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View Full Version : DIY: Momo Steering Wheel Install (BD)



2.5GT
05-26-2009, 10:20 PM
I came by an '02 Impreza WRX Momo steering wheel for sale, I decided to grab it and replace the stock Legacy wheel. The Momo steering wheel looks and grips way better than the stock Legacy wheel. It's definitely a noticeable difference in the way it looks and feels.

(Oh yeah, a little disclaimer...I hold no responsibility if you screw up your car or yourself. Air bags are not to be underestimated, it can kill you.)


Tools needed:

- 10mm wrench
- Philips screwdriver
- 17mm socket + wrachet or breaker bar.
- #30 Torx (bit or screwdriver type)
- Torque wrench

Optional:

- Flat head screwdriver
- One strong person


First things first, DISCONNECT YOUR BATTERY
That's the most important step in this process. Use the 10mm wrench and disconnect your negative terminal or both of the terminals and let the car sit for about 15-20 minutes and step on the brake pedal a few times to get rid of any excess juice in the system.


Here we have the OEM Legacy steering wheel. It does look quite dull and unpleasant. Let's replace it!

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/IMG_46921-1.jpg


First, look for two torx screws on the side of the steering wheel. There should be one on each side. And let me be clear, these suckers are tight!

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/IMG_47001-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/IMG_47031-1.jpg


Then gently fold pull out the air bag and fold down on the bottom part of the steering wheel.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/IMG_47051-1.jpg


Now right in front of your should be a thick yellow wire running from the steering wheel to the air bag. Disconnect the yellow connector by pushing down on the yellow part of the clip and push the green clip to the far right. If your fingers hurt from pressing down hard on the connector. Use a flat head screw driver and use that to push the clip.
It should come out easily, do not pull or twist the connectors very hard.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/IMG_47091-1.jpg


Take out the air bag and place it somewhere. I place mine on the passenger floor board. And with the air bag out of the way, here's the rest of the steering wheel.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/IMG_47101-1.jpg


Then remove the white clip from the cruise control connector. There's a sliding holder for the connector in the back, just slide it out to the left.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/IMG_47131-1.jpg


And now, for the center nut. Use the 17mm and break loose the nut. This is where you should get a strong friend to hold down the steering wheel while you break it loose. And keep track of your nut and washers!

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/IMG_47141-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/IMG_47201-1.jpg


Once the nut is loosen, leave the nut on by a couple of threads!
Grab the steering wheel at 9 o clock and 3 o clock and shake it back and forth to loosen the wheel. Then grab the wheel by 12 o clock and 6 o clock and repeatedly shake the wheel til it breaks loose. Remove the nut and pull the steering wheel out.


Once the wheel is out, swap out the Impreza cruise control with the stock Legacy one. The OEM Legacy connector does not connect with the Impreza cruise control connector. Use the #30 torx again and remove the screws holding the bracket in. Behind the bracket should be two Phillip screws, unscrew that and replace the OEM Legacy cruise control unit in.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/IMG_47262-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/IMG_47291-1.jpg


Place the Momo steering wheel back on to the hub. Make sure the center piece is line up with the arrow. The steering wheel takes a bit of adjusting to get it on. Once it's on and line up, install the washers and nut back on.
Tighten it down first and then torque it down. According to Scoobymods, it said to torque it down somewhere within 22-29 ft. lbs. I've torque it down around 20 ft. lbs and it's not going anywhere.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/IMG_47181-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/IMG_47151-1.jpg


Reconnect your cruise control connector, the white one. And slide it back to it's holding place.

Then place the air bag onto the steering wheel. Reconnect the yellow connector. And gently push the air bag in and let it sit flush against the wheel. Then reinstall the two torx screws.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/IMG_47341-1.jpg


Things to check for after you're done:

- Reconnect your battery terminal(s)
- Start the car and turn the steering wheel and check if the wheels turn.
- Check the horn.
- Check for air bag light.
- Check the cruise control.
- Check if the turn signals automatically turns off when the steering wheel
turns.

That's it, you're done. Go for a drive and see how much of a difference the steering wheel feels.

Before:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/IMG_46921-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/IMG_46961-1.jpg

After:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/IMG_47411-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/IMG_47391-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/IMG_47441-1.jpg

DLC
05-26-2009, 10:32 PM
Very nice. I'm hoping my 98 BK and 00 BE have the same airbag plug. JDM B4 wheels looks just a little bit better than the WRX wheel, and I'm hoping to swap it over soon.

hellaGT
05-26-2009, 11:06 PM
Tapping the stock wheel at the 10 and/or 2 o'clock repeatedly with a rubber mallet/ heavy wratchet breaks it loose as well. Worked for me very well. :smt021 It's always fun when you have to use a hammer anyway.

Huffer
05-27-2009, 10:07 AM
Best write up I've seen yet. Nice, I have the exact same mod to do on my car. :)

2.5GT
05-27-2009, 03:58 PM
I've drove the car today, and what a difference in the grip! :grin:

impreza_GC8
05-27-2009, 04:26 PM
So your 1998 Legacy GT had the same airbag plug as an 02 Impreza WRX yet my 1997 Outback had a different plug from my 2000 2.5RS. Very odd. They must have changed the bags from 1997 to 1998 because a WRX plug should be identical to a 2.5RS plug. I just assumed the Legacy was different, yet yours is the same.

2.5GT
05-27-2009, 04:58 PM
I'm not sure, 1998 and 1999 are weird years...
I guess Subaru decided to change things around..

DLC
05-27-2009, 06:36 PM
1998 was the year that Subaru put the low-power airbag in the Legacy. The change in plug is probably due to this. This should mean that my JDM MOMO wheel will fit on the 98, as it plugged right in on my 00.

Okin DaVanh
05-27-2009, 08:34 PM
So your 1998 Legacy GT had the same airbag plug as an 02 Impreza WRX yet my 1997 Outback had a different plug from my 2000 2.5RS. Very odd. They must have changed the bags from 1997 to 1998 because a WRX plug should be identical to a 2.5RS plug. I just assumed the Legacy was different, yet yours is the same.


yeah, I had this problem too. The Momo I bought was from an 02-03 WRX. The plugs were different :-( .

d1giPhux
05-27-2009, 09:10 PM
SICK MAN! been looking for a DIY for this for a while! much needed! I got an 04 WRX wheel i wanna put on my car!! Any clarification on how the wheel should line up? Ive heard of people lining theirs up before.. and when the wheels are straight.. the steering wheel is turned a little bit to the left or right. Any suggestions?

Huffer
05-28-2009, 07:45 AM
He covers this. If it's slightly off you have to take the wheel off and realign.

impreza_GC8
05-28-2009, 09:50 AM
The JDM WRX V5 wheel in my 2.5RS has been one tooth off since I installed it a year or so ago and I barely notice. But it is kinda annoying.

d1giPhux
05-28-2009, 11:33 AM
He covers this. If it's slightly off you have to take the wheel off and realign.


I know he covers this.. but i wanted further clarification as to how to line it up properly, and maybe some tips, or tricks you can use to save the hassle of pulling the wheel off multiple times.. thanks.

decke48
05-28-2009, 11:39 AM
i forget on subarus, but others have punched in alignment marks on the shaft and wheel

d1giPhux
05-28-2009, 12:22 PM
yeah, thats sorta what i'm asking about. Anyone know any tricks to save yourself some time?

Huffer
05-28-2009, 12:36 PM
You guys need to READ:


Place the Momo steering wheel back on to the hub. Make sure the center piece is line up with the arrow. The steering wheel takes a bit of adjusting to get it on. Once it's on and line up, install the washers and nut back on.

d1giPhux
05-28-2009, 12:52 PM
I did read..but what is 'center piece'. Step off your high horse. It may seem like the worlds stupidest question to you.. but obviously I'm asking it because it may be useful to other people.. me included.

Huffer
05-28-2009, 12:58 PM
Oh please. Think about it - it's a wheel. You have one waiting to install. Open it up, look for the center of the wheel and the alignment mark.

As for my high horse - I've had one of these wheels sitting in my storage for over a year and haven't even bothered to look at it. 2.5GT's writeup covers all the major points and all the sticky ones for a straightforward 02-03 WRX swap.

decke48
05-28-2009, 02:02 PM
look at picture 8. see the mark on the steering shaft. well behind the nut and washer there is a mark on the steering wheel. align those two marks

2.5GT
05-28-2009, 09:21 PM
He covers this. If it's slightly off you have to take the wheel off and realign.


I know he covers this.. but i wanted further clarification as to how to line it up properly, and maybe some tips, or tricks you can use to save the hassle of pulling the wheel off multiple times.. thanks.

It took me a couple of tries to get it "perfectly" lined up. The center piece is referring to the big yellow piece. There are two little arrows that you have to line up to. Once you place the steering wheel over the hub, move it around just a tad. It should pop into the spine of the steering shaft.

It's best to have the car's steering wheel facing straight before taking anything part. When I did mine, it look straight as an arrow. But when i went and test drive it, it's off by a tooth or so.

If I didn't cover everything, check out scoobymods.
http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/wrx_st ... &t=127 (http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/wrx_steering_wheel_impreza-t127.html?s=55e33e218ae8b3ee8c9a18dfeeffc5be&t=127)

DLC
05-28-2009, 10:59 PM
When I put the wheel on my BE I also had to adjust it twice to get it right. Make sure you have somewhere you can drive around slowly, like a parking lot at a school (after hours), so when you make adjustments you can stop anywhere.

Huffer
06-15-2009, 08:05 AM
I have a couple of things to add -
Removal: I used a 17mm socket + extension + cheater bar, stood outside the car and pushed down on the bar while I held the steering wheel in place to loosen the center nut.

Install: on the 03 WRX Momo wheel that I had, I had to swap over the 98 Legacy cruise stalk to the WRX bracket - not the whole assembly as the Legacy bracket is slightly different in shape, and wouldn't bolt down to the lower torx mounting point.
I also sprayed some PB blaster on the splines to help them loosen up - 11 years of the old wheel makes removal difficult.

Observations: the WRX wheel is *slightly* smaller than the Legacy wheel - if by only a few mm, but the center piece is smaller and that gives you more grip in the 3 & 9 o'clock positions.

Wife: very impressed with the new look :smt023

d1giPhux
06-15-2009, 11:37 AM
When I put the wheel on my BE I also had to adjust it twice to get it right. Make sure you have somewhere you can drive around slowly, like a parking lot at a school (after hours), so when you make adjustments you can stop anywhere.


When your adjusting it.. did you just hook it up with the 17mm.. then drive around, and correct if it was off a few teeth?

Also.. still don't get it about the stupid arrows. All i see if the arrows on the yellow piece.. maybe i'm blind.. :lol: . I guess it will make more sense once i get around to it.

edit:

This looks like a better pic of the arrows..however.. is that yellow piece part of the steering wheel, or behind it?:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/06/9_lineupmarksonwheel-1.jpg

Huffer
06-15-2009, 02:58 PM
If you just DO the mod, you'll see it and then you'll be wanting to delete all your prior posts.
Stop over thinking it. Just install the wheel.

DLC
06-15-2009, 07:12 PM
When adjusting mine, which I had to do twice, I used a large, empty parking lot (churches are great for something). If it was off a bit, I stopped, removed the nut, pulled the wheel off just enough to rotate it a tooth or two, then put it and the nut back on and drove around again.

It really makes more sense if you do, as Huffer said, Just Do It.

Okin DaVanh
06-15-2009, 07:24 PM
:nike:

rougeben83
06-15-2009, 08:39 PM
When I put the wheel on my BE I also had to adjust it twice to get it right. Make sure you have somewhere you can drive around slowly, like a parking lot at a school (after hours), so when you make adjustments you can stop anywhere.


When your adjusting it.. did you just hook it up with the 17mm.. then drive around, and correct if it was off a few teeth?

Also.. still don't get it about the stupid arrows. All i see if the arrows on the yellow piece.. maybe i'm blind.. :lol: . I guess it will make more sense once i get around to it.

edit:

This looks like a better pic of the arrows..however.. is that yellow piece part of the steering wheel, or behind it?:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/06/9_lineupmarksonwheel-1.jpg

Dude that's just the clockspring, it's not really going to align the wheel 100%. You still have to line the splines up on the wheel to the steering column. I found that even one notch one way or the other will lead to a pretty big difference in how centered the wheel is.

If the wheel is just very slightly crooked after you put it on, just get an alignment afterwards.

d1giPhux
06-15-2009, 08:42 PM
Well maybe someone in the future will ask the same stuff I'm asking. It is over-thinking it.. but this car is also a daily driver, and I don't want to have to pull the wheel 15 times to get the damn thing adjusted properly.

Huffer
06-16-2009, 07:29 AM
Well maybe someone in the future will ask the same stuff I'm asking. It is over-thinking it.. but this car is also a daily driver, and I don't want to have to pull the wheel 15 times to get the damn thing adjusted properly.

You won't have to, unless you're incompetent. And pretty much all of us are daily driving the exact same mod.

d1giPhux
06-16-2009, 08:01 AM
You never know.. it just MAY happen :lol: . I'm just saying that I don't want to have to pull it a bunch of times in the same day.. because.. we'll.. i work by the light of the sun, within few hours.. so thats why I'm just trying to get everything proper before I go ahead and get myself into something over my head. However.. this looks easy enough, I'm gonna be throwing mine on soon as I get the car back from the shop. :smt023

Huffer
06-16-2009, 10:37 AM
The biggest hold up is honestly getting the old wheel off. 11 years of being stuck on the same splines creates a very "fixed" relationship.

I had to run an errand right when I got to that point, I just plugged/installed all the old stuff back on, connected the battery and drove off. Came back, undid it all and finished it up.

No more chatter from you, only finished pics and a "you guys told me so" comment. :P

legacy_outback
07-09-2009, 01:16 AM
Don't you have to be careful when taking the wheel off and putting the new one on so that you dont break the clock spring? :scratch:

Huffer
07-09-2009, 08:07 AM
Everything is unplugged at that point. You need to be careful, so you don't hurt yourself!

legacy_outback
07-11-2009, 12:20 AM
ok. so you cant break the clock spring when swapping wheels? thats all i would be worried about.

)2edline
09-04-2009, 12:12 AM
bleh, just to let any poor soul know, post MY97 they switched the style of plugs used. I had a '04 wrx wheel that has the same plugs as the ones in the DIY, but my MY97 plugs are completely different when it comes to plugging in the airbag sensor, there are more wires and a completely different interface.

quite gay. MY97 and prior should refer to this one, http://www.northursalia.com/modificatio ... ering.html (http://www.northursalia.com/modifications/interior/steering/steering.html)

it doesnt specify what wheel to use but I looked at Toby's MR1 Thread and he has a JDM v6/v7 wheel which places the years for JDM wheels around 99/00



ehhhh or I stand corrected, the wheel not fitting is just keeping me up, it is easily possible to swap airbag charges to counteract the difference in airbag plug, seen here!

http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin ... wap-42790/ (http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f77/my03-wrx-steering-wheel-installed-airbag-charge-swap-42790/)

gonna try it again later today, hopefully with success and not a airbag blowing up in my face =D

edit #3? - well crap, charges from early legacies don't swap over, the legacy one is huge in comparison,

d1giPhux
09-12-2009, 08:54 PM
Does anyone have a picture of what the back of the charge on the WRX momo wheel looks like? How does the one on the back of the BD stock wheen look like?

I just realized.. i don't think the wrx wheel i have came with the wire plug / harness going to the charge! Argh! Will i be able to use the one from my BD? Just swap the charges perhaps?

2.5GT
09-12-2009, 09:30 PM
Looks like you can with the Forester ones. )2edline link posted.

d1giPhux
09-12-2009, 09:43 PM
Looks like from one of your pics as well that you can do that same thing with the legacy air bag. Pull the charge from the BD steering wheel.. put it on the wrx airbag / wheel. I think I'm going to have to do this since i don't have the airbag charge plug on the wrx momo wheel.

Psymon
05-15-2010, 02:42 PM
does this write up works for 96 BD without cruise control....

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/05/Image054-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/05/Image053-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/05/Image052-1.jpg

do i need to get this part for it to work?

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/05/IMG_4715-1.jpg

winkerbean
11-17-2010, 06:57 AM
thread is kinda old but still did this mod today and it is especially important to not rotate the middle part with the yellow warning on it (like the picture directly above me^^^) if you rotate to far one way and install your new wheel you could take a turn and break the clockspring which is a ribbon that relays the electrical connection to the horn and airbag and cruise control. in case your wondering i did this and yes broke the clockspring the result being what looks like to be a $300 repair and thats just for the part :smt009 . thinking about it it actually really annoys me that this wasnt a warning so to save some other poor soul the trouble and $300 im adding this on. ON THE PLUS SIDE i really love the way the new momo wheel feels best grip ever

legacypower
11-17-2010, 09:17 AM
that look really good. it dont look to hard at all. i was going to get a racing wheel for my gt. but that would pass inspetcion.

Baddog
02-18-2011, 02:21 AM
Anyone have any luck putting these on a 96?

Garrison
12-28-2011, 10:51 AM
I followed these instructions (they're awesome btw) yesterday and installed my new (to me) wrx steering wheel. I love it. The feel is great and the added turning improvement from a larger wheel is somewhat noticeable. This mod goes REALLY well with an impreza steering rack and whiteline bushings.

pamike
04-01-2012, 07:01 PM
anyone know if the 02 momo wheel has the same connector as a 96 legacy? or does anyone have a pic of the momo connector so i can compare it to mine?

blanquelm92
04-06-2012, 04:43 AM
How difficult. Would I be to install on 95bk

Hinyo
04-30-2012, 07:41 PM
Just did this. Its REALLY easy install except pulling off the steering wheel this thread says it right

when u get to here

http://www.sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php ... 25&start=0 (http://www.sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=12725&start=0)

PULL LIKE A MAD MAN!!! lol

Baddog
05-22-2012, 11:06 PM
Pulled mine off to sell it and put my factory one back on.

Broke the clock spring I am sure. Not sure exactly how I managed that. But I turned right and it made a crunching noise

RandyMarsh303
07-16-2012, 01:23 AM
Thanks for the write up. Got the torx bit before I even went to the shop. Had it installed in less than 20 minutes. Here are some before and afters...

Before
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/07/DSC03693-1.jpg

After
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/07/DSC03699-1.jpg