{"id":2189,"date":"2017-01-05T04:05:13","date_gmt":"2017-01-05T04:05:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.specr53.com\/blog\/?p=2189"},"modified":"2025-02-15T21:44:01","modified_gmt":"2025-02-15T21:44:01","slug":"mini-aftermarket-steering-wheel-qr-install-diy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gcomotorsports.com\/specr53\/diy\/mini-aftermarket-steering-wheel-qr-install-diy\/","title":{"rendered":"MINI Sparco Steering Wheel & QR Install DIY"},"content":{"rendered":"

This project turned into much more of an adventure than was originally planned. The basic idea was simple enough: Install an aftermarket steering wheel and ditch the airbag on the trackcar. I knew the wheel I wanted<\/a> because I used to have it on my E30. Just find the right hub; get the spacing right — no problem, right? Not so fast.\u00a0If you are thinking about installing an aftermarket steering wheel, there are a few things you need to consider before you start:<\/p>\n

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  1. Do you really want to do this?<\/em> Check local regulations and consult your shop manual before attempting to remove the airbag. If your car is still your daily driver, you may want to think twice about removing the airbag.<\/li>\n
  2. Size and position?<\/em> A smaller wheel can improve steering response, but may block your view of critical gauges. Since the Gen 1 MINI steering column only adjusts up and down, you can use the opportunity of a new hub\u00a0to choose where to position\u00a0your aftermarket wheel relative\u00a0to the driver.<\/li>\n
  3. Fixed or removable?<\/em> A quick release can make it much easier to get out of competition seats, but most add 1-2 inches to the distance from the hub. Just having a smaller wheel (even if fixed) may make it easier to get in and out.<\/li>\n
  4. Do you want to retain horn function and turn-signal cancel?<\/em> The horn wiring and the tab that cancels the turn-signal are both part of the slip-ring<\/a>. If you can do without both of these functions, the installation is considerably easier, but if you want to retain them, modifications are necessary. (Just keep in mind this is a $150 part if you screw it up or want to go back to stock.)<\/li>\n
  5. Do you want to keep the airbag light off?<\/em> Although our test car no longer has any airbags, we have retained the 3-point seatbelts and pre-tensioners since we can\u2019t use 6-point harnesses in our state on the street. (No trailer. Yet\u2026). So we still have the airbag module in the car so it will fire-off the pre-tensioners in an impact.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    We\u2019ve covered steering wheel removal<\/a> and slip-ring replacement<\/a> in previous posts, so we won\u2019t repeat the steps to remove the airbag, steering wheel, and slip-ring here. But do make sure you allow at least 15 minutes between disconnecting the battery and disconnecting the airbag so you don\u2019t have to make an unnecessary trip to the dealer to reset the airbag light.\u00a0Allow yourself a couple of hours to complete the project.<\/p>\n

    Parts needed:<\/p>\n