2013 steering wheel retrofit

[zard]

Hi,

 

I am considering fitting a new steering wheel into a model-year 2011 vRS. I am somehow a big fan of the new sharper design. 

 

Also, I've seen that Octavia, etc. have the MFD controls on the RHS of the steering wheel, which otherwise looks the same. Would it be possible to fit a steering wheel from Octavia and use those RHS buttons to control the maxidot, etc? At this moment the control is via the wiper stalk which I am not a big fan of..

 

Also, is a steering wheel replacement a hard job or is it doable at home? Any problems with warranty?

[32KOFDATA]

The latest Fabias come with the new steering wheel so fitting it would be straight forward. You can do it yourself but needs a bit of fiddling removing the airbag from the hinges at the back of the wheel and after that is just one big bolt that holds the wheel and you are done. Do this with keys OFF the ignition to avoid any accidents - some even disconnect the battery.

 

The only worry I would have is programming/registering the new airbag and controls with your car's dash but again since the Fabias come ready with those it should be feasible on an older model (?). 

 

I'm probably the minority thinking that the new wheel design doesn't suit the MKII. It is better suited for the more angular interior/exterior of the Rapid/Octavia III and Superb III. I still like the old one and the tiny detail that not everyone notices that it is designed to look like the car's front grill. Anyways looks are subjective.

[vc-10]

Removing airbags can be dangerous if not done correctly. I'd disconnect the battery, turn the key to discharge any capacitors, then remove the airbag. When replacing it, turn the key to the on position before reconnecting the battery- if something has gone wrong and it does go off, you'll be under the bonnet, not in the driver's seat. Takes 30 seconds longer, and basically removes the risk of it going off in your face. Also, remember when storing an airbag, to store it with the Skoda logo facing upwards. If not, this sort of thing can happen, only unintentionally and not being filmed for YouTube!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WejzmpBToGo