Steering wheels

[stewart]

Hi Guys,

I'm in the process of narrowing down my options to replace the steering wheel in my Strat. Current wheel is 365mm diameter and I think much too big for the car.

I have always had fairly big steering wheels but want something smaller. Cut to the chase....looking at a 300mm or 320mm wheel but am thinking the 300mm might be a little small for a car used primarily for everyday driving.

Anyone got comments/opinions on their experiences?

cheers

[Sando]

Hi Stewart
I don't think the 300mm wheel size is a problem. I found that the size of the boss for the fore/aft position was more important for my personal preference. Makes a big difference for getting in and out too !!!
I've tried three now and prefer the one closest to me to be the best compromise. Shame they are all different wheels/bosses as I'd like to mix and match!

cheers
Rob :)

[stewart]

Hi Rob,

Thanks for the feedback. I was only looking at a photo of your car yesterday...memories....

I was beginning to think no-one had any opinion on this issue. I can use the same boss with this new wheel, 300mm or 320mm so the positioning isn't an issue apart from obscuring some instruments a little. Maybe the instrument issue is more important to be happy with then.

Thanks again

[Arthur]

Stewart,

Sorry its taken so long to reply to this.
Problem is, "it depends"
It depends mainly on how light your steering is, and how it loads up in cornering.
This will depend on steering offset (difference between the geometric tyre centre line, and the point on the road that the King Pin Angle line intersects); the amount of castor you use; and the "speed" of the rack you have. More offset, more castor, faster rack, equal heavier steering.

My own CorseI is NOT a hairdresser's car in terms of low speed wheel effort. It needs horsing around at parking speeds, but is just fine and dandy loaded up at speed.
I use a MOMO "Competion" 320mm wheel (with a very light dish) and wouldn't want to go any smaller. But cars set up with lighter steering may well be fine. Up to you at the end of the day, but remember, when the sh£t hits the fan, you'll have instant control with a big wheel. Not necessarily so if you go too small. (Mini race drivers have been known to sprain and dislocate wrists and hand bones with a combination of FWD, slippy diffs, and too-small steering wheels).

Arthur.