Has anybody with a base model 12-14 changed the grip assembly (steering wheel) to a SH-AWD grip assembly? The SHAWD has a much beefier grip than the base and I'm considering swapping mine if it's possible.

This is the part I'm referring to.

 

I knew the SH-AWD steering wheels were a bit beefier, never knew how much compared to the base though...I've got the wooden accessory wheel (08U97-TK4-210) that's just been sitting in the box at my house, kinda bummed it's not the dark burled wood style like they offered for the 2nd gen...

-greg

 

This is possible. My dealer did the swap a few years ago. there isn't much of a difference in the thickness imo.

 

Good to know it's possible but crappy that the thickness isn't much different. I probably wont bother now knowing that.

 

Is it possible to do the swapping ourselves? Or the dealer has to do it?
I saw a few SH-AWD steering wheel assemblies in eBay for no more than a $100 bucks. It is tempting but if there is not much difference then I would feel regretful.

 

My understanding is you shouldn't have an issue doing it yourself. The steering wheel comes apart with some screws and you'll need to unplug a few harnesses but otherwise it should just be a straight swap.

 

You have to be incredibly careful with airbags. Make sure the system is fully discharged before even coming close to it.

You'll also need some larger sized TORX bits to unscrew the bag if it's anything like my other Honda's.

Another thing to note is you need to be dead f'ing sure the wheels are straight and the steering wheel is straight. The wheels can sometimes be slightly off-center and while everything looks correct positioning wise as soon as you take it for a drive you'll find the wheel is ~5 degrees off-center.

 

Actually airbags aren't that dangerous to work around at all...if you're concerned just disconnect the battery before doing this install.

As far as you saying be careful positioning wise my understanding is there is absolutely no adjustability with the grip, it bolts up one way and if your wheel is off you need an alignment it would have nothing to do with the positioning of the grip.

 

Uhhhh what? Tell you what, go ahead and play around with yours without disconnecting the battery and taking precautions. Are you also forgetting we have that lovely airbag recall going on right now? You absolutely need to be safe working around them.

If it's anything like 3 other Hondas I've swapped/modified steering wheels on you have a bunch of spines on the column that the wheel slides down on. If you're off by one tooth it won't necessarily look wrong but when you start driving you'll have a crooked A.

It is completely separate from your alignment. My S2000's wheel is off-center from the last time I took it off and I just haven't gotten around to fixing it.

 

Hey I'm not saying go stick some wires attached to a battery in the harness after you remove the airbag but in general there's nothing to worry about removing it if you disconnect the battery. Remember these things are designed to be pounded on whenever you honk the horn.

Yeah you might be right on this one, thinking back to a steering wheel swap I did on an old CRX I think it was the same but not 100% sure on it when it comes to the TL.

 

I swapped my civic's steering wheel and yes the wheels have to be straight, I did not get it right the first time and the steering wheel was crooked when I took the car for a ride, had to do it twice to get it straight. And I believe the battery has to be disconnected at least 30 minutes prior to do the work to make sure the system is completely discharged. I remember using torx 30 or 35, a wrench and I guess a 17mm socket, however I don't remember the torque settings.

 

Just buy a decent leather wrap kit. Certainly someone makes one, the car is old enough now to have some demand for a fresh leather cover. Then you'd get your thickness without the hassle of taking the entire assembly off.
I'm considering this for my truck. The leather cover is starting to show pigment loss because of the chemicals I've transferred to it from my hands.

 

Not going to compete with OEM though. Unless you go crazy and have like EuroBoutique make it custom for you. Bunch of S2000 guys get their wheels customized there.