Nardi Steering Wheel

[evanc]

So I've had this Nardi steering wheel sittin around for a while now and decided to do a test fit. It's the correct hub and the spline lines up, but there's a lot of play, unlike my 320is wheel. I'm noticing inside the hub the area around where the spline comes through the hub it looks like there should be a thick washer of some sort? I've tried stacking some washers below the nut, but doesn't seem to make it any better not to mention I'm sure it's not the recommended method of installation.

Anyone have experience with this? I've got a possible photo shoot in the next few weeks and am trying to make my 02 shine with that Nardi!

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

[norm]

Did you fit it loose for a trial fit or tighten up the nut all the way.

http://www.utterwonder.com/archives/images/squirrels%20nuts.jpg

I know I'm an adult an all, but typing the word nut still makes me chuckle.

[evanc]

Did you fit it loose for a trial fit or tighten up the nut all the way.

http://www.utterwonder.com/archives/images/squirrels%20nuts.jpg

I know I'm an adult an all, but typing the word nut still makes me chuckle.

Nice. Yeah I cranked it to about as much torque as my arm and steering lock would allow. Still gots the shimmy.

Yeah, Norm, when are you headin down to the Bay Area next? I've got something for ya. You'll be stoked.

[JayKehoe]

either your Nardi has an incorrect fit on the splines, or you may have some movement in the wheel from another source. My Nardi was infamous for the metric bolts that hold the wheel to the hub, loosening, and causing the entire wheel to shimmy . Usually forward and aft, up and down, but shimmy for sure. Try tightening the metric bolts to make sure the wheel itself is tight, and try a wavy washer and a regular washer behind the 22MM nut. A 1/2 inch driver set up will give you about as much tightening force as required. If your Nardi has the correct spline match, there should not be any wheel movement on the stalk once you tighten it all down. Good luck- I loved my Nardi, except for the metal grip at 3 and 9. Pretty nonetheless. Jay

[evanc]

either your Nardi has an incorrect fit on the splines, or you may have some movement in the wheel from another source. My Nardi was infamous for the metric bolts that hold the wheel to the hub, loosening, and causing the entire wheel to shimmy . Usually forward and aft, up and down, but shimmy for sure. Try tightening the metric bolts to make sure the wheel itself is tight, and try a wavy washer and a regular washer behind the 22MM nut. A 1/2 inch driver set up will give you about as much tightening force as required. If your Nardi has the correct spline match, there should not be any wheel movement on the stalk once you tighten it all down. Good luck- I loved my Nardi, except for the metal grip at 3 and 9. Pretty nonetheless. Jay

Jay - Thanks for the info. I'll try tightening down those metric bolts and get a wavy washer to go behind the regular one and 22mm nut. I'm starting to think i don't have the correct hub. When the wheel is on the spline it has a lot of movement as compared to the 320is wheel. I have another non wood nardi with a different hub (e21) that I'm going to try as well. Much appreciated!

[cj]

Hey Evan- Nice to meet you at the '02 gathering. If you want me to take a look at the steering wheel, you can swing by my warehouse and I can take a look for you. 800.656.1118

Cris

[JayKehoe]

I Hope this helps with your Nardi. You may have a Nardi for an E3, or E9(?). If so, you may be able to seel it to recoup towards your goal of a wood and metal Nardi for a 2002. I have all the data for what you need to ordr for the Nardi to fit well( thre is a spacer , like a foreshortenend hub, that makes it all work correctly. I spent a lot of time getting the correct Nardi wheel and hub formy Sahara. Too bad, I only dorve it 500 miles or so before it went to a better hime. Good luck Evan. Let me know if I can do any more to help. Jay

[evanc]

I Hope this helps with your Nardi. You may have a Nardi for an E3, or E9(?). If so, you may be able to seel it to recoup towards your goal of a wood and metal Nardi for a 2002. I have all the data for what you need to ordr for the Nardi to fit well( thre is a spacer , like a foreshortenend hub, that makes it all work correctly. I spent a lot of time getting the correct Nardi wheel and hub formy Sahara. Too bad, I only dorve it 500 miles or so before it went to a better hime. Good luck Evan. Let me know if I can do any more to help. Jay

Jay, you have been a huge informational resource! Thanks for all the insight and offer for info. I'm going to check with Cris tomorrow and have him take a look at what I have. The day of truth I suppose and here I thought I had all the right parts. How wrong I was! I'm a novice... what can I say, but it's fun to go through the process and learn. Thanks again Jay. If I need to get that info I'll definitely be hittin ya up.

[evanc]

I totally appreciate all the suggestions, skill and expertise with the Nardi wheel. I'd like to give Cris a HUGE thank you for taking time out of his day to give me a hand and get that Nardi to fit correctly. My car now has a Nardi wheel in it that I've been sitting on for 4 years. It looks great. As it turns out I had the correct hub adaptor, but missing the correct 8mm bolts, horn insert (holds horn in place) and the alum ring that covers the bolt heads. The main thing is that I had the correct hub. Phew!

Now onto pulling out the front clip and the door panels... fun fun...