is it illegal to have aftermarket steering wheel?

jason5151 · Post by **jason5151** » November 27th, 2007, 4:26 am

was not sure if its illegal to have aftermarket steering wheel ,cuz if it is i better go back to stock,but my car really feels like it handles the road a little more precisely because of the smaller diameter wheel needs less physical input to steer it..as opposed to stock size! im in ontario canada if this info helps!

tehbrookzorz · Post by **tehbrookzorz** » November 27th, 2007, 4:37 am

jason5151 wrote:smaller diameter wheel needs less physical input to steer it..as opposed to stock size!

I'm suspicious.

lowridah313 · Post by **lowridah313** » November 27th, 2007, 8:08 am

As long as you have not removed any of the safety features (airbag, horn) then there should be no problem.

Post by **Mooneggs** » November 27th, 2007, 10:21 am

some US states require a minimum size for a steering wheel... it's been a while since I checked the laws but I think it is like 12 or 13 inches or something like that (maybe it's in MM)...

yeah it feels like a video game with a smaller wheel... it can be dangerous for inexperienced drivers though...

it is by no means illegal though...

atlantamx3 · Post by **atlantamx3** » November 27th, 2007, 1:15 pm

It actually requires MORE effort to turn the smaller wheel, but you have to turn it less to get the same turn.

If your new steering wheel does not have an airbag and your car came with one, then yes, it is illegal.

Post by **Custommx3** » November 27th, 2007, 1:26 pm

http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/adaptiv ... k_Ques.htm

Since 1972, manufacturers, distributors, dealers and motor vehicle repair businesses have been prohibited from knowingly "making inoperative" any part of a device or element of design that has been installed on or in a motor vehicle in compliance with a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS). Examples of such modifications include removing airbags, modifying door latches or reducing available crush space. On February 27, 2001, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published a Final Rule that provides limited exemptions to this "make inoperative prohibition." These exemptions are available to businesses and individuals who modify vehicles to accommodate persons with disabilities either as drivers or as passengers.

If it doesnt need inspection.. who would know.

projectmx · Post by **projectmx** » November 28th, 2007, 9:22 am

isn't there a loophole concerning the airbag? like if your airbag already went off then you don't have to replace it? or a shop can't remove it but you can?

jason5151 · Post by **jason5151** » November 29th, 2007, 1:28 am

my car did not come with a air bag!
so i guess the wheel stays wwwhhhhooohoo!

jason5151 · Post by **jason5151** » November 29th, 2007, 1:35 am

any more opinions or facts on this subject from ontario, canada cuz the law may be unique here,just want to know for sure!
cuz you know what they say in legal speak(ignorance is no excuse!)..

Steve_SK · Post by **Steve_SK** » November 29th, 2007, 4:39 am

jason5151 wrote:..smaller diameter wheel needs less physical input to steer it..as opposed to stock size! im in ontario canada if this info helps!

U=F.r ... when you lower your r, you will need raise F to get the same U. So smaller diameter D (r=D/2) needs more force, more physical input.

jason5151 · Post by **jason5151** » November 29th, 2007, 11:13 am

thanks for the lesson in physics!
didnt feel like it needed more force but your right steve!
but it feels sooo much more precise at speed.
when driving slow i did notice it does require some more force,thanks for correcting my ignorance![/quote]

Steve_SK · Post by **Steve_SK** » November 29th, 2007, 11:15 am

Probably you got me wrong..

TREVO123 · Post by **TREVO123** » November 29th, 2007, 4:56 pm

BC you are aloud to remove your stock steering wheel replace it with an aftermarket one with a horn, You just have to let your insurance company that you removed the airbag if you had one.

Nd4SpdSe · Post by **Nd4SpdSe** » November 29th, 2007, 6:21 pm

TREVO123 wrote:BC you are aloud to remove your stock steering wheel replace it with an aftermarket one with a horn, You just have to let your insurance company that you removed the airbag if you had one.

That's the way it's in Ontario as well, and don't be surprised if your insurance company drops you, or threathens to if you do...call first

However, I don't know how that would apply to a safety inspection, but that would only be a concern if you sell the car.

TREVO123 · Post by **TREVO123** » November 29th, 2007, 7:34 pm

nd4spd... It doesnt really matter if you tell them just if need to get an inspection toss the stock one back in for it and then remove, its not really a problem unless you get into an accident.. Then if u get hurt more its kinda your fault for not havin a bag, but not all cars have the bag, my stock Rs didnt so i swapped wheels and have a working horn.

MX-3.com

is it illegal to have aftermarket steering wheel?

is it illegal to have aftermarket steering wheel?

Re: is it illegal to have aftermarket steering wheel?

Re: is it illegal to have aftermarket steering wheel?