Steering wheel swap help
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Woodstock Georgia
Steering wheel swap help
I am replacing the original steering wheel in my 84 with an aftermarket wheel from Grant. When I reconnect the battery the horn goes off. I have removed the horn button and the horn wire but the horn still blows everytime I reconnect the battery.
I have verified that I have a correct wheel / adapter combination. The only thing I can figure is that it may have something to do with the telescoping spring???
Has anyone else had this issue and know how to fix it?
I have verified that I have a correct wheel / adapter combination. The only thing I can figure is that it may have something to do with the telescoping spring???
Has anyone else had this issue and know how to fix it?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,882
Likes: 234
From: Bangkok, Thailand
I am replacing the original steering wheel in my 84 with an aftermarket wheel from Grant. When I reconnect the battery the horn goes off. I have removed the horn button and the horn wire but the horn still blows everytime I reconnect the battery.
I have verified that I have a correct wheel / adapter combination. The only thing I can figure is that it may have something to do with the telescoping spring???
Has anyone else had this issue and know how to fix it?
I have verified that I have a correct wheel / adapter combination. The only thing I can figure is that it may have something to do with the telescoping spring???
Has anyone else had this issue and know how to fix it?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Woodstock Georgia
Not at all. I did. I started this about 7:30 pm EST. When I called their tech line (in CA) I was told the techs were gone and I would need to call back on Monday during normal business hours. I was hoping to get it wrapped up before then so was seeking advice from those with experience. It just doesn't look that hard!
The only info I have found on line are swapping old factory for new factory and it appears that the horn is activated by contacting the telescope spring via a plastic quick connect built into the wheel assembly. The Grant wheel adapter has a tunnel for the wire to pass through, but not the actual connection.
Thanks for the reply.
The only info I have found on line are swapping old factory for new factory and it appears that the horn is activated by contacting the telescope spring via a plastic quick connect built into the wheel assembly. The Grant wheel adapter has a tunnel for the wire to pass through, but not the actual connection.
Thanks for the reply.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Woodstock Georgia
For anyone considering this .... turns out that the telescoping spring is the conductor for the horn. Any place it touches the steering column shorts it out and sets off the horn. This includes the adapter from Grant which is metal instead of the factory ABS. When you seat the spring, it seats against the metal inside of the adapter, creating a short and a continually blowing horn. So ... you just need to add a simple insulator like shrink tubing or electrical tape to solve the problem.
Next issue ... when reinstalling the lock pawl, it does NOT lock the wheel into place. I have done and re-done according to the instructions but I am missing something. Any of you DYI'rs know the answer to this?
Thanks in advance!
Next issue ... when reinstalling the lock pawl, it does NOT lock the wheel into place. I have done and re-done according to the instructions but I am missing something. Any of you DYI'rs know the answer to this?
Thanks in advance!
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 14,924
Likes: 9
From: Merritt Ils Fl
I can't help you with your locking problem but to say mine went in without a hitch. Mine wheel is a "D" I put in hoping for a little more clearance after knee replacement. It came from Grant but has MOMO stampings on the backside.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Woodstock Georgia
I am missing something in reinstalling the lock pawl ... I have some leg issues too and went to 13 inch wheel. It gives more clearance than I expected and a firmer feel in the steering too. How do you like yours after getting some miles on it?
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Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2007
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This is a common problem with aftermarket steering wheels. You'll have to make shield, or block them off.
If you go on youtube, you can look at a;; the different aftermarket wheels, and the installs will explain, why, and how this works.
I just looked over the weekend.
I want a 12" or less momo, they are pretty cheap.
i just hate the stock wheel in my 90' I actually like the 84-89 better.
If you go on youtube, you can look at a;; the different aftermarket wheels, and the installs will explain, why, and how this works.
I just looked over the weekend.
I want a 12" or less momo, they are pretty cheap.
i just hate the stock wheel in my 90' I actually like the 84-89 better.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,174
Likes: 125
From: Dunstable MA
St. Jude Donor '05
The telescoping lever is attached to a screw with a multi-position mount. Detach the lever and play with the screw in place in the column. When you feel the column drag going in and out, that's the 12 o'clock position. Set the lever on and find two holes in the mount that line up with your setting. If you don't mind losing the tele feature, just insert a 5/16-18 allen set screw in the hole in the tele column. Adjust the column to the length you will use and tighten the screw.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 14,924
Likes: 9
From: Merritt Ils Fl
I went to a smaller wheel and a Z51 rack within a month. Downright twichy till i got used to it. Love it now. Yes it does make getting out easier.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Woodstock Georgia
That is the ticket.
I spoke to Grant today and their opinion - without seeing it of course - is that I don't have the adapter far enough down on the splines of the steering column (probably because its not in the correct 12 o'clock position) and the lock screw isn't picking up the internal lock.
I'll let you know. Thank you!!
I spoke to Grant today and their opinion - without seeing it of course - is that I don't have the adapter far enough down on the splines of the steering column (probably because its not in the correct 12 o'clock position) and the lock screw isn't picking up the internal lock.
I'll let you know. Thank you!!
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Woodstock Georgia
Well, as usual, it was simple. Many thanks to Rich Silvestris. I ran an extra long 5/16 screw down the hole and viola! it locked. Short end of a very long story ... the wheel adapter was not far enough down on the splines and the lock screw wasn't reaching the internal lock mechanism.
Thanks!!!!!
Thanks!!!!!
Last edited by original84; Jun 20, 2010 at 08:29 AM.