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Porsche 993: How to Install Steering Wheel

If you are wanting to upgrade the look or feel of your current steering wheel, then you must know how to install it properly. Read this guide on how to do so.

By Jerry Perez - April 21, 2015

This article applies to the Porsche 993 (1993-1998).

The steering wheel does more than just steer the car; it's the way you bond with your Porsche. Steering wheels are delicate components as they are precision components. A new steering wheel may be installed to replace a faulty or worn out wheel, or even upgraded to a racing wheel. If you choose to install a new wheel, make sure to select a compatible part and are familiar with wiring, etc. If not, then visiting a professional repair shop is recommended.

Materials Needed

  • Torx #30 driver
  • 24mm socket
  • Ratchet wrench

Step 1 – Disconnect the battery and wait

The battery is stored in the trunk of your Porsche, right next to the spare tire. Locate the battery and disconnect the negative (black terminal) first.

Warning

You MUST wait a minimum of 30 minutes after disconnecting the battery until you can get to work on the car. Failure to do so could lead to airbag detonation, which could cause severe injury, and cost you a lot of money.

Figure 1. Access the battery compartment, and disconnect the negative (black) terminal.

Step 2 – Remove airbag assembly

The airbag assembly is located in the middle (horn) portion of the wheel. To access the screws that hold the airbag assembly in place, turn the steering wheel 90 degrees to the right and locate the Torx screw; undo it using your Torx driver. Then, turn the steering wheel the opposite direction so you can remove the screw on the other side.

Figure 2. Remove the two Torx screws located behind the steering wheel.

Step 3 – Disconnect airbag

Now that the airbag assembly has been released, grab with both hands and give it a strong pull. Make sure that you control your range of motion; if you pull too far it'll pull on the airbag wiring and damage it. The range of motion shouldn't be more than a couple of inches. Then, simply pull on the yellow plastic connector to unplug.

  • Figure 3. Removed airbag assembly.
  • Figure 4. Disconnect airbag.

Step 4 – Remove wheel nut and wheel

Use the 24mm socket and ratchet wrench to remove the wheel center nut. This is most likely tight, so it may take a strong push to break loose. Once the nut is off, unplug the two brown wire connectors attached to the assembly. The wheel should slide off easily.

Pro Tip

Although the top white arrow on the hub marks the center point, it's recommended to mark the center point on your original wheel.

  • Figure 5. Undo steering wheel nut
  • Figure 6. Steering wheel removed. Make sure to mark alignment with a marker.

Step 5 – Install new wheel

The wheel hub is ready to receive the new wheel. Everything from this point on is in exact reverse order as before.

Follow these steps:

  • Mount steering wheel.
  • Connect two brown wires.
  • Tighten wheel nut.
  • Connect airbag to new assembly.
  • Push assembly into place.
  • Replace two Torx screws.
  • Reconnect battery.
  • Test steering wheel.
Figure 7. Nice and shiny new steering wheel.

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