NEW 2024 Version: Now with slightly increased thickness, more contoured areas around the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions, and a flatter bottom for even better ergonomics... AND now available in popular options like carbon fibre, hydro dipped "carbon look", and red stitching with red stripe!
Fits 2016-2024 Mazda Miata/MX5 ND and 2017-2020 Fiat 124. YES works with automatic transmission paddle shifters!
Finally, a steering wheel upgrade with great feel that does not require removal of the airbag! Upscale Euro-Hand Stitched. Cipher Auto steering wheels are designed with the best comfort, quality and styling in mind. Premium leather.
- Enhancements:
- Flat bottom
- Real premium leather
- Slightly thicker than stock ND wheel for better grip
- Enhanced ergonomics
In Cipher Auto's words:
"Besides offering extraordinary sensation through the ergonomic technology, individual will also enjoy the superior comfort, holding power and visual satisfaction in every driving experience. Definitely, it will surpass what the OEM can offer in many folds."
Thickness Note: The previous 1st version of this Cipher wheel was slightly thicker than stock ND wheel, but the Fiat 124 comes with a steering wheel with slightly larger diameter than the ND, so the Cipher wheel was actually the same thickness as the Fiat's stock wheel. Many considered this to be not quite thick enough, so the new Version 2 adds more thickness for a more substantial improvement over both ND and Fiat 124 factory steering wheels.
INSTALLATION NOTES:
- We recommend applying a little grease to the splines of the new steering wheel before installing it on to the splines of the steering column. WD-40 works well.
- The splines on the aftermarket steering wheel will be tight going on to the splines. It does NOT just slide on easily by hand. Start by placing the wheel in position by hand and slowly rotating the wheel while putting light pressure on the wheel against the splines. You can feel when the splines line up and the steering wheel presses on a small amount, but the wheel will feel tight and will not push down onto the column very far. With the splines aligned, then install the nut that holds the wheel onto the column. Use a longer handled ratchet to tighten the nut (an extension may be needed to avoid contact with the outer portion of the wheel). As you tighten the nut, the wheel will move down onto the splines. It may feel stiff at the beginning, but after a few turns of the nut you can look at the back side of the wheel to confirm visually that it has moved down the splines.
- After installing a new steering wheel, you will likely need an alignment to bring the steering wheel back to perfectly centre. This is because Mazda the spline position relative to the top/centre of the wheel is not consistent from one wheel to another, so any time you change to a different steering wheel - even if you just got another factory steering wheel - the new wheel will probably have slightly different alignment than the last.
FIAT 124 INSTALLATION NOTE:
This wheel was first and foremost made for the ND MX5. Installation of this wheel in a Fiat 124 is all the same as on the ND, except that two of the plastic locating pins on the backside of the plastic airbag trim piece are placed differently than on the ND. For that reason, those two pins need to be removed for the Fiat's trim piece before the trim piece will install on the Cipher wheel. The trim piece is still held securely by the larger bottom pin and the two pins at the top, so removal of these two pins does not affect the fit or function of the trim piece once installed. The pins that must be removed are circled in red below:
WHEN REMOVING THE STEERING WHEEL:
If you need to remove the Cipher steering wheel for any reason after it has been installed, first try simply wiggling it as you pull - this is usually enough, especially if you greased the splines prior to install. If it's too tight, you may need to use a steering wheel puller tool (you can rent these from most auto parts stores). However, if you use a steering wheel puller, DO NOT place any of the hooks on the bottom spoke that is only connected to the centre of the wheel by a thin section of metal as you risk breaking that spoke. Only place the puller's hooks on the upper area of the steering wheel's centre hub where there is a solid and strong connection with the surrounding metal. Never use excessive force to try to remove the steering wheel.
These same notes apply as well to removing the factory steering wheel, but less critical because if you break the factory wheel you may not mind since you're replacing the wheel anyways - but you certainly do not want to damage your new Cipher steering wheel!
