problems with airbag wheel to mtech1

[fretburnr]

i switched my steering wheel from an airbag one to an mtech 1 (which is beautiful btw :) ) but i seem to be having a problem:

it seems the mtech wheels splined section is much shallower than the airbag wheels; i.e. it sits lower on the column splines and the nut doesnt' tighten properly (it tightens against the column and then the wheel can still be pulled in and out somewhat. It seems there should be another spacer on the column to make this work properly; also the wheel is super close to my turn signal/wiper stalks which further makes me think this. Am i missing some hardware? realOEM isn't very clear on parts; its got two parts listed as "ring" one of which i have already, the other of which isn't shown in their diagram.

also it seems that if there were another spacer, there'd be an open area behind the wheel before the plastic covers that is exposed; i.e. you could see the column hardware from above/sides. i dont recall seeing a trim piece for this or anything; does anyone have any ideas? i keep hitting my wiper switch when i turn :p

[Digitalwave]

That happens every time you convert from an airbag wheel to a non airbag. I did this years ago. You have a couple options. You can stack washers inbetween the steering wheel and the nut, so it holds it securely. The best way to do this is go to a junkyard and buy another one of those thick aluminum spacers that goes between the steering column and the steering wheel, and put that between the wheel and the nut.

The other option is to put that spacer behind the wheel, stacked with the other washer. This will make it so your turn signals don't return to off after you complete a turn, your steering wheel lock when the keys are out of the car won't work, and the horn won't work though. Having the steering wheel close to the stalks is just something you'll have to get used to.

[fretburnr]

cool... in that case i'll snag some washers and enjoy ;)

[ak96ss]

Couldn't you just replace the turn signal switch with one from a non-airbag car? They don't have the severe 'dog leg,' IIRC.

[ColdAccord]

That happens every time you convert from an airbag wheel to a non airbag. I did this years ago. You have a couple options. You can stack washers inbetween the steering wheel and the nut, so it holds it securely. The best way to do this is go to a junkyard and buy another one of those thick aluminum spacers that goes between the steering column and the steering wheel, and put that between the wheel and the nut.

The other option is to put that spacer behind the wheel, stacked with the other washer. This will make it so your turn signals don't return to off after you complete a turn, your steering wheel lock when the keys are out of the car won't work, and the horn won't work though. Having the steering wheel close to the stalks is just something you'll have to get used to.

there aren't any e30s in junkyards around here. are you talking about the same $4 spacer from Pelican?

anyone have the part number for it?

[Digitalwave]

I don't have a PN or anything, I just took it from my parts car.

[Febi Guibo]

32311120260 works great

[fretburnr]

32311120260 is exactly right 8) solved this one a while ago, it works perfectly.