How-To: Nardi OEM Steering Wheel

[L8R]

How to: Remove your OEM steering wheel and replace it with another OEM one. Sounds simple enough, but there are no threads about removing a wheel. Easy to do I guess, but I figure I'd make one. I am not responsible for anything that breaks or malfunctions!

First off, if I can do this install, anyone can.

Thanks to TheMAN for selling me the OEM Nardi steering wheel! Great seller and nice packaging.

Anyway, on to the install:

Tools you will need (picture 1): Hammer and cloth, 21mm extended socket (I used a 13/16 extended socket), breaker bar, 10mm socket, and a socket wrench.

REMOVE BATTERY TERMINALS BEFORE STARTING ANYTHING!

From TStar

1 sidenote: after disconnecting negative battery terminal, wait 10 minutes so all electrical devices are discharged... <= that's the hint the mazda techs gave me when working on the electrical system of the car.

i know you mentioned it, but it shouldn't look like it was optional, it's rather a must-do.

Here is a shot of the OEM steering wheel (picture 2).

From here, you will need to remove two rubber caps found under the left and right side of the wheel. After removing them, you will expose 1 screw on each side (picture 3).

 

[L8R]

After the screws are removed from each side, you can remove the airbag module. (picture 1)

Here is a shot of what is inside. (picture 2)

There is a plug attached to the airbag module. You can slide it off making it easier to unplug the plug. (picture 3)

You can now unplug the airbag module. (picture 4)

 

[L8R]

Next, you need to unplug the cruise control module. (picture 1) I removed my cruise control, so I will not need to install the buttons on the new steering wheel. Here is an install thread by TheMAN if you choose to keep your cruise control: http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123631479&highlight=Nardi+Cruise+Control

To remove the steering wheel, you will need a 13/16 socket and I used a breaker bar. After removing the nut, I got my trusty hammer and rag. You can use a hub puller, but I don't have one nor does any places rent out for cheap. Just like removing a stuck rim, you need to pound the back of the wheel. I just kept tapping the bottom of the wheel until it came loose.

Remove the steering wheel. (picture 2)

Two wheels side by side. (picture 3)

Comparison of the stiching. (picture 4 and 5)

 

[L8R]

Install in reverse order. Make sure to plug everything back in properly! (picture 1)

From TheMAN

oh yeah, you should list the torque specs for the wheel hub nut and the airbag bolts... the hub/column shaft nut is 34ft lbs and the airbag bolts are 87in lbs... since these are safety related parts, it's VERY important that you torque them down to spec or they may fly off!

New wheel. (picture 2)

Notes:

- I removed my cruise control! I did not transfer the cruise control buttons from one wheel to the other.

- I had a chance to get an aftermarket Nardi wheel and hub for $200, but I chose to keep my airbag and avoid an irritating airbag warning light.

- I just made this thread to help anyone removing the wheel, whether replacing it with an OEM or aftermarket one. At least you get an idea what is needed to do.

Peace

 

[vxfilmer1000]

??

 

[jadonP5]

damn you I just did this yesterday!!! lol

good job

 

[jadonP5]

where's your cruise control? nvermind

 

[TheMAN]

glad to see you're happy with it! I actually washed and reoiled my nardi wheel again yesterday.... it looks awesome again
that's a pretty good how-to, can you post it on my board too?

I have another one for sale on my board with the airbag if anyone is interested

btw, the nut size is actually 21mm, not 13/16 (although they're pretty much the same)

 

[TheMAN]

oh yeah... go find yourself an MPV wiper stalk! don't tell me it doesn't rain in hawaii!

 

[L8R]

Haha, no problem. The biggest socket I had was 19mm, but I will change that accordingly. Thanks

 

[pluto316]

My MSP wheel is starting to flake on one of the sides and peel. Does this version of the wheel do that?

 

[marshall-BJ-VE]

can you keep your original airbag module to work with your nardi wheel? or do you have to get the nardi wheel and live without airbag if you don't get the complete money to get wheel+airbag?.

 

[TheMAN]

if your steering wheel style is the same (3 spoke), then no you don't
if your steering wheel is the 4 spoke design, you need a new airbag

 

[TheMAN]

My MSP wheel is starting to flake on one of the sides and peel. Does this version of the wheel do that?

it won't if you regularly keep the leather oiled... however, the sport20 s-wagon steering wheel (same as the MP3 one) that has the silver sides like your MSP one will fade over time but can be slowed down if you rigorously keep it clean and oiled

 

[marshall-BJ-VE]

if your steering wheel is the 4 spoke design, you need a new airbag

I have EDM/JDM 4 spoke design, so I guess I need the airbag... TheMAN how easily can you get used JDM nardi wheels? I saw your post offering two nardis in protege323 forums, I guess L8R get one of these, but right now I'm short of money to get a complete nardi-airbag (pissed)

also how much could cost a shipping to venezuela by the way?...

 

[TheMAN]

it's not a "JDM/EDM 4 spoke"... everyone got those around the world... my car originally had that too

but anyhow, let's not clutter this thread with sale questions and stuff.... ask me in the post I linked on protege323

 

[Alejo_NIN]

can you keep your original airbag module to work with your nardi wheel? or do you have to get the nardi wheel and live without airbag if you don't get the complete money to get wheel+airbag?.

disculpa la ignorancia, pero el mazda allegro es el mismo que el protege/323??

y este mazda allegro, sabes si tambien lo tienen en colombia?


gracias

 

[marshall-BJ-VE]

disculpa la ignorancia, pero el mazda allegro es el mismo que el protege/323??



y este mazda allegro, sabes si tambien lo tienen en colombia?


gracias

correcto, es el nombre que le dan en suramerica..... y si lo tienen en colombia, de hecho el carro es ensamblado all y es exportado a Venezuela para su venta, solo creo que se ensambl en Venezuela 1 2 aos...

TheMAN I sent a PM to you in protege323 forums...

 

[Maxx Mazda]

Nice swap man. How does it feel with the smaller diameter?

 

[TheMAN]

its the same diameter as the stock P5 one