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New steering wheel = Stiffer steering?

Old 01-16-06, 03:04 AM
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New steering wheel = Stiffer steering?

So i installed a new steering wheel with HUB adapter smaller than the stock FC one and the steering got really really stiff. Does anybody know why? Or is it that it just has to break in. So if anybody knows about this than please tell me about.

Also did i do anything wrong installing the wheel because the turn signals dont seem to click back into place sometimes. Ive noticed if i make a slight turn either side and if the wheel isn't turned a lot than the signal will not click back to the nuetral position. But the signal will click back if the wheel is turned a full turn or so. Is it becuse the wheel is smaller in radius or did i not do something right with the installing.
Old 01-16-06, 03:05 AM
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I'd say smaller wheel is the culprit...
Old 01-16-06, 04:07 AM
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There's an electrical connection that the 'stock' wheel 'gives' the turn-signal, to tell them when to turn off. That's kind of an amateur description, but you get the point

I also have to manually turn the blinker OFF after turning with my aftermarket wheel, but I'm used to it.

Something to consider (about the difficult turning) perhaps your hub is really tight against the gauge surround plastic? Take a look at it, there should be a *small* gap for the wheel/hub to turn freely.

I've always had better turning with an aftermarket wheel, because the grip is better.
Old 01-16-06, 11:02 AM
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Originally Posted by eriksseven
There's an electrical connection that the 'stock' wheel 'gives' the turn-signal, to tell them when to turn off. That's kind of an amateur description, but you get the point

I also have to manually turn the blinker OFF after turning with my aftermarket wheel, but I'm used to it.
This should only be the case if the aftermarket wheel is installed with the wrong hub or not aligned correctly.

In other words you installed your wheel in correctly and killed the steering position sensor (which besides being used by the turn signals, is also used by the power steering computer, which forces the power steering computer into the default mode and is always boosting half boost).
Old 01-16-06, 11:06 AM
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Originally Posted by bobafc3s
So i installed a new steering wheel with HUB adapter smaller than the stock FC one and the steering got really really stiff. Does anybody know why? Or is it that it just has to break in. So if anybody knows about this than please tell me about.

Also did i do anything wrong installing the wheel because the turn signals dont seem to click back into place sometimes. Ive noticed if i make a slight turn either side and if the wheel isn't turned a lot than the signal will not click back to the nuetral position. But the signal will click back if the wheel is turned a full turn or so. Is it becuse the wheel is smaller in radius or did i not do something right with the installing.
Again, either the wrong hub was used, or the wheel/hub was not aligned correctly and the steering position sensor is jammed up (which would explain the stiffer steering).

The steering position sensor lines up with the two holes on the back of the steering wheel (or in the case of a aftermarket Hub, the two holes in the hub). Mis-aligning it, pinces the position sensor guide pins and jams up the whole sensor (making the turn signals no longer work correctly as well as killing the power steering from working correctly (if equipped)).
Old 01-16-06, 01:40 PM
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ill check it out the gap and the alignment on the back. thanks
Old 01-16-06, 02:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Icemark
Again, either the wrong hub was used, or the wheel/hub was not aligned correctly and the steering position sensor is jammed up (which would explain the stiffer steering).

The steering position sensor lines up with the two holes on the back of the steering wheel (or in the case of a aftermarket Hub, the two holes in the hub). Mis-aligning it, pinces the position sensor guide pins and jams up the whole sensor (making the turn signals no longer work correctly as well as killing the power steering from working correctly (if equipped)).
Cool, thanks for the explanation. I'll check out my hub. I never knew there was a specific way to install an after-market wheel.
Old 01-16-06, 02:58 PM
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Originally Posted by Icemark
This should only be the case if the aftermarket wheel is installed with the wrong hub or not aligned correctly.

In other words you installed your wheel in correctly and killed the steering position sensor (which besides being used by the turn signals, is also used by the power steering computer, which forces the power steering computer into the default mode and is always boosting half boost).
why do you know this stuff!?
Old 01-16-06, 03:00 PM
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The other thing to look at is a hub for a FD sits about 1/4 inch too close to the position sensor, so if using a FD wheel (or a Hub for a FD) on a FC, you will need to grind down about a 1/4 inch from the position sensor's plastic position bushing.

Last edited by Icemark; 01-16-06 at 03:35 PM.
Old 01-16-06, 03:06 PM
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not to thread steal but related..if I would like to put another steering wheel on do I have to use a hub to do it...and can I change from the 2 spoke to the 3 spoke rx7 models..
Old 01-16-06, 03:26 PM
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Originally Posted by misterstyx69
not to thread steal but related..if I would like to put another steering wheel on do I have to use a hub to do it...and can I change from the 2 spoke to the 3 spoke rx7 models..
Yeah you can.
Old 01-16-06, 03:27 PM
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Originally Posted by misterstyx69
not to thread steal but related..if I would like to put another steering wheel on do I have to use a hub to do it...and can I change from the 2 spoke to the 3 spoke rx7 models..

you need a hub for an aftermarket wheel....

switching factory wheels you don't need a hug<---hahaha speeling mistake there might be a fruedian slip - LOL
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