[Rakey]

Well fitted the JCW steering wheel to our R56 yesterday with the help of minicabrio and Poppet on the phone, but thought it might be worth taking a few photos to help others do the same job in future.

First off all you will need:


the wheel brace out of the boot
Torx screw driver/allen keys
spanner adjustable

First job disconnect the negative terminal on the battery, this is to prevent the airbag warning light from coming on and the horn driving you crazy



Now to remove the airbag, feel round the back of the lower centre steering wheel spoke, you will find a small hole, push the torx allen key in, you are trying to release the wire that the airbag is clipped onto (see photo of wire).

Now whilst holding the airbag unit carefully disconnect the clip and the earth connector.



To remove the multi function parts you need to reach round the back again, and unfasten a torx screw on each spoke.


These will then pull out of the steering wheel, but be careful, you don't want to break the wires, which you might find easier to manage if you unclip these too.


Follow the multi function wires around the steering wheel, remembering where they locate as you'll need to put them back like this


The bottom spoke trim should just pull out of the steering wheel.


Then unclip the wires from the steering wheel, this should just leave you with the steering wheel to remove from the column.


Ok, so now you need to unfasten the large nut in the centre, this can be done with the wheel brace, its not a perfect fit, so you need to really hold it on firm so that it doesn't slip as otherwise you could end up rounding the nut and then you are screwed, so be careful.


Ok so now you have the steering wheel removed


Put your lovely new JCW steering wheel on, ensuring that the markers at the bottom match up to ensure you put the steering wheel on straight.


Now start to follow all of the above in reverse, put the nut back on to fasten the steering wheel, clip all the multifunction parts back on and don't forget to put the torx screws in round the back, thread the wires through the correct places.


Then finally attach the air bag connectors not forgetting the earth cable and push into place on the wheel.


Now reconnect the battery, and sit back and admire your lovely new steering wheel



And of course take the car for a spin

All of the above is guide to help others to fit a steering wheel on their MINI and anyone that follows the guidelines does so at their own risk and I take no responsibility for anything which may go wrong whilst following the guidline

[supa-dupa-cooper]

I LOVE my JCW steering wheel But I let the dealer fit it

[mister.t]

If I fitted one, I know I'd be going round a race track, and going into a quick chicane, it'd come straight off in my hands

[Rakey]

Quote: Originally Posted by mister.t (original)

If I fitted one, I know I'd be going round a race track, and going into a quick chicane, it'd come straight off in my hands

I doubt it, its really easy

Highly recommend the steering wheel, got it now on both the GP and the MCS

[picard]

nice legs