Cipher steering wheel for NB
Cipher steering wheel for NB
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Description
The steering wheel is one of your primary points of contact with your car. It's amazing what a difference you feel by changing it out - especially if your stock one is getting ratty. Unfortunately, that usually means losing the airbag and that's more than most people are willing to do.
Enter Cipher wheels! These quality wheels are a direct bolt-in replacement for your stock unit and retain your stock airbag. They're not just stock replacements, either - the wheel is contoured to be exceptionally comfortable and has a slightly flattened bottom for a bit more leg room. The real leather feels great under your hands and the cross-section of the wheel is slightly thicker for better grip. The overall diameter is the same as stock other than the flat bottom.
This model fits 1999-2003 NB airbags. It will not work with many 2004-05 models due to a change in the steering wheel bracket where the airbag is mounted. If you want to use this wheel with a 2004-05 Miata, you can get the required bracket and plastic housing off a donor 1999-03 wheel. This steering wheel will only work with stock steering wheels that look similar - e.g., if your steering wheel has four spokes, it won't work with this three-spoke wheel.
Made from all new parts, not reworked old wheels. No core charge.
Instructions
Shipping
What does it fit?
Fits: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
Emissions
Emissions do not apply.
Warranty
lifetime
SKU
Title says it all. It's kind of insane just how much of a difference this makes in the feel of your car.
Very comfortable wheel. Easy install. My OEM leather wheel was getting a rough texture and I wanted something more like on my AMG. This fit the ticket and allowed me to retain the air-bag.
I picked this up because my OEM wheel was starting to shed leather and was generally depressing, and because this wheel retains the factory airbag - something I wasn't willing to part with for a street car.
It's amazing how much replacing the primary interface with the car rejuvenates the experience of driving it. The wheel is a bit thicker than stock, and the leather is quite nice. There's a decent gap between the wheel and airbag at the interfaces, but the OEM wheel had that same gap.
Installation is easy. Two bolts to remove the airbag, then unclip the harness connector from the airbag, then separate the halves of the connector. The release button for the connector is up against the airbag, so you have to slide the connector off the airbag first to disconnect it. Then just the one nut holding the wheel on and pull the old wheel off. Swap the horn assembly and rear plastic cover over to the new wheel and reinstall.
Only one minor complaint: The OEM wheel allows you to drive comfortably with your hands at 9 and 3 with your thumbs "hooked in". Admittedly, this isn't the best practice, but my guess is most drive that way. This wheel has pads such that it's only really comfortable to drive with your hands more like 9:30 and 2:30 with thumbs on the pads. Down at 9 and 3 the pads dig into your palms. It just takes some getting used to.
Also, the flat bottom really only shaves about 0.25" off the diameter of the OEM wheel. So don't expect a ton of improvement there, but it's a tight cockpit, so maybe every bit helps.