First mod in my Integra - Alcantara Steering wheel

[pho69]

My first mod on my ASpec Integra, 6sp manual. OEM Alcantara steering wheel. Love it. I found the stock steering wheel too slippery. This has a nice, comfortable grip. Glad I did it!

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[gregbutler_20]

Nice. I'm looking at this as my next mod for the same reason. Is it any thicker? How was the install time? They make it look easy on the AHC garage video.

 

[pho69]

It’s not any thicker but way grippier. And in the cold weather it warms your hands up way better than the stock leather steering wheel

I bought it on sale from Acura website online and had my dealer install it. They charged me $200 plus a recommended alignment at $150

I think it’s fair price. You have to remove the air bag, unplug the battery and make sure you connect all the wired and stuff. For me, $200 is worth it for not doing it myself and messing up

 

[VTEC4ME]

hard to mess up in the installation really. I was able to take off the steering wheel myself. Hardest part was breaking the hex bolt holding the steering wheel in place as there was some thread locker from factory. Had to use a breaker bar since I didnt have an impact drill. I swapped for a Type S steering wheel onto my A Spec.

 

[pho69]

Oh man. I wish I thoguht of that. I love the type S steering wheel. Oh well. I’m super happy with the Alcantara. Beats the stock steering wheel anyday

 

[VTEC4ME]

Oh man. I wish I thoguht of that. I love the type S steering wheel. Oh well. I’m super happy with the Alcantara. Beats the stock steering wheel anyday

Yup, stock steering wheel seems too slippery, just like you mentioned.

 

[evanescent03]

i love alcantara when it's clean. do you have a maintenance cleaning plan?

the only car i've had with an alcantara wheel (and that i've kept long enough to notice) was my camaro SS1LE. I found that a microfiber with just a very light spritz of water on it and scrubbing the wheel was a good way to get it clean (i got a late start to it) and also to keep it clean. they make a lot of chemicals but supposedly those accumulate and can be detrimental in the long term. i know you didn't ask but thought i'd offer my experience with the stuff since it can get pretty gross over time. easy/accessible.

i like the low maintenance of the OEM leather but i could see making this change if i get bored!

 

[pho69]

Thanks for the heads up. I was just reading about to keep it clean. It definitely is worth the small Maintanence in my opinion,

 

[VTEC4ME]

Sonax to clean https://a.co/d/awMJY5E
Hydrothread to protect https://www.chemicalguys.com/hydrothread-ceramic-fabric-protectant-and-stain-repellent/SPI22616.html

 

[pho69]

thanks man. I also appreciated the Amazon link. I added the Sonax to my cart

 

[starman]

My last Alcantara steering wheel was back in 2017 with my BMW M2 (in those days OEM BMW Alcantara when for $800+ and me doing the install). After 2 years the 3 and 9 o'clock were quite worn. I did try my best to keep my hands clean and cleaned the steering wheel once a month, but the wear was still visible and vowed never to get Alcantara steering wheel again.

Welp, given how cheap this OEM steering wheel is I ordered it. Perhaps I wasn't cleaning it thoroughly enough back then.

 

[pho69]

My last Alcantara steering wheel was back in 2017 with my BMW M2 (in those days OEM BMW Alcantara when for $800+ and me doing the install). After 2 years the 3 and 9 o'clock were quite worn. I did try my best to keep my hands clean and cleaned the steering wheel once a month, but the wear was still visible and vowed never to get Alcantara steering wheel again.

Welp, given how cheap this OEM steering wheel is I ordered it. Perhaps I wasn't cleaning it thoroughly enough back then.

Awesome. Let us know how you like it when you get it installed. I don’t have any doubts you’ll love it.

 

[gregbutler_20]

hard to mess up in the installation really. I was able to take off the steering wheel myself. Hardest part was breaking the hex bolt holding the steering wheel in place as there was some thread locker from factory. Had to use a breaker bar since I didnt have an impact drill. I swapped for a Type S steering wheel onto my A Spec.

DId the i-hds stuff matter? The instructions mention it, but I'm not sure if DTCs would come up when done correctly. Also, the instructions don't mention the torque number for the middle bolt, but I'm guessing if you are using an impact and blue stuff in the threads.

 

[starman]

Installed mine, really easy swap. However, I did notice it was just slightly off by a degree. I redid again, but moving it to the next spline notch caused it to be way off. Therefore, the first time I installed it was in the correct position.

I did see the alignment notice in the box, but never have I needed to do that after a steering wheel change.

Also found this thread.... https://www.integraforums.com/forum/threads/steering-slightly-crooked.51306/

Other than that, I'm liking the steering wheel in the winter.

 

[pho69]

Installed mine, really easy swap. However, I did notice it was just slightly off by a degree. I redid again, but moving it to the next spline notch caused it to be way off. Therefore, the first time I installed it was in the correct position.

I did see the alignment notice in the box, but never have I needed to do that after a steering wheel change.

Also found this thread.... https://www.integraforums.com/forum/threads/steering-slightly-crooked.51306/

Other than that, I'm liking the steering wheel in the winter.

Looks good man!! And yes it feels so good when the temp outside is 30-40 degrees. Enjoy!

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