Steering Wheel question

[oxymoron]

the sponge covering around my steering wheel is breaking up. I've been quoted £140 for a 2nd hand replacement by car breakers. I'm thinking of getting an aftermarket wheel and boss (from Ebay) for about £40. Am I really stupid giving up the airbag? What have other members done? Any good advice? Thanks.

[missfixit70]

I didn't have an airbag, but I replaced mine - http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... 44&t=34086
Bear in mind how old the airbag is & what the safe working life may be, TBH the safest thing is probably to remove it anyway IMO I certainly wouldn't fit a 2nd hand airbag wheel.

[Northern Bongolow]

i have an after market one fitted without an airbag,its a momo corse,good shaped/grippy wheel,the problem i have found with this and maybe others is that depending on your driving position,the instruments can be obscured slightly,and in my case the replacement wheel is not as dished as the original and i tend to hit my knuckles on the indicators/wiper arms.
this is handy for wash wiping peeps when i see them,but can be a pain.
ive just got another one to fit, a mazdaspeed one off that tinternet sale site so i will try that.
just something to think about.

[missfixit70]

And make sure you inform the insurance company of course, it's not usually a problem.