Replaced Steering Wheel

[darkl4805]

For all of those curious about whether or not the steering wheel is easy to replace the answer is that it is extremely easy. I chose a MOMO steering wheel and bought the stock MOMO wheel HUB (the only one they had for an Isuzu - basically looks like all Amigo/Rodeo/VX use the same HUB). It fit perfectly with no modification needed. Below is a quick write up which is really just a copy/paste from the service manual. I could do the entire process in 15 minutes now but the first run through I spent about an hour removing all the trim (which you do not need to do) and testing everything slowly. The horn does work but I had to get creative on connecting it. My comment is that if you do not feel like getting creative then do not count on the horn button working. The airbag light is perma-on and I will probably end up pulling the bulb from behind the warning light.

Removal
1.Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle’s wheels
are pointing straight ahead.
2.Turn the ignition switch to “LOCK”.
3. Disconnect the battery “–” terminal cable, and wait at
least 5 minutes.
4. Disconnect the yellow 3-way SRS connector located
under the steering column.
5. Loosen the inflator module fixing bolt from behind the
steering wheel assembly using a TORX) driver or
equivalent until the inflator module can be released
from steering assembly.
6. Disconnect the yellow 2-way SRS connector located
behind the inflator module.
WARNING: THE INFLATOR MODULE SHOULD
ALWAYS BE CARRIED WITH THE URETHANE
COVER AWAY FROM YOUR BODY AND SHOULD
ALWAYS BE LAID ON A FLAT SURFACE WITH THE
URETHANE SIDE UP. THIS IS NECESSARY
BECAUSE A FREE SPACE IS PROVIDED TO ALLOW
THE AIR CUSHION TO EXPAND IN THE UNLIKELY
EVENT OF ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT.
OTHERWISE, PERSONAL INJURY MAY RESULT.
7. Remove steering wheel fixing nut.
8. Apply a setting mark (1) across the steering wheel
and shaft so parts can be reassembled in their original
position, then remove steering wheel.
9. Move the front wheels to the straight ahead position,
then use steering wheel remover J–29752 to remove
the steering wheel. (I bought a generic GM steering wheel
removal tool from a local auto store)
CAUTION: Never apply force to the steering wheel
in direction of the shaft by using a hammer or other
impact tools in an attempt to remove the steering
wheel. The steering shaft is designed as an energy
absorbing unit.
10. (not from service manual) I removed the black plastic piece with a yellow sticker (3 screws). To do this you will have to remove the housing around the steering wheel column. It's all of 5-6 screws with nothing complex. This was optional but if you decide to keep it you will need to remove (or file down) the airbag connector. I tried the wheel with it on and off and there was no noticeable difference so I removed it un-harmed incase I wanted to return to stock.

Installation
1. Followed instructions from MOMO install guide which was basically put on the hub adapter, horn ring, screw in fixing nut, horn button, put wheel on top and screw in six torx screws.

MOMO hub (Part #7903),
http://www.momousa.com/products/products/steering-wheels/hubs/isuzu-hubs.html

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/515/thumbs/MOMO_R-Trek.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=19583)
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/515/thumbs/MOMO_Trek-R_Side_View.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=19584)

As a side note I've been in love my BMW 135i and have neglected the VX for over a year now. So my goal for 2011 is to continue to do some sweet mods to make it compete with the 135i. My next mod will be aftermarket seats (already on order). I assume that will actually require some time to install. Stay tuned!

[Ldub]

VERY NICE...:thumbup:

Thanks for the info...VXinfo, that is...:thanx:

[Marlin]

Looks awesome, I like this wheel as well, would blend with our interior quite nicely:
http://www.momousa.com/products/products/steering-wheels/jet-steering-wheel-2.html

[Dmitrikr]

The airbag light is perma-on and I will probably end up pulling the bulb from behind the warning light.
6. Disconnect the yellow 2-way SRS connector located
behind the inflator module.!

just put 1 0hm resistor into 2 wire SRS connector - it will foul SRS module.
(you may check exact resistance at air bag - and put resistor with exact Ohm reading)

[Ldub]

I pulled both of the SRS fuses that are under the yellow duplex fuse cover on the drivers side dash when I removed my steering wheel.

Still driving W-0 the airbag in the wheel...no warning light.

Dunno if that'll change when I install a new wheel & reconnect the horn...:_confused

[RallyDude]

I've seen the red/black version of that wheel, and I didn't really care for it. But the all black model looks fantastic. Good Work!

I do also have an aftermarket Momo wheel, but I would really like a quick-disconnect for it. Anyone have any Ideas?

[nfpgasmask]

Yeah, that's quite nice looking actually. My wheel is still in decent shape, but this is certainly a great option for those with dried out wheels.

Bart

[Y33TREKker]

Yeah, that looks really nice, and I especially like the model name of the wheel you chose. :bwgy:

[samneil2000]

As a side note I've been in love my BMW 135i and have neglected the VX for over a year now. So my goal for 2011 is to continue to do some sweet mods to make it compete with the 135i. My next mod will be aftermarket seats (already on order). I assume that will actually require some time to install. Stay tuned!

I can help you show your VX more love. Loan me the 1 series and I'll take good care of it. :bgwb:

[Ascinder]

What about when you get pulled over? I thought I read somewhere that tampering with any vehicles restraint systems is against federal law. I'm not saying I wouldn't do it, just pointing out that this is pretty much staring any cop in the face when you get pulled over. The vehicross is great for hiding a lot of "questionable" mods due to it's rarity and most cops' unfamiliarity, but past a certain year, all vehicles had to have airbags right?

[darkl4805]

Let ya know when I get pulled over :p

[Dmitrikr]

Don't know much about States Laws. In Canada air bag still an option. So to be on the road you don't have to have air bags in the car. Seat belts are mandatory, but not air bags.

[vt_maverick]

Nice work, although I think the chrome center looks a little more bling/sporty than the mundane Rodeo/Passport dash behind it. Maybe time to look at some chrome overlay trim to make it a smoother transition? In any event very nice!

That's a pretty nice wheel you posted Chris, definitely like the gray accents better than the chrome. As a side question, does anyone know if all aftermarket wheels delete the airbag? Seems like now that airbags are standard on all vehicles sold in the US that aftermarket wheel manufacturers would need to offer some models with the airbag included.

[Ascinder]

I saw an ad for one with airbags in a couple of different car/truck magazines awhile back. But $$$$$.

[samneil2000]

Yeah, Grant wheels is now offering replacements that retain the airbag.

[Ldub]

Here's what I found on the Momo site....

Every automobile manufactured in the United States must be equipped with an automatic restraint system which meets federal safety standards. MOMO has been advised it may well be a violation of federal law for any manufacturer, distributor, dealer or motor vehicle repair facility to remove an airbag or otherwise render it inoperative. Accordingly, federal law should be regarded as prohibiting MOMO distributors from removing an airbag steering wheel and replacing it with MOMO steering wheel.
MOMO Expressly disclaims any liability for any and all damages, injury, or other recovery related to any MOMO steering wheel installed in a vehicle previously having an airbag system.

Since mine wasn't manufactured in the US, & I'm not a manufacturer, distributor, dealer or motor vehicle repair facility...:naughty:

[Ldub]

I do also have an aftermarket Momo wheel, but I would really like a quick-disconnect for it. Anyone have any Ideas?

This,
http://www.getnrg.com/files/imagecache/uc_thumbnail/QR%201.5.jpg
In conjunction with the Momo/Isuzu hub (http://www.momousa.com/products/products/steering-wheels/hubs/isuzu-hubs.html) worked for me.
Though if I had a "do-over" I would use the thin version (http://www.getnrg.com/products/quick-release-kits/thin-version/feed), as the wheel is now a little far away from the control stalks.

[technocoy]

Man, that looks good. My leather is all messed up around the outside of mine. I was thinking of having it recovered, but now I'm looking at yours and diggin it. My only reservation is losing the airbag. I've had two close friends and one family member now all saved from head trauma by the airbag in their cars.

UGH. The decisions we have to make or awesomeness. Hahaha.

[Ldub]

Man, that looks good. My leather is all messed up around the outside of mine. I was thinking of having it recovered, but now I'm looking at yours and diggin it. My only reservation is losing the airbag. I've had two close friends and one family member now all saved from head trauma by the airbag in their cars.

UGH. The decisions we have to make or awesomeness. Hahaha.

You COULD start wearing a helmet...:smilewink

[technocoy]

Dude, I nearly posted a photo of an old leather motorcycle "helmet" right before I read your comment!!!!!

Awesome.

[Ldub]

Dude, I nearly posted a photo of an old leather motorcycle "helmet" right before I read your comment!!!!!

Awesome.

What's that old saying about "great minds thinking alike"?...:laughing:

[TheGanzman]

What's that old saying about "great minds thinking alike"?...:laughing:

The saying is: "Great minds think alike - and then there's YOU two!":smilewink

[tom4bren]

Great minds ... run amuck.

[Ldub]

The saying is: "Great minds think alike - and then there's YOU two!":smilewink

:laughing:.:laughing:.:slap:.:thumbup:.:slap:. :laughing:.:laughing:

[Ldub]

Great minds ... run amuck.

Indeed...:yesgray:

[technocoy]

Indeed...:yesgray:


:yesy::naughty::thumbup:

[tom4bren]

Indeed...:yesgray:


:yesy::naughty::thumbup:

I use that quote ALMOST as much as I use "I have no response to that"

[technocoy]

That's like my "I reserve the right to refrain from having an opinion"

[tom4bren]

Or:

'There I go again - playing mind games with an unarmed man'