Is there a way to install a smaller diameter steering wheel, maybe one from a 350. Or maybe a way to change the steering ratio?

 

Anything is possible with the right $$$. Many have posted the same ideas but all concluded that its too expensive for the end result. Take into consideration: changing steering wheels mean changing air bags. You can find one from a yard for at least $200, airbag only! Plus a steering wheel, you said 350. Do you know how expensive that is? You are looking at about $400-500 on that only. For that kind of money, you can spend it on performance which I think is a more sensible trade off. Just my 2 cent.

 

I think a smaller steering wheel or a change to the steering ratio would improve performance. I'm not sure about other maxima's, but my 4th gen has an enourmous steering wheel. The larger diameter of the steering wheel means that it is easier to turn (kind of an add on to power steering). A smaller steering wheel would equate to a little more effort turning the steering wheel. However, in addition to this, a smaller steering wheel has a smaller diameter, and thus you have shorter distances to turn the steering wheel in order to turn the wheels the same distance. This adds up to faster handling with a little more effort and feedback.

As far as cost, I've read that it is possible to remove the steering wheel without removing the airbag. If this is the case, is it possible to put a different, smaller steering wheel over my existing airbag. The wheel from the 350z came to mind because i though it might have a similar airbag and wiring system since it's also a nissan.

 

thats a good idea, cuz after driving my dads truck the steering wheel in my max seems HUGE

 

I would have to disagree. Smaller steering wheel means more effort and yes more sportier feel. But now that you have a smaller steering wheel, you would have to turn the wheel more to get the same travel that you used to get from the orginal steering wheel. Imagine a big cheater bar versus a short ratchet. The cheater bar gives more leverage and more travel for each turn.

I think smaller steering wheels look ridiculous on a sedan. Just my 2 cent.

 

actually, a smaller wheel does mean a shorter distance. the circumference of a small circle is smaller than that of a large circle. therefore, smaller wheel = shorter distance for the same turning effect.

 

well i currently have a 2k sterring wheel on my car with the airbag. everything fits withouta problem. i have a 2k2 sterring hweel in black leather that is heated for sale also witrh the buttom that turns it on. i had this steering wheel on my max but i removed it cause i dont have a airbag for it. if anybody wants it, let me know.

on the airbag though, it is so simple to remove it. when i did mine, i disconected the battery, removed the 2 torx screws that hold the airbag (1 on each side), and disconet the airbag. to remove the torx screws, you have to but the socket with the torx screws. they can be found at any auto store. i got them for $10 at kragen.

 

Hmmmm....I don't agree still. Think of how bigger wheels affect a vehicle's speed on a given RPM. Why does going bigger wheels/tires render the speedometer incorrect anymore? Bigger wheels will let you go faster (more travel) on a given RPM than you would on stock wheel size. Smaller wheels mean that your engine would have to be going at a higher RPM (effort) to achieve the same speed as a car with bigger wheels. Same principle applies. Your cars turning radius don't change until you mechanical alter the vehicle's steering box.

 

Ok after I did a few searches online, it seems like the principle from which I am deriving my conclusion from is incorrect when it comes to steering wheels.

Here's what I found in the NASIOC forum.

 

Is it possible to swap a 4th Gen steering wheel with another 4th Gen WITHOUT removing the airbag? I ask because the previous owner didn't take car of the leather wrapped steering wheel and I would like to put a better condition stock one in if it isn't too hard.

 

Mine was the same, the leather wrapped around was cracked and discolored. Swapping airbags isn't a problem (if yours is intact) as long as you swap with the same type of steering wheel. When you get into swapping steering wheels between different generations of the same model, thats where it gets expensive because of style changes but it also depends on how different the styles are. If you want to adapt a steering wheel from a 350, that would be interesting to accomplish but you'd definitely have to get the airbag that goes with it.

 

ALC,

Thanks for the input. May be something I can look into if I find one at the junkyard for cheap. Also, good luck on swapping the 350 wheel.

 

The idea of bigger wheels making you go faster is true, but it is taking the same equation in reverse. In the case of the wheel, the axle is driving the wheel, so for a given distance that the axle spins, the larger diameter wheel makes the car move further. This is why larger wheels can mess up the spedometer. The spedometer measures axle rotation, so for a given number of axle rpm's, the wheels of larger diameter cover a great distance. The idea of the steering wheel however takes the same principle but the other way around. Think of the gears on a bike. The chainrings attached to the pedals work oppositely the gears on the back. The big ring at the pedals is harder than the small one, however the big gear on the back wheel is easier than the little gear on the back wheel. (if that makes any sense). I'm a bike mechanic so my explanation might only make sense to me..

what is the diameter of the steering wheel from the 2002 and how much would you sell it for?

 

a quick thought...the reason the idea came up is because i was driving my girlfriend's '04 passat and it was a lot easier to make some sharp turns (particularly into her driveway). Her car has a noticeably smaller steering wheel and a drastically sportier steering feel. And yet VW's best w/ awd and a v6 still isn't able to keep up.

 

the steering wheel i dont know the diameter but i got a offer of $90 shipped for it. if you can beat that its yours.

 

I'm gonna do some more research before i spend any money on this