7 Essential Tips for Installing an NRG Quick Release Kit

Posted by steve7876 on September 18th, 2024

Installing an NRG quick release kit can be a game-changer for your car, enhancing both the aesthetics and functionality of your steering wheel. This simple upgrade is popular among car enthusiasts, particularly in the sports car community, as it allows for the quick removal of the steering wheel, enhancing security and accessibility during motorsport events. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a DIY car enthusiast just getting started, proper installation is key to ensuring the best results and safety.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into seven essential tips for installing your NRG quick release kit, discuss common pitfalls to avoid, and ensure you’re equipped with all the knowledge you need for a smooth, successful installation. By the end, you’ll feel confident about upgrading your steering wheel with the NRG kit and getting the most out of this popular modification.

1. Gather the Right Tools and Components

Before diving into the installation, it’s important to gather all the necessary tools and components. You’ll need the NRG quick release hub, a compatible NRG steering wheel, and, depending on your car model, a short hub adapter.

Here’s a quick checklist of the tools you’ll need:

• Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
• Socket wrench set
• Allen wrench or hex key set
• Steering wheel puller (optional but recommended)
• Torque wrench
• Electrical tape or wire connectors (for wiring the horn)

Having the right tools ready will make the installation smoother and faster. Don’t skip this step, as working with the wrong tools can damage components or lead to improper installation, which could compromise safety.

Make sure to purchase high-quality parts, as there are counterfeit or lower-grade kits in the market. NRG is known for its reliability, but it's crucial to double-check that you're purchasing genuine products from trusted sellers.

2. Disconnect the Battery to Avoid Airbag Deployment

One of the most important steps in the installation process is disconnecting the car’s battery. This is critical because many modern cars come with airbags, and the steering wheel houses the driver’s airbag. Failing to disconnect the battery can cause the airbag to accidentally deploy during installation, potentially injuring you and damaging the vehicle.

To disconnect the battery:

1. Turn off the vehicle completely.
2. Use a wrench to disconnect the negative terminal (the black cable) from the battery.
3. Wait about 10-15 minutes before continuing, as the system needs time to power down.

By disconnecting the battery, you're ensuring that the airbag system is safely deactivated, allowing you to work on the steering wheel without worry.

3. Remove the Factory Steering Wheel Carefully

Once the battery is disconnected, you can proceed to remove the factory steering wheel. Depending on your vehicle’s make and model, the process might differ slightly, but the overall concept remains the same.

Removing the Airbag

If your car has an airbag in the steering wheel, there will typically be screws on the back of the wheel that secure the airbag module. Use a screwdriver to remove these screws, and gently pull the airbag unit out. Be careful not to yank the airbag too hard, as it's connected to the car’s electrical system via a wire harness. Carefully unplug the wire connectors.

Removing the Steering Wheel

After the airbag is removed, you’ll need to take off the center nut that holds the steering wheel to the steering column. Use a socket wrench to loosen and remove the nut. At this point, the steering wheel may be difficult to pull off, especially if it’s been on the vehicle for a long time. This is where a steering wheel puller can come in handy. Attach the puller and gently apply pressure to pop the wheel off the column.

Keep in mind that some vehicles have wires connected to the horn or cruise control functions, so take care not to damage these during removal.

4. Install the NRG Short Hub

Once the factory steering wheel is removed, it’s time to install the NRG short hub. The short hub serves as the connection point between the car’s steering column and the quick release system. NRG manufactures a wide variety of short hubs tailored to different car models, so ensure that you’ve purchased the correct one for your vehicle.

Steps to Install the Short Hub:

1. Line up the short hub with the spline on the steering column. Make sure the alignment marks match so that the steering wheel remains centered.
2. Slide the hub onto the column and secure it using the center nut. Tighten the nut with a torque wrench to the manufacturer’s specifications.
3. Connect any wiring for the horn or other functions, using either wire connectors or electrical tape to secure the connections.

The short hub is a crucial component of the quick release kit, so it’s important to follow these steps carefully. A properly installed short hub ensures the smooth operation of the quick release function and maintains the integrity of the vehicle’s steering system.

5. Attach the NRG Quick Release Mechanism

After the short hub is securely in place, you can now attach the NRG quick release mechanism. The quick release adapter is what allows the steering wheel to be easily detached and reattached. NRG quick release systems come in various styles and colors, allowing you to customize the look of your interior.

Steps to Attach the Quick Release Mechanism:

1. Line up the bolt holes on the back of the quick release with the bolt holes on the short hub.
2. Use the provided Allen bolts to secure the quick release to the short hub. Make sure to tighten the bolts evenly and securely.
3. If your quick release model has additional features like a locking mechanism, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper installation.

It’s important to double-check the tightness of the bolts here. Loose bolts can cause play in the steering, which is not only annoying but also dangerous. You want the quick release to be solidly mounted to the short hub, ensuring no unwanted movement when driving.

6. Mount the NRG Steering Wheel

Now comes the exciting part: attaching your new NRG steering wheel. Whether you’ve chosen a classic style, deep dish, or a more modern racing-inspired design, installing the wheel itself is straightforward.

Steps to Mount the Steering Wheel:

1. Align the steering wheel with the quick release adapter. The bolt holes should line up perfectly.
2. Use the provided Allen bolts to attach the steering wheel to the quick release adapter. Once again, ensure the bolts are tightened evenly to prevent any wobbling or misalignment.
3. Test the quick release function by pulling the release mechanism. The wheel should detach smoothly and reattach without resistance.

If your steering wheel has additional functions like a horn button, you’ll want to connect the horn wiring at this point. NRG quick release kits typically have provisions for horn wiring, so make sure everything is connected properly.

Mounting the steering wheel is a simple process, but attention to detail is crucial. You want your new steering wheel to sit perfectly centered and be firmly secured to the quick release system. This ensures a smooth driving experience and guarantees that the quick release mechanism functions as intended.

7. Double-Check the Installation and Reconnect the Battery

Once everything is installed, it’s essential to go over your work and ensure everything is secure. Here’s a checklist to follow before reconnecting the battery and testing the quick release kit:

• Verify that all bolts (both for the short hub and the quick release mechanism) are tightened according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Check that the steering wheel is aligned correctly. When the wheels are straight, the steering wheel should also be perfectly centered.
• Test the quick release function several times to ensure smooth operation. The steering wheel should come off and reattach without any play.
• Ensure all wiring is properly connected, especially the horn wiring, if applicable.

After completing this final check, you can safely reconnect the battery. Remember to connect the negative terminal first and then the positive terminal. Once the battery is connected, test the horn and any other steering wheel functions to ensure everything is working properly.

Bonus Tip: Regular Maintenance and Safety Considerations

While the NRG quick release system is designed for durability and long-term use, it’s a good idea to periodically check the bolts and connections to ensure they remain secure. Over time, vibrations from driving can cause bolts to loosen slightly, so it’s worth inspecting the system every few months, especially if you drive your car hard or use it in motorsports.

Additionally, always be mindful of safety when using a quick release steering wheel. While it offers added convenience, especially for theft prevention and motorsport use, make sure the steering wheel is properly secured before driving. A loose or improperly attached steering wheel can lead to dangerous situations on the road.

Conclusion

Installing an nrg quick release kit is a fantastic way to enhance your driving experience, whether you’re into motorsports, car shows, or simply want a more stylish and functional interior. By following these seven essential tips, you can ensure a smooth installation process and enjoy the benefits of this popular upgrade.

From gathering the right tools and components to carefully installing the short hub, quick release mechanism, and steering wheel, attention to detail is key to achieving a professional result. By taking your time and ensuring each component is installed securely, you’ll have a steering system that not only looks great but performs reliably.

Whether you're a DIY car enthusiast or a seasoned mechanic, the NRG quick release kit is an excellent addition to any vehicle. With a bit of patience and care, you can transform your driving experience, enjoy the convenience of a removable steering wheel, and take pride in your car's upgraded interior.

So, if you’re ready to upgrade your ride, grab your tools, follow these steps, and enjoy the sleek, functional design of your new NRG steering wheel setup!