Steering Wheels

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Steering wheels

Replacing the stock steering wheel with a racing variant is done for a number of reasons.  Changing the weight, diameter, and material of the wheel can all affect the driver’s comfort with the vehicle.  Reducing the weight of the steering wheel can improve the driver’s ability to communicate and interpret feedback from the vehicle.  Reducing the diameter of the steering wheel can serve to quicken steering and improve the sensitivity of feedback from the vehicle.  A smaller diameter steering wheel can also make it easier to enter and exit cars with racing seats and roll cages.  Lastly, the material of the wheel can help improve grip and feel.

It is important to note that a racing steering wheel will effectively eliminate your vehicle’s airbag.  This is desirable in race cars because items such as racing seats, racing harnesses, and full-face helmets are not designed to work in conjunction with a production vehicle’s SRS system.  Furthermore, racers can expect some contact between themselves and other cars – Naturally, it would be undesirable for an airbag to discharge under racing circumstances.  For street cars, however, it is strongly recommended that the vehicle’s factory restraint system not be tampered with.  These systems are well-designed and proven to save lives in traffic collisions.  Modifying this system should not be taken lightly.

Popular aftermarket steering wheel diameters are 300mm, 320mm, 325mm, and 350mm.  The larger the wheel the less the steering effort required to turn it.  A larger wheel can also serve to decrease the sensitivity of feedback through the vehicle’s steering.  Finding the diameter that’s right for you is a matter of personal preference and the vehicle you drive - typically anything smaller than a 320mm wheel is reserved for very small, lightweight vehicles.   Another dimension to consider when purchasing a racing steering wheel is the “dish” of the wheel.  This is the height difference between the mounting surface and the rim of the wheel.  A dished wheel will effectively move the steering wheel closer to your body.  To find the steering wheel right for you it is important to determine if you would like the wheel closer or farther from your body than the stock wheel.  A combination of hub thickness, steering wheel dish, and spacers can be used to place the wheel exactly where you desire.  

A final consideration for a steering wheel purchase is the material – Leather or Suede.  This is largely a matter of personal preference.  Leather and suede wheels are both perfectly suited to racing applications.  Suede wheels tend to wear and require replacement from time to time whereas leather wheels are more durable.  Which is better for you is typically a matter of personal preference.