Steering Wheel

[Tangarine-Dream]

Question: Do I need to replace the old lock nut with a new one?

The threads look good all the way through the plastic locking devise.

I replaced the original steering wheel with a 320is type--love it. I followed the BayArea02 instruction guide for installing, getting the horn to work etc. (Be careful with the center button/horn button assembly.) When you remove it, remember it's 20+ years old and very prone to crack. But that the easy part compared to when you have to replace it. I did a horn trial test ; when I tried to replace the horn button/center cap (crack), a whole tab popped off.

What you also have to do is slightly bevel the edge of the steering wheel (320is) inner circle where the tabs to the horn button slide over. The interference fit is too tight. You also have to sand the plastic tabs down just a bit. It does not effect the tightness of the horn button, just prevents it from cracking. Sometimes older parts are hard to come by so perserving what we have makes fiscal sense. Thanks.

[Mike Self]

steering column shaft, go ahead and reuse it. I've been reusing mine for 37 years and the steering wheel hasn't fallen off yet! Just be sure and tighten it down well...

mike