Steering Wheel Modifications

[Alemenara]

I Wasn't aware of this until a friend of mine said that fitting certain sorts of steering wheels to your car is illegal, Im doing the last couple of things to it for a roadie and i now need to fit a new steering wheel and im looking at a few that i like however i can't find any information about the regulations online.

Does anyone know what the regulations are regarding this? I know it goes by year, so i own a 1995 Mazda 323 Astina (BA Series II). Any info on this would be much apreciated. Thanks guys.

[Rupewrecht]

Airbag or no airbag?

[Clean_Cookie]

If no airbag, size is 360mm, I.e. no 330mm racing wheels from autobarn, must have padded center and comply to adr rules/be adr approved.

airbag wheel must be replaced with airbag subsitute. same size.

[project.r.racing]

google 'light vehicle modifications qld' and the pdf from queensland transport will come up. that has all the info.

[rodhog]

If you have an Airbag the only real quick option is the Ge 626 leather wheel. Aib slots right into it and in fact both airbags swap in an out with only 323or 626 can't remember requiring some positioning tangs on the alloy frame needing to be removed. Also a moodel of Eunos 500 has the same plug but the wheel I think is terrible and most I saw were shocking.

[Alemenara]

My 323 luckily enough does not have an airbag. So silly Question but how do i tell if what im looking at is ADR approved or not?

[Rupewrecht]

It'll have an ADR stamp/compliance number on the box if it's approved. Usually an engineer will pass any wheel as long as it's TUV (European) or DOT (USA) approved.

Also, the boss kit that attaches the wheel to the steering column usually has to be 'collapsible' as well. Basically one that isn't a solid lump of metal, but has 'fingers' up the side so that your chest compresses the steering wheel rather than the wheel punching through your chest.

[Alemenara]

Thanks for the info. Now to pick what i want argh....

[70NYD]

As stated, ADR approved wheel, has to be like the original (if original center padded, replacement has to be also)
And ADR approved boss
With the tuv or dot approval, be careful as even tho they supersede ADR in some cases, some people will give you trouble (hence why my ba now has the stock wheel back in)

[Cosmo Dude]

If it's just for roadworthy then use the stock wheel. If that's shagged buy a 626 wheel, they are cheap and plentyfull.

[bailmeout]

Sorry to bump a thread, didn't for the sake of not making a new one.
Would one of these be approved?
What is the standard size of series 1 ?
250mm less then original or 350mm being lowest you could go?
So hard to find a nice wheel that's new and fits interior well.
I hate the ones with silver finish in the middle.
Mines all worn out and the horn is broken so I've had to d/c it.
Anyone know what to do?

[Cosmo Dude]

Ask the vendor to provide evidence of ADR approval. Without it, even if it would comply, you responsible and your car may not be legal.

[Rupewrecht]

375-380mm for the BA OEM wheels rings a bell.

[project.r.racing]

it's no good cos it is under 360mm diameter.

[bailmeout]

So basically the chances of having a Monte Carlo, Nardi Deep Dish or any of Momo Mod wheels is slim to none whilst being legal?
What would be the next best option?
Used Momo/Nardi stitched in leather to make it new with a nice centre piece cap inserted?
What cost are we looking with a boss kit? Is it even worth it...
I originally wanted a new wheel sweat free that I could take with me when I get a new car so was willing to pay a decent amount.

[project.r.racing]

i wouldn't worry about trying to take it to your next car. 1. the boss kit most likely will not fit the other car. 2. the next car you buy will most likely have a airbag, and you wont use it.