Sreering Wheel Replacement

[Decado]

Greetings all

OK, the wheel on my TW has done the usual thing with the outer grip section coming loose from the frame and now on the top section of the wheel, which is always in the sun and the part that goes they tell me, I can rotate it fore and aft a 30 or so degrees.

It's not the end of the world, it's still usable but it is a safety / roadworthy issue so it's got to be fixed. There's no new ones to be had of course, I could do the usual injection of super glue or loctite blue proceedure but I've seen that done enough to know it isn't a 100% fix and often lets go at a later time once again.

I've been told an after market wheel is not on the cards due to legality and airbag issues.

So, the question is :- If I'm going to start hunting a decent second hand wheel which at that age is going to be an ask for any style I know, is there a better wheel from another more up spec model that will bolt on with minimal argy bargy and are they any more likely to stand up to time?

I know some of the higher spec Magnas / Veradas got leather covered wheels. I'm wondering if that would be a worth while chase. Being a Solara model I only have the Cruise Control stalk to worry about along with the airbag, no sound system controls or other stuff so I'm not even sure whether the flashier wheels will be compatible. I'm assuming that being released on a Magna albeit a different model they would be legal.

Any advice would be welcome before I go chasing the unicorn ;0)

Regards
Dec

[leadfoot6]

There ARE some brand new genuine steering wheels still available.

I purchased my correct replacement AWD specific wheel from the retailer linked to in this thread:

https://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/sh...=1#post1650519

They have both leather(for AWD):

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/MITSUBIS...sRE:rk:14:pf:0

and non-leather(base model) styles:

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/MITSUBIS...m-M:rk:16:pf:0

available at an excellent price - especially for the leather variety.

I don't think they will have very many left.

Ask "an observer" for his feedback.

He purchased a leather AWD wheel from this retailer recently.

I believe brand new genuine "Ralliart" leather wheels are still available from "MitsFix" - but this might not be appropriate when trying to keep a Solara looking close to original whereas, an AWD leather wheel would look quite appropriate which is just IMO, of course.

All of the above mentioned wheels have the correct cruise control fitted, but no audio controls.

They will all be "bolt on", "plug & play", with no fitting headaches whatsoever.

Your potential re-registration problems will be solved easily, and was a major reason for my purchase - not just for appearance.

[an observer]

Go for it, Decado. I hadnt realised how worn the original was, being so used to it.

Bought the Oakwood hydrating cream and applying every few days. The leather absorbs it like nobody's business.

Had it installed during the last service. Definitely worthwhile, grab one while they're available.

[Decado]

Many Thanks leadfioot6 and an observer

I'm on to it, I'll order one of the leather look ones today I think. I do agree leadfoot6 that keeping to the original look and configuration is desirable so I'll bypass the Ralliart route.

Sorry for the tardy reply, I've been studying for the last ohhh.... forever and was out over the weekend doing my final remote pilots testing and certification. Sunburned, brain hurts but happy.

Regards
Dec

[Russrobe]

Can someone please confirm will the above steering wheels fit a TL ES FWD? Is the mounting all the same? The cruise control stalk looks identical.

Cheers

Russ

[Decado]

Can someone please confirm will the above steering wheels fit a TL ES FWD? Is the mounting all the same? The cruise control stalk looks identical.

Cheers

Russ

Hi Russ

OK, my research before I posted indicated that while TJ and before had a different steering wheel anything between 07/03-08/05 shared the same part number . I believe those dates include the TL, mine is a TW ES Series 2 FWD albeit a Solara pack which really means nothing mechanically and when I spoke to Eagle Auto Parts I did specify that I wanted the Leather style AWD wheel although my car was a front wheel drive and they didn't blink at it so I assume they know their stuff.

Best off to give them a ring to be sure, you may get a different answer than I did. Their Brisbane store does not carry the Mitsubishi stuff, you need to call them at their Melbourne operation on 03 87103000 and you can order and make payment arrangements on the phone rather than ebay if you wish.

Regards
Ari

[Russrobe]

Thanks Decado. Will let you know how i go, hopefully someone else has already tried.

[Russrobe]

All done, fits fine. Easiest job on the car takes the whole of 5 minutes. 17mm 1/2inch ratchet with short extension for leverage.

[leadfoot6]

All done, fits fine. Easiest job on the car takes the whole of 5 minutes. 17mm 1/2inch ratchet with short extension for leverage.

I am yet to do mine.

Unfortunately, Brendan at Mits-Fix did not have time to do this and as agreed with him he needed to spend his limited time available concentrating on the other items to do with my engine conversion/rear end rebuild.

What Torx bit did you need to use?

Are there any especially difficult steps to follow?

[Russrobe]

Oh , i had to jiggle the wheel a bit to get it off, it looks like there's threads there for a steering wheel puller to bolt into, but i didn't need it. A large bearing puller would also work, i was just about setup one i have laying around, then the wheel released itself.