Fitting Aftermarket Steering Wheels: The Definitive Guide
Upgrading your car’s steering wheel is one of the most popular and rewarding interior modifications for driving enthusiasts. Whether you’re building a stripped-out track car, restoring a classic, or just want a sharper, sportier feel behind the wheel, swapping out the stock steering wheel for an aftermarket unit can completely transform your driving experience. Steering wheels from iconic motorsport brands like Sparco, OMP, and MOMO are used in everything from grassroots race cars and drift builds to kit cars and retro road cars. These wheels not only improve driver feedback and control but also elevate your car’s interior with motorsport-inspired styling. Fitting an aftermarket steering wheel isn’t as simple as unbolting the old wheel and bolting on a new one – you’ll need the right boss kit (hub adapter) and possibly a quick release hub to make it all work. In this definitive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about installing an aftermarket steering wheel using boss kits and quick releases, covering fitment, compatibility, installation tips, and important considerations like airbags and legal compliance.
Why Upgrade to an Aftermarket Steering Wheel?
Upgrading to an OMP or Sparco steering wheel is about more than just looks—it’s a change that transforms your driving feel. These steering wheels are lighter, smaller in diameter, and designed with motorsport ergonomics in mind. They provide improved grip, more precise control, and greater driver feedback.
For daily drivers, show cars, and track builds alike, a performance steering wheel offers:
- A sportier and more responsive feel
- Customisable sizes, dish depths, and grip styles
- Improved interior styling—modern or retro
- Compatibility with quick-release kits for extra functionality
Whether you’re building a time attack car, a drift machine, or a modern classic, swapping to a quality aftermarket wheel is one of the most tactile and satisfying upgrades available.
Understanding Steering Wheel Boss Kits – Vehicle Specific + Universal Bolt Patterns
A boss kit (also called a hub adapter) is what lets you fit an aftermarket steering wheel to your car. Your factory steering wheel has a unique spline pattern that won’t work with racing wheels from brands like Sparco, OMP, or MOMO — that’s where the boss kit comes in. It connects to your car’s steering column on one side and offers a universal 6-bolt pattern on the other side to mount your new wheel.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Vehicle-specific fitment: Boss kits are made to match your car’s steering column splines, diameter, and functions like horn wiring and indicator cancel tabs.
- Universal bolt pattern: Most racing steering wheels (Sparco, MOMO, OMP) use a standard 6x70mm 6-bolt pattern, so they’re cross-compatible with each other.
- Safety design: High-quality boss kits are built to keep the steering wheel at the correct depth and often include collapsible sections or resistors to handle airbag warning lights.
- Airbag warning: Once you install an aftermarket wheel, your factory airbag will no longer be in place. Some boss kits include resistors to prevent the airbag light from staying on, but this setup is not road-legal in all situations (more on that later).
Browse Our MOMO Boss Kit Range – Over 200 Vehicle Applications
At GSM Performance, we stock one of the UK’s largest collections of MOMO boss kits, with options to suit:
- Modern sports cars and hot hatches
- Classic project builds
- JDM, European, and US models
- Road and race-prepped interiors
These boss kits are road-safe, TUV-certified, and offer the ideal base for mounting your wheel with or without a quick-release hub.
Quick Release Steering Wheel Kits
While a boss kit and wheel alone are a common upgrade, many enthusiasts also opt to add a quick-release hub into the mix. A quick release is an additional component that lets you remove the steering wheel from the hub quickly, without using tools, by means of a locking mechanism. Quick releases are popular in race cars and track-focused builds, but they can be handy for road cars too (with some caveats).
Why Use a Quick-Release Hub?
Adding a quick-release hub between your boss kit and steering wheel has some great benefits, especially for track cars, tight cockpits, or theft prevention. A quick release allows you to easily remove your steering wheel by hand, without any tools, using a built-in locking mechanism.
How It Fits:
- The quick release mounts between the boss kit and the steering wheel.
- One side bolts to the boss; the other to the wheel. They lock together using a collar or bearing mechanism.
- Most add around 50–60mm of depth, bringing the wheel closer. To balance this, some drivers choose flat steering wheels or low-profile hubs.
Compatibility:
- Most quick releases use the standard 6x70mm bolt pattern (Sparco, MOMO, OMP).
- Many are dual-drilled for 6×70 and 6×74 patterns, making them compatible with almost any aftermarket wheel or boss kit.
- For example, the B-G Racing Quick Release fits both MOMO/Sparco and Nardi patterns — mix and match brands with no problem.
Design & Features:
- High-quality quick releases (like Sparco, OMP, MOMO) are secure and solid with minimal play.
- Some support horn wiring with spring-loaded contacts so your horn still works.
- Most kits include the bolts needed for installation.
Daily Use Tips:
- Lock and unlock the wheel with a simple twist or push of a ring or lever.
- Periodically check bolt tightness and clean the locking mechanism.
- Many drivers carry their wheel with them in a bag when parking, both for security and peace of mind.
Step-by-Step Installation Tips
Installing an aftermarket steering wheel with the proper boss kit (and optional quick release) is well within reach for a DIYer with basic tools, but you should always proceed carefully – especially if your car has an airbag. Below, we outline the general steps and tips for a successful installation. Always refer to model-specific instructions if provided, and when in doubt, seek professional help (steering is obviously a critical system, so it needs to be done right).
1. Preparation
- Disconnect the battery — especially if your steering wheel has an airbag. Wait 10–15 minutes to let the system fully power down.
- Mark your steering position — keep the wheels straight and mark the top of the wheel and shaft so your new wheel lines up correctly.
2. Remove Old Wheel
- Remove the airbag (if fitted) by undoing screws behind the wheel and disconnecting its plug. Always handle it with the front side facing up and be cautious.
- Loosen the center nut but don’t remove it fully until the wheel is free — this avoids it hitting you when it comes loose.
- Use a steering wheel puller if necessary to safely remove the factory wheel.
3. Fit the Boss Kit
- Slide the boss kit onto the steering shaft, aligning it with your markings.
- Feed through any horn or wiring as needed.
- Tighten the central nut securely — use a torque wrench and follow your vehicle’s specifications.
4. Add the Quick Release (Optional)
- Bolt one side of the quick-release to the boss kit and the other side to your steering wheel.
- Make sure everything lines up and bolts are tightened evenly in a cross-pattern.
5. Mount the Steering Wheel
- Attach the wheel to either the boss kit or quick-release using the six mounting bolts.
- Ensure the top of the wheel is centered and straight.
- Use threadlocker if desired and tighten the bolts evenly.
6. Reconnect Wires and Horn
- Plug in the horn wire to your new wheel.
- If using cruise or audio controls, these may no longer work unless custom solutions are installed.
- Use the airbag resistor (if included) to prevent SRS light — this won’t bring the airbag back, but it will avoid dashboard errors.
7. Final Checks
- Reconnect the battery and test:
- Is the wheel straight?
- Does the horn work?
- Does the indicator cancel correctly?
- Does the quick release engage securely?
- Take a slow test drive to confirm steering feel and wheel alignment.
Installing a wheel and boss kit is relatively straightforward with the right tools (a steering wheel puller and socket set are must-haves, plus a torque wrench for the main nut). If at any point you feel unsure, especially with handling airbags or crucial bolts, don’t hesitate to get professional assistance. Your safety is paramount, and a steering wheel is not something you want to fail at 70 mph.
Fitment and Compatibility Considerations
One question we often get is about compatibility: how do you make sure all these parts (wheel, boss kit, quick release) will work together? Here are some tips to ensure a seamless fit:
✅ Boss Kits Are Vehicle-Specific
Boss kits are made to fit specific vehicles – they’re not universal. You’ll need one that matches your car’s make, model, and year. Use our online listings to find the right fit for your car from Sparco, OMP, or MOMO. These will include the parts needed to attach the kit and retain functions like the horn and indicators.
✅ All Use the Same 6-Bolt Pattern
Most aftermarket steering wheels (like MOMO, OMP, and Sparco) use the same 6x70mm bolt pattern. That means they’ll bolt directly to most boss kits and quick releases. Just be careful if you’re using a less common brand (like Nardi, which uses 6x74mm) – you’ll either need an adapter or a matching boss kit.
✅ Quick Release Compatibility
Quick releases are designed to sit between the boss and steering wheel and also use the 6-bolt pattern. Some are multi-fit to work with different brands. If you’re tight on space, we recommend low-profile quick release hubs to keep the wheel at a comfortable distance.
✅ Use the Right Hardware
Boss kits usually come with the bolts you need, but if you’re adding a quick release or spacer, you might need longer ones. Always use high-strength (grade 8.8 or higher) bolts and make sure all six are installed and tightened properly.
✅ Signal Cancel and Horn Tips
Aftermarket kits might not automatically cancel your turn signals unless you transfer over parts like the cancel pin or clock spring ring. For the horn to work, make sure the horn contact touches the ring on the wheel. These issues are common and usually fixable with small adjustments.
Airbag, IVA and MOT Considerations (Staying Safe & Legal)
One of the biggest questions when fitting an aftermarket wheel is “What about the airbag?” This is a critical consideration, especially for those who drive their car on public roads. We’ll address the safety impact and the legal side (with a focus on UK IVA/MOT rules).
Airbag Removal and Safety
- Most OEM airbags are built into the stock wheel and cannot be transferred to aftermarket wheels.
- Removing the airbag reduces your crash protection – especially in daily driving.
- There are very few aftermarket wheels with airbags, and they’re rare, custom, or expensive.
- On the road, this is a compromise: better steering feel vs. less protection in a crash.
MOT Compliance (UK)
- If your car originally had a driver’s airbag, it must be present and working for the MOT.
- A missing airbag or warning light showing will cause a fail.
- Enthusiasts sometimes fit resistors to turn off the airbag light, and some testers may pass it if there’s no warning.
- If your car is track-focused or heavily modified, some testers might allow it – but it’s not guaranteed.
- Best practice: use a resistor to turn off the light and use a boss kit with a center pad to cover the airbag area.
IVA Testing (Kit Cars & Rebuilds)
- IVA rules are more flexible: airbags aren’t usually required, especially on kit cars or classics.
- Instead, IVA focuses on the design of the wheel – no sharp edges, safe padding, and safe construction.
- You may need a padded wheel or collapsible boss to pass.
- Some builders temporarily refit the OEM wheel for testing.
Insurance Implications
- Removing the airbag is a material safety change – you must declare it to your insurer.
- Failure to do so can affect your cover or invalidate claims.
- Some insurers are fine with this for modified or track vehicles, but it’s always best to check.
Our Advice
- For daily-driven cars, think carefully before removing your airbag.
- If you go ahead:
- Fit a resistor to switch off the airbag light.
- Keep the original wheel in case you need to refit it.
- Use high-quality parts (boss kits, quick releases) with proper strength and padding.
- For show cars, track toys, or heavily modified builds, aftermarket wheels are popular – just be aware of the rules and risks.
At GSM Performance, we recommend high-quality kits from MOMO, Sparco, and OMP – they’re built with safety in mind. If you’re unsure, speak with us for tailored advice on what’s best for your vehicle and how to stay safe and compliant.
Wrapping Up – What You Need to Know
Installing an aftermarket steering wheel is a great way to upgrade your driving feel and give your interior a fresh, sporty look. By using the correct boss kit for your vehicle and sticking to high-quality brands like Sparco, OMP, and MOMO, you can ensure a secure and proper fit. Want to take it further? Add a quick release hub for added convenience and that race car touch.
Just remember: if your car has a factory airbag, swapping it out affects your road legality and IVA/MOT compliance. Always research what’s required for your build, use resistors if needed, and inform your insurer. Whether you’re building a track car or just want better driver feedback on the road, upgrading your wheel can make a huge difference — as long as it’s done safely and correctly. If you need help choosing parts, we’ve got you covered at GSM Performance.
Popular Sparco Steering Wheels – Track-Proven Style & Grip
Looking for a premium Italian-designed wheel with motorsport pedigree? Our range of Sparco steering wheels includes options for track cars, show builds, and modern performance vehicles. Available in suede, leather, and alcantara finishes, they combine lightweight construction with precision feel.
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OMP Steering Wheels – Motorsport Style and Quality
OMP is a well-known name in motorsport, and their steering wheels are designed with performance and style in mind. Whether you’re building a track car or upgrading your daily driver, OMP offers a wide range of wheels to suit all types of builds. From classic three-spoke styles to deep-dish drift wheels, there’s something for everyone.
Their wheels are made from high-quality materials like suede, leather, and microfibre for great grip and comfort. You’ll also find different sizes and shapes, so you can pick the perfect fit for your driving position. If you want a steering wheel that combines racing feel with great looks, OMP is a fantastic choice.
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