Aftermarket Steering Wheels

How to Choose Aftermarket Steering Wheels

Start with how you drive the car, then match diameter, shape, and dish to your seating position. Aftermarket steering wheels fall into three main types: sport, racing, and vintage or classic. Sport wheels suit street cars, racing wheels suit dedicated track cars, and classic wheels keep an older interior looking period-correct.

Once you've picked a type, check these specs:

• A smaller steering wheel diameter cuts lock-to-lock rotation for quicker steering and adds knee clearance.
• A larger diameter, like a 15 1/2 in. banjo wheel, takes more rotation but gives you more leverage.
• Shape comes down to round or D-shaped, such as the 14 in. D-shaped wheel in this category.
• Steering wheel dish, or offset, is the distance between the mounting surface and the grip surface.

More dish puts the rim closer to you, which helps if your seat sits far back from the column. Measure your current wheel before you shop so you know which direction to go. For a deeper walkthrough, read how to choose a steering wheel. You can also browse steering and alignment parts for the rest of your front-end work.

Steering Wheel Adapters and Bolt Patterns

A steering wheel adapter, or hub adapter, must match your wheel's bolt pattern plus your column's steering shaft diameter and spline count. Get either one wrong and the wheel won't mount. Count the bolt holes on your wheel before you shop so you start with the right adapter family. Here are the common steering wheel bolt patterns you'll run into:

• 3-bolt, the Grant-style pattern
• 5-bolt, used on many aftermarket wheels
• 6-bolt, common on many race wheels
• 9-bolt, the pattern used by LeCarra

JEGS carries adapters in 3-bolt and 5/6-bolt patterns, including low-profile versions that keep the wheel close to the column. You'll also find replacement hub inserts for GM Saginaw splined shafts. Before you order, confirm your shaft size and spline count, especially if you've swapped in parts from our steering columns and accessories category. If you're replacing the shaft too, check steering shafts and U-joints so the whole assembly lines up.

Quick Release Hubs, Spacers, and Installation Kits

A quick release steering wheel hub lets you pull the wheel off without tools, so getting in and out of a race car is easier. JEGS stocks quick release hubs for 3/4 in. OD shafts, and some of them meet the SFI 42.1 spec. If your sanctioning body requires certified parts, read our guide to SFI-rated parts replacement and recertification so you know when to inspect or replace them.

Steering wheel spacers move the wheel closer to you without changing the column. A 1 1/2 in. thick spacer is a simple fix when your arms are fully extended at the wheel. Spacers also help when a deep-dish wheel still doesn't reach your preferred driving position.

A steering wheel installation kit takes the guesswork out of fitment. Each kit pairs a wheel with a matching adapter, so the bolt pattern is already sorted before the box shows up. For more setup and install tips, browse our chassis, steering, and suspension tech articles.

Racing Steering Wheels vs. Classic and OE-Style Wheels

Racing steering wheels put control first, while classic and OE-style wheels put appearance and originality first. Pick the one that matches how your car gets used. Race wheels run smaller, like the 13 in. 3-spoke drag race wheel. You'll also find 14 in. billet aluminum wheels with autocross, wing, or strings spoke designs.

Plan the full install before you buy a race wheel. Some race wheels require a vehicle-specific short hub, and horn button kits are often sold separately. Many use a 6-bolt pattern, so confirm your adapter before the wheel goes on.

Restorers can shop OE-style reproduction wheels for classics, including the 1965-1966 Ford Mustang and the 1988 C4 Corvette Anniversary Edition. For a period look on a custom build, 15 1/2 in. banjo and leather-wrapped wheels fit the part. Hot rodders chasing a custom billet look can compare wheels from Billet Specialties and Flaming River.

Steering Wheel Materials and Grip Options

The material you pick decides how the wheel looks and feels in your hands every time you drive. Frames come in aluminum and billet aluminum, with black anodized, chrome-plated, and polished finishes. Pick a finish that matches your dash, gauges, or other brightwork.

The grip is where you'll notice the biggest difference. Leather-wrapped and suede grips give you a padded rim, while vinyl wraps offer another covered option. Wood grain rims suit vintage interiors, and carbon fiber fits a modern race-car look.

Finish the install with accessories like carbon fiber switch plates, steering wheel hooks, and horn buttons. You can also shop wheels and hardware from NRG Innovations alongside the other brands in this category. If your project goes beyond the cockpit, shop our full range of chassis, steering, and suspension parts. Need help matching a wheel to your car? Our Tech Specialists can walk you through fitment.