I bought a used steering wheel in great condition and went to install it, but ran into a problem: The steering shaft is splined.


And the old steering wheel hub was grooved to fit the splines.


But the new wheel's hub is not grooved to fit a splined steering shaft and instead has a flat portion with a slot cut.



I can't return the wheel. Does anyone have any knowledge of how to get this wheel mounted?

 

Looks like you would have to grind a flat in your shaft, in the right spot, at the right depth, to mount it.



No way to remove the outer steering wheel portion, I presume?

 

Either that, or see if there is an adapter available.

What is the new steering wheel from?

 

"Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, or Dakota 2001 leather steering wheel" was the exact wording of the eBay ad. It is an exact match for my old steering wheel in every regard -except the hub.

 

I think I would look for a '98 wheel.

 

Didn't know there was a difference between '98 and '01 until I received this wheel. I paid $175, and I can't return it, so I'm not buying another wheel. I'm just wondering if there's an adapter, or if I can swap the steel hub inserts (they look like they're either pressed or molded into the aluminum steering wheel frame.

 

Maybe try to sell that one on the forum here???

 

Nah, where there's a will, there's a way. I'm gonna make this work somehow. But if anybody's got any creative ideas, I'm all ears

 

Is the splined oem center section pressed in? If so you may be able to press it in to the new one (just make sure it's positioned correctly).

 

I was wondering that myself. Swapping the center sections by pressing them in may be the way to go. Going to take a closer look this weekend when I have time.