aftermarket steering wheels

[VanishingImage]

Just wondering if anyone here has one. My 97 Grand Am's steering wheel is somewhat deteriating(spelling?) and thinking of getting another one or aftermarket. Im just wondering if aftermarket ones are illegal,or if they void your insurance. I've got a feeling they might but wanted to make sure.

If not then might try to get a 96-98 GA GT wheel since they look a little nicer and are thicker than my SE.

[VanishingImage]

leaning more towards another factory style wheel. question is,wheres a good place to look online. I checked ebay,nothing but the center airbag cover piece

[Porteritojr]

I got mine. With airbag init
Took it off, I have an aftermarket wheel on

[Porteritojr]

I forgot, it was also deteriorating alot form the top...sorry

[Wallflower]

#1. It is illegal to remove an airbag, period. You can get medical exclusions to have it disabled, but you need lots of documentation.

#2. It will be slightly difficult to locate a hub adapter to allow you to swap to an aftermarket wheel. Some manufacturers use a different spline pattern from pre-airbag vs. airbag equipped cars.

#3. Should you be in a wreck, and you seriously mess yourself up ... knowing that if the airbag was there, you would have been fine, insurance has the option to deny your entire claim whether you are at fault or not. Someone smokes you, you could be screwed.

#4. Dashlights

[Vaindetta]

But if all the risk is not a problem for you might I recommend you get on e of those welded together 6in chrome chain steering wheels with a skull in the middle?

[jonnythan]

Your vehicle will absolutely have no chance of passing inspection if you remove or disable the air bag.

[VanishingImage]

thank god I live in a state with no inspection..................

anyways,like I said,leaning towards a factory wheel,not an aftermartket,hence my 2nd post above


Anyone know wheres a good place to find some,not looking to get from a junkyard

[bp's97GAGT]

Originally posted by VanishingImage
thank god I live in a state with no inspection..................

anyways,like I said,leaning towards a factory wheel,not an aftermartket,hence my 2nd post above


Anyone know wheres a good place to find some,not looking to get from a junkyard


I have my stock wheel I could sell you with the air bag...I can snap a pic later for you if you want?

[VanishingImage]

Originally posted by bp's97GAGT
I have my stock wheel I could sell you with the air bag...I can snap a pic later for you if you want?

That would be great!

['96GAGT]

Ive got a stock GT steering wheel from my 96 GT Ill let go for 25$ and its NOT worn down AT ALL. Get back to me man.

['96GAGT]

pic of the wheel just put your air bag module in and your set, Wheel came from a low milage GT and I never got around to installing it because I ended up getting rear ended a while back and totalled the car.

[Nighthawk243]

Looks like 96 is your man ;)

Anyways, it is possible to put in an aftermarket wheel, but you have to disable the airbag system (And pull the light for its warning on the dash to put it out).

But since 96 got to ya with an offer, I'd say you're in a good position. When putting it in, make sure to disable the airbag sys first... We don't want you in the hospital.

[VanishingImage]

Now I gotta either wait til I start classes this coming week or call up someone from my old dealership and get the instructions on how to remove/install a steering wheel. I have an idea but I like going step by step

[Nighthawk243]

Basically you would need to remove your clamshell, then undo the screws holding the airbag/clockspring in, and pull the bag module out. Then you will probably need a steering wheel puller.

[VanishingImage]

yea,hopefully its that easy,but in this world always expect something,lol