than the stock Esteem sterring wheel. Using this for almost a year now. I havent faced any issues in terms of handling or negotiating turns. Handling remains the same if not improve. No. of turns increases marginally but not a cause for concern at all. Lock to lock i feel only 0.5 or max 1 turn increase is felt. I mostly drive in the city and i have not faced any issues negotiating in traffic. The only disadvantage is that the horn in in the center. But during long drives my arms sometimes ache as i cannot rest my right elbow on the right door panel. The wheel cost me 2.5k including the cost of the hub and installation. However the ones that come in real leather can be more expensive. If u really want one, go ahead. There are no serious "side effects". Just make sure installation is perfect (bolts are super tight).
	() Thanks

14th June 2007, 12:47	#7
reignofchaos Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 2,542 Thanked: 2,450 Times View My Garage	If the current steering wheel has an airbag in it, is there any chance to get it fitted into an aftermarket wheel too?
	() Thanks

14th June 2007, 13:53	#9
manikjeet Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: chandigarh Posts: 1,618 Thanked: 295 Times View My Garage	i have been using a after market steering for some time now no issues till now i am loving and i have a feeling that i have more control over my car the lock to lock has increase much and the quality is much better than the stock steering
	() Thanks

14th June 2007, 14:25	#10
Dhar's BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: QLN/TRV/DXB Posts: 420 Thanked: 625 Times View My Garage	I have one in my Alto and did not find any improvement in handling. But the lock to lock turn has increased marginally. I fixed it purely on aesthetic grounds. I hate that 2 spoke stock ones. You will require a hub adaptor which I think will be coming along with the steering wheel. Only issue is horn button placed in center. But one gets used to it. Emergency honking to be practised. @Harry15 Why do you want an aftermarket steering wheel? The Swift already has a sporty one. Of course unless u want to go for MOMO / Sparco etc which cost +12K.
	() Thanks

14th June 2007, 14:36	#11
razor4077 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 1,882 Thanked: 298 Times View My Garage	Aftermarket steering wheel manufacturers like Momo clearly state that their products are not meant to replace OEM airbag-equipped steering wheels, and are only for "racing" use. Basically, if you want to fit a cooler looking wheel, be prepared to sacrifice your airbag (if your car came fitted with one). @harry15: you normally have to buy a hub to adapt to the new wheel. These are available from companies like Momo, and you have cheaper alternatives like Boss. Original Momo steering wheels start at around 12k. Last edited by razor4077 : 14th June 2007 at 14:45.
	() Thanks

14th June 2007, 15:07	#12
faithless_1984 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Delhi Posts: 1,575 Thanked: 324 Times View My Garage	@ invincible - PM aZa or Manveet , both have installed after market steering wheels in there cars.
	() Thanks

14th June 2007, 21:29	#15
sumeethaldankar Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Mumbai Posts: 3,931 Thanked: 3,308 Times View My Garage	Hi guys , can someone explaing what the steering hub is.And if i was to go for a after market steering for my m-800 will i need to purchase this "hub" thing separately thanks
	() Thanks

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