Aftermarket Steering Wheels Review: Best Brands Compared

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Your hands spend every mile on the steering wheel, and the stock wheel is the one part of the car you touch more than any other. If it is too big, too thin, too slippery or just dull, every drive feels a little worse than it should.

An aftermarket wheel can fix all of that in one swap: a smaller diameter for quicker steering, a thicker grip for better control, a flat bottom for legroom, or a wood rim that suits a classic cabin. But the swap also removes the airbag and needs a hub adapter made for your car, so it is a decision to get right the first time.

This guide reviews five wheels from the three brands that dominate the aftermarket: MOMO, NRG and Grant. Each one is judged on diameter, dish, grip, spokes and fitment, with the honest limits stated alongside the praise.

The 30-second answer

Buy the MOMO Montecarlo 350mm if you want the best all-round aftermarket wheel for a modern car. Buy the NRG RST-036 if you want a deep-dish wheel for track and fast road use. Buy the NRG RST-018 wood wheel if you want a classic wood rim. Buy the NRG RST-024 flat bottom if you want legroom and a quick 320mm wheel. Buy the Grant 963 Mustanger if you want a vintage walnut wheel for a classic car.

How we researched this guide

We profiled five aftermarket steering wheels and checked the fifteen sources listed below, including maker and retailer listings for MOMO, NRG, Grant and Sparco. Five picks carry verified Amazon listings. We do not test products, and we do not print prices.

Quick picks

Best Overall

MOMO Montecarlo 350mm Black Leather Steering Wheel

A 350mm black leather wheel with a 40mm dish and brushed black spokes, the benchmark aftermarket wheel for a modern car.

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Best Deep Dish

NRG Innovations RST-036MB-R Reinforced Steering Wheel

A 350mm deep-dish wheel with a 3 inch dish, black leather and baseball stitching, built for track and fast road driving.

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Best Classic Wood

NRG Innovations RST-018BR-BK Classic Wood Steering Wheel

A 350mm wood-grain wheel with a 75mm dish, slotted black spokes and double-riveted rim, for classic cabins.

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Best Flat Bottom

NRG Innovations RST-024MB-R-BL Flat Bottom Steering Wheel

A 320mm flat-bottom wheel in black leather with a blue centre mark and blue stitching, for legroom and quick steering.

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Best Vintage Wood

Grant 963 Classic Mustanger Steering Wheel

A genuine walnut wood wheel with finger grips and brushed stainless spokes, made in North America for classic Mustangs and muscle cars.

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Match a steering wheel to your car and your driving

Find your match

Step 1 — How will you drive with this wheel?




Step 2 — Which size suits your car?



Step 3 — What matters most to you?




Tell the calculator how you drive first, then which size suits your car, and what matters most to you. Your matching wheel appears here, with its buying route stated honestly.

Quick compare

Product Diameter Dish Grip Hub needed Check Price
MOMO Montecarlo 350mm Black Leather Steering Wheel 350 mm 40 mm Black leather Yes Check Price
NRG Innovations RST-036MB-R Reinforced Steering Wheel 350 mm 3 inch Black leather Yes Check Price
NRG Innovations RST-018BR-BK Classic Wood Steering Wheel 350 mm 75 mm Wood grain Yes Check Price
NRG Innovations RST-024MB-R-BL Flat Bottom Steering Wheel 320 mm Not published Black leather Yes Check Price
Grant 963 Classic Mustanger Steering Wheel Not published Not published Walnut wood Yes Check Price

How to choose an aftermarket steering wheel

Diameter first

Diameter sets how the car feels more than any other figure. A 350mm wheel is the standard aftermarket size and suits most cars. A 320mm wheel feels quicker and suits small cabins and track use, while a 380mm wheel suits large cars and relaxed cruising. Measure your stock wheel first, because a 30mm change is obvious from the first corner. See also our Best LED Towing Mirrors Under 400 guide.

Dish and driving position

Dish is how far the rim sits from the hub, and it sets where the wheel falls in your hands. A shallow 40mm dish suits an upright seat, a 75mm dish suits an older column that sits further away, and a 3 inch deep dish suits a laid-back bucket seat. Sit in the car and hold your hands where the rim would sit before you order. See also our Best Towing Mirrors Under 150 guide.

Grip material

Leather is the all-round grip: tacky, durable and comfortable in all weather. Suede and Alcantara grip harder but wear faster and hate wet hands. Wood looks right in a classic cabin but is slippery when your hands sweat. Pick the grip for how you drive, not for how it photographs. See also our Best Towing Mirrors Under 250 guide.

Hub adapter and fitment

Every wheel in this guide needs a vehicle-specific hub adapter, sold separately, and the adapter is what makes the wheel fit your column, your horn and your indicators. Buy the adapter made for your exact car and year, and never force a wheel onto the wrong hub. See our Best Automotive Multimeters Under 100 guide if you need to test the horn circuit after fitting. See also our Best Towing Mirrors Under 300 guide.

Airbag and the law

An aftermarket wheel removes the factory airbag, and that has legal and insurance consequences that vary by state and country. Some cars will also show an airbag warning light that needs a resistor to clear. Check your local rules and your insurer before you order, and never fit a wheel to a car that must keep its airbag. See also our Best LED Towing Mirrors Under 200 guide.

Spokes, stitching and centre marks

Three spokes are the standard and the lightest. Stitching colour is a style choice, but a centre mark at the top of the wheel is a working feature: it shows the wheel position at a glance on track and on the road. A flat bottom is a legroom feature first and a style feature second. See also our Best LED Towing Mirrors Under 300 guide.

Alternatives by budget

Tier What you get Example pick
Starter A well-made 350mm wheel with a standard dish and a leather grip MOMO Montecarlo 350mm
Mid-range Deep-dish and flat-bottom wheels for track and tall drivers NRG RST-036, NRG RST-024
Top of the range Classic wood wheels with period construction and a maker history NRG RST-018, Grant 963

Types of aftermarket steering wheels

Type How it works Best for
Leather sport wheels Thick leather grip, standard dish Daily driving and fast road use
Deep-dish wheels Rim brought closer to the driver Track days and bucket seats
Flat-bottom wheels Flat lower rim for legroom Tall drivers and tight footwells
Wood-rim wheels Walnut or painted wood rim Classic and vintage cabins
Suede and Alcantara wheels High-grip suede rim Track use with gloves

Detailed reviews

Five wheels from the three brands that define the aftermarket. Each review below gives the full spec list, the honest trade-offs and what owners report, so you can match the wheel to your car and your driving position rather than to a photo.

Best Overall: MOMO Montecarlo 350mm Black Leather Steering Wheel

Best Overall

Why the MOMO Montecarlo 350mm Black Leather Steering Wheel is our pick

The MOMO Montecarlo is the pick for drivers who want one wheel that does everything well. It measures 350mm across with a 40mm dish, which puts the rim in a natural position for most drivers, and the black leather grip is thicker than a stock wheel for better control. The brushed black anodised spokes carry the MOMO name, the horn button matches the stitching, and the wheel is made in 320mm, 350mm and 380mm sizes so you can pick the diameter that suits your car. It needs a vehicle-specific hub adapter, sold separately, and it removes the factory airbag, so check your local rules before you fit it.

MOMO Montecarlo 350mm Black Leather Steering Wheel key specs

  • Diameter: 350 mm
  • Dish: 40 mm
  • Grip material: Black leather
  • Spokes: Brushed black anodised
  • Stitching: Black stitching
  • Horn button: Included, matching stitching
  • Bolt pattern: MOMO 6-bolt, hub adapter required
  • Hub adapter: Vehicle-specific, sold separately
  • Part number: MCL35BK1B
  • Sizes available: 320 mm, 350 mm, 380 mm
  • Weight: Not published on the listing
  • Warranty: Not published on the listing

MOMO Montecarlo 350mm Black Leather Steering Wheel: fits and best for

Best for modern cars whose owner wants a thicker, smaller wheel without going extreme on dish or diameter.

MOMO Montecarlo 350mm Black Leather Steering Wheel pros and watch-outs

  • Standard 350mm size suits most cars
  • Thicker leather grip for better control
  • 40mm dish puts the rim in a natural position
  • Three sizes available in the same design
  • MOMO is the benchmark aftermarket brand
  • Hub adapter sold separately
  • Removes the factory airbag
  • No suede option in this exact part number
  • Check local rules before fitting

MOMO Montecarlo 350mm Black Leather Steering Wheel: what owners report

Owners of Montecarlo wheels commonly report that the thicker grip and smaller diameter make the car feel more direct on the road. — Vivid Racing MOMO Montecarlo listing

Owner coverage for this pick is thin, so the points above come from the maker listing and independent roundups rather than long-term owner reports.

MOMO Montecarlo 350mm Black Leather Steering Wheel: who should not buy

Do not buy the Montecarlo if you need to keep your factory airbag, or if your car has no hub adapter available.

MOMO Montecarlo 350mm Black Leather Steering Wheel: pair it with

Pair it with a MOMO hub adapter made for your exact car, and with a horn button check before the first drive, because the horn is a safety item, not a trim piece.

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Measure your stock wheel before you order, because 350mm feels much smaller than a stock wheel on the first drive. See our Best Replacement Mirrors Under 30 guide for more cabin upgrades that are easier than a wheel swap.

Best Deep Dish: NRG Innovations RST-036MB-R Reinforced Steering Wheel

Best Deep Dish

Why the NRG Innovations RST-036MB-R Reinforced Steering Wheel is our pick

The NRG RST-036 is the pick for drivers who want the wheel to come to them. Its 350mm diameter is the standard size, but the 3 inch deep dish moves the rim closer to the driver, which suits bucket seats and a laid-back driving position. The black leather grip carries black baseball stitching, the matte black spokes are reinforced, and the wheel is part of the line that revamped the NRG range. Like every wheel here, it needs a vehicle-specific hub adapter and it is stated by retailers as designed for off-road use, so keep it on the track.

NRG Innovations RST-036MB-R Reinforced Steering Wheel key specs

  • Diameter: 350 mm
  • Dish: 3 inch deep dish
  • Grip material: Black leather
  • Spokes: Matte black, reinforced 3-spoke
  • Stitching: Black baseball stitching
  • Horn button: Not published on the listing
  • Bolt pattern: NRG 6-bolt, hub adapter required
  • Hub adapter: Vehicle-specific, sold separately
  • Part number: NRG-RST-036MB-R
  • UPC: 840301213446
  • Weight: Not published on the listing
  • Warranty: Not published on the listing

NRG Innovations RST-036MB-R Reinforced Steering Wheel: fits and best for

Best for track days, fast road driving and cars with bucket seats, where a deep dish puts the wheel in the right place.

NRG Innovations RST-036MB-R Reinforced Steering Wheel pros and watch-outs

  • 3 inch deep dish for a race driving position
  • Reinforced spokes for track use
  • Black leather with baseball stitching
  • 350mm standard diameter
  • Part of the line that revamped NRG wheels
  • Deep dish is not for every seating position
  • Hub adapter sold separately
  • Retailers state off-road use only
  • Removes the factory airbag

NRG Innovations RST-036MB-R Reinforced Steering Wheel: what owners report

Owners of RST-036 wheels commonly report that the deep dish suits a laid-back seat position better than a flat wheel. — Custom Offsets NRG RST-036 listing

Retailer listings state that NRG products are designed for off-road use only and should be kept on the track. — SD Wheel NRG RST-036 listing

Owner coverage for this pick is thin, so the points above come from the maker listing and independent roundups rather than long-term owner reports.

NRG Innovations RST-036MB-R Reinforced Steering Wheel: who should not buy

Do not buy the RST-036 if you sit upright and close to the wheel, because a 3 inch dish will put the rim too close.

NRG Innovations RST-036MB-R Reinforced Steering Wheel: pair it with

Pair it with an NRG hub adapter and a quick-release hub if you swap between street and track wheels, and check the dish against your seat position before you order.

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Sit in the car and hold your hands where the rim would sit with a 3 inch dish before ordering, because dish is hard to judge from a photo. See our Best Driving Lights Under 500 guide for more track-day upgrades.

Best Classic Wood: NRG Innovations RST-018BR-BK Classic Wood Steering Wheel

Best Classic Wood

Why the NRG Innovations RST-018BR-BK Classic Wood Steering Wheel is our pick

The NRG RST-018 is the pick for classic cars that deserve a wood wheel. It measures 350mm across with a deep 75mm dish, and the rim is finished in brown painted wood with a black 3-spoke slotted centre. The spokes are double riveted, which is the classic construction detail, and the part number is NRG-RST-018BR-BK with UPC 840301212944. The deep dish matters on older cars, where the column sits further from the driver than on a modern car. It needs a vehicle-specific hub adapter, sold separately, and like every wheel here it removes the factory airbag where one is fitted.

NRG Innovations RST-018BR-BK Classic Wood Steering Wheel key specs

  • Diameter: 350 mm
  • Dish: 75 mm deep
  • Grip material: Brown painted wood
  • Spokes: Black 3-spoke slotted centre, double riveted
  • Stitching: Not applicable, wood rim
  • Horn button: Not published on the listing
  • Bolt pattern: NRG 6-bolt, hub adapter required
  • Hub adapter: Vehicle-specific, sold separately
  • Part number: NRG-RST-018BR-BK
  • UPC: 840301212944
  • Weight: Not published on the listing
  • Warranty: Not published on the listing

NRG Innovations RST-018BR-BK Classic Wood Steering Wheel: fits and best for

Best for classic and vintage-style cars where a wood rim suits the cabin, and for drivers who need a deep 75mm dish to reach the wheel comfortably.

NRG Innovations RST-018BR-BK Classic Wood Steering Wheel pros and watch-outs

  • Classic wood rim suits older cabins
  • 75mm dish suits older steering columns
  • Double-riveted spoke construction
  • 350mm standard diameter
  • Distinctive look no leather wheel matches
  • Wood rim can be slippery with wet hands
  • Hub adapter sold separately
  • Removes the factory airbag where fitted
  • Not a track wheel

NRG Innovations RST-018BR-BK Classic Wood Steering Wheel: what owners report

Owners of wood-rim wheels commonly report that the look transforms a classic cabin, even though the grip is less tacky than leather. — NRG RST-018BR-BK Amazon listing

Retailer listings for the RST-018 note the double-riveted spokes and the slotted centre as the classic construction details. — StreetFX NRG reinforced wheel listing

Owner coverage for this pick is thin, so the points above come from the maker listing and independent roundups rather than long-term owner reports.

NRG Innovations RST-018BR-BK Classic Wood Steering Wheel: who should not buy

Do not buy the RST-018 if you want maximum grip for track driving, because a wood rim is slippery when your hands sweat. The NRG RST-036 above is the track pick.

NRG Innovations RST-018BR-BK Classic Wood Steering Wheel: pair it with

Pair it with a hub adapter made for your classic car, and with driving gloves if you drive it hard, because wood and sweaty palms do not mix.

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Check the dish against your column before ordering, because 75mm is a deep dish and it changes the driving position. See our Best LED Headlight Bulbs Under 100 guide for more classic-car upgrades.

Best Flat Bottom: NRG Innovations RST-024MB-R-BL Flat Bottom Steering Wheel

Best Flat Bottom

Why the NRG Innovations RST-024MB-R-BL Flat Bottom Steering Wheel is our pick

The NRG RST-024 is the pick for drivers who are tall, or whose car has a tight footwell. The flat bottom gives your legs room to move, and the compact 320mm diameter makes the steering feel quicker than a 350mm wheel. The black leather grip carries a blue centre mark at the top and blue stitching, so you can see the wheel position at a glance. The part number is NRG-RST-024MB-R-BL with UPC 840301213125. It needs a vehicle-specific hub adapter, sold separately, and it removes the factory airbag, so check your local rules before you fit it.

NRG Innovations RST-024MB-R-BL Flat Bottom Steering Wheel key specs

  • Diameter: 320 mm
  • Dish: Not published on the listing
  • Grip material: Black leather
  • Spokes: Not published on the listing
  • Stitching: Blue stitching
  • Centre mark: Blue centre mark
  • Bolt pattern: NRG 6-bolt, hub adapter required
  • Hub adapter: Vehicle-specific, sold separately
  • Part number: NRG-RST-024MB-R-BL
  • UPC: 840301213125
  • Weight: Not published on the listing
  • Warranty: Not published on the listing

NRG Innovations RST-024MB-R-BL Flat Bottom Steering Wheel: fits and best for

Best for tall drivers, tight footwells and cars that need quicker steering. It fits daily drivers and fast road cars where legroom matters as much as grip.

NRG Innovations RST-024MB-R-BL Flat Bottom Steering Wheel pros and watch-outs

  • Flat bottom gives real legroom
  • 320mm diameter quickens the steering
  • Blue centre mark shows wheel position
  • Black leather grip with blue stitching
  • Compact size suits small cabins
  • 320mm is small for a large car
  • Hub adapter sold separately
  • Removes the factory airbag
  • Dish not published on the listing

NRG Innovations RST-024MB-R-BL Flat Bottom Steering Wheel: what owners report

Owners of flat-bottom wheels commonly report that the extra legroom is the first thing they notice, before the quicker steering. — NRG RST-024MB-R-BL Amazon listing

Retailer listings for the RST-024 note the 320mm size and the blue centre mark as the defining features. — SD Wheel NRG reinforced wheel listing

Owner coverage for this pick is thin, so the points above come from the maker listing and independent roundups rather than long-term owner reports.

NRG Innovations RST-024MB-R-BL Flat Bottom Steering Wheel: who should not buy

Do not buy the RST-024 if your car is large and your arms are long, because a 320mm wheel can feel cramped on a big car.

NRG Innovations RST-024MB-R-BL Flat Bottom Steering Wheel: pair it with

Pair it with an NRG hub adapter and a seat position check, because a flat-bottom wheel only helps if the seat and the wheel work together.

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Test the flat bottom against your knees with the seat in your normal position before you order, because legroom depends on the seat as much as the wheel. See our Best Interior LED Kits Under 50 guide for more cabin upgrades.

Best Vintage Wood: Grant 963 Classic Mustanger Steering Wheel

Best Vintage Wood

Why the Grant 963 Classic Mustanger Steering Wheel is our pick

The Grant 963 is the pick for a classic Mustang or muscle car that deserves a period wheel. It is a genuine hardwood walnut wheel with finger grips and brushed stainless steel spokes in a 3-spoke design, built by Grant in North America in a facility certified under impact and fatigue testing. The part number is 963 with UPC 081126009634, and it fits with a Grant installation kit, sold separately. Grant has made steering wheels since 1922, and the 963 carries that history in its construction.

Grant 963 Classic Mustanger Steering Wheel key specs

  • Diameter: Not published on the listing
  • Dish: Not published on the listing
  • Grip material: Genuine hardwood walnut
  • Spokes: Brushed stainless steel, 3-spoke
  • Finger grips: Yes, finger grips in the rim
  • Horn button: Not published on the listing
  • Bolt pattern: Grant 5-bolt, installation kit required
  • Hub adapter: Grant installation kit, sold separately
  • Part number: 963
  • UPC: 081126009634
  • Weight: Not published on the listing
  • Warranty: Not published on the listing

Grant 963 Classic Mustanger Steering Wheel: fits and best for

Best for classic Mustangs and muscle cars, and for show and cruise use where a walnut wheel suits the cabin. It fits drivers who value period correctness over track grip.

Grant 963 Classic Mustanger Steering Wheel pros and watch-outs

  • Genuine hardwood walnut rim
  • Finger grips for a secure hold
  • Brushed stainless steel spokes
  • Made in North America since 1922
  • Impact and fatigue tested construction
  • Diameter not published on the listing
  • Installation kit sold separately
  • Not a track wheel
  • Wood rim is slippery with wet hands

Grant 963 Classic Mustanger Steering Wheel: what owners report

Owners of Grant wood wheels commonly report that the walnut rim and finger grips suit a classic Mustang cabin better than any modern wheel. — Grant 963 Amazon listing

Grant states its wheels are hand crafted in North America in an ISO-TS certified facility and tested for impact and fatigue. — Grant racing catalogue

Owner coverage for this pick is thin, so the points above come from the maker listing and independent roundups rather than long-term owner reports.

Grant 963 Classic Mustanger Steering Wheel: who should not buy

Do not buy the Grant 963 if you want a track wheel or a small-diameter wheel, because this is a classic cruise wheel with no published diameter. The NRG RST-036 above is the track pick.

Grant 963 Classic Mustanger Steering Wheel: pair it with

Pair it with a Grant installation kit made for your car, and with a steering wheel puller, because the old wheel can be stubborn after decades on the column.

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Buy the Grant installation kit at the same time as the wheel, because the wheel cannot be fitted without it. See our Best Towing Mirrors Under 200 guide for more classic-truck upgrades.

Spec comparison

Spec MOMO Montecarlo NRG RST-036 NRG RST-018 Wood NRG RST-024 Grant 963
Diameter 350 mm 350 mm 350 mm 320 mm Not published
Dish 40 mm 3 inch 75 mm Not published Not published
Grip material Black leather Black leather Brown wood Black leather Walnut wood
Spokes Brushed black Matte black Black slotted Not published Brushed stainless
Horn button Included Not published Not published Not published Not published
Bolt pattern MOMO 6-bolt NRG 6-bolt NRG 6-bolt NRG 6-bolt Grant 5-bolt
Hub adapter Sold separately Sold separately Sold separately Sold separately Kit sold separately
Part number MCL35BK1B NRG-RST-036MB-R NRG-RST-018BR-BK NRG-RST-024MB-R-BL 963
UPC Not published 840301213446 840301212944 840301213125 081126009634
Centre mark None None None Blue None
Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price

Installation and wiring basics

Fitting an aftermarket wheel starts with the battery: disconnect it and wait for the airbag system to discharge before you touch the stock wheel. Remove the airbag and the stock wheel with a puller if it is stuck, fit the vehicle-specific hub adapter to the column, torque the hub nut to the maker figure, and then fit the wheel, the horn button and the wiring. Test the horn and the indicators before you drive, and check the alignment, because a wheel fitted one spline off will sit crooked. If your car shows an airbag warning light, a resistor in the airbag circuit is the usual fix, but check your local rules first. If any step feels beyond you, a specialist fit is money well spent, because the steering wheel is not a part to learn on. Our Best Professional Brake Bleeder Kits Under 50 guide covers the same careful approach for brake work, and our Best Heavy Duty Brake Caliper Tools Under 50 guide covers the tools you will want in the box. See also our Best Portable Work Lights Under 50 guide and our Best LED Work Lights Under 20 guide for the tools and wiring this install needs.

Safety essentials

  • Disconnect the battery and wait before touching the stock wheel, because the airbag can fire.
  • An aftermarket wheel removes the factory airbag — check your local rules and your insurer first.
  • Torque the hub nut to the maker figure, and never drive with a loose hub.
  • Test the horn and the indicators before the first drive, because both are safety items.
  • Never fit a wheel to the wrong hub adapter, and never force a wheel onto the column.
  • Check the wheel alignment after fitting, because a wheel one spline off sits crooked.

Three picks that pair with any steering wheel change, each with its own verified button:

MOMO Montecarlo 350mm Black Leather Steering Wheel — The all-round wheel for a modern car, with a standard size and a thicker grip.

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NRG Innovations RST-024MB-R-BL Flat Bottom Steering Wheel — The flat-bottom wheel for legroom and quicker steering on a tight footwell.

Check Price

Grant 963 Classic Mustanger Steering Wheel — The walnut wheel for a classic Mustang or muscle car cabin.

Check Price

Troubleshooting

Symptom Likely cause Fix
Horn does not work after fitting Horn wire not connected or the contact ring misaligned Refit the horn button and check the contact ring
Airbag warning light stays on Airbag circuit open after removing the stock wheel Fit the correct resistor and check local rules first
Wheel sits crooked when driving straight Wheel fitted one spline off on the hub Remove the wheel and refit it on the correct spline
Indicators do not cancel Hub adapter cancelling tab misaligned Realign the adapter tab with the column
Wheel feels loose on the column Hub nut under-torqued or the wrong adapter Torque the nut to the maker figure and check the adapter
Squeaking when turning Dry contact ring or a rubbing trim piece Clean and lightly lubricate the ring, and check the trim

Who should NOT buy these

Drivers who must keep the airbag: if your car must keep its factory airbag for legal or insurance reasons, no aftermarket wheel in this guide is right for you. Keep the stock wheel and spend the money on tyres instead. See also our Best Fog Lights Under 500 guide.

Anyone without a hub adapter for their car: if no vehicle-specific hub exists for your exact car and year, do not improvise. A wheel that does not fit the column properly is a safety failure waiting to happen. See also our Best LED Tail Light Assemblies Under 100 guide.

Buyers who want a track wheel for a daily driver: a deep-dish suede wheel is wonderful on track and tiring on a commute, because suede wears fast and a deep dish changes the driving position. Match the wheel to the driving you actually do. See also our Best LED Off Road Lights Under 50 guide.

Anyone who will not check the law: steering wheel rules vary by state and country, and an illegal wheel can fail an inspection and void cover. If that check will not happen, leave the stock wheel alone. See also our Best First Aid Kit Under 50 guide.

Final verdict

Best overall: the MOMO Montecarlo 350mm, for its size, grip and dish in one balanced wheel. Check Price

Best deep dish: the NRG RST-036, for track and fast road driving. Check Price

Best classic wood: the NRG RST-018, for classic cabins and deep columns. Check Price

Best flat bottom: the NRG RST-024, for legroom and quicker steering. Check Price

Best vintage wood: the Grant 963, for a classic Mustang or muscle car. Check Price

FAQ

Do I need a hub adapter for an aftermarket steering wheel?

Yes. Every wheel in this guide needs a vehicle-specific hub adapter, sold separately, made for your exact car and year. The adapter is what connects the wheel to the column, the horn and the indicators. The MOMO Montecarlo, the NRG wheels and the Grant 963 in this guide all need one, and it is sold separately.

Does an aftermarket steering wheel remove the airbag?

Yes. Fitting an aftermarket wheel removes the factory airbag, and that has legal and insurance consequences that vary by state and country. Check your local rules and your insurer before you order. A resistor in the circuit is the usual way to clear the airbag light, but it does not restore the airbag, and the legal and insurance consequences still apply.

What size steering wheel should I buy?

A 350mm wheel is the standard aftermarket size and suits most cars. A 320mm wheel feels quicker and suits small cabins and track use, while a 380mm wheel suits large cars and relaxed cruising. Measure your stock wheel first. The MOMO Montecarlo in this guide comes in 320, 350 and 380 mm, and the 350mm is the standard aftermarket size.

What is steering wheel dish?

Dish is how far the rim sits from the hub. A shallow 40mm dish suits an upright seat, a 75mm dish suits an older column, and a 3 inch deep dish suits a laid-back bucket seat. Sit in the car and hold your hands where the rim would sit before you order.

Is leather or suede better for a steering wheel?

Leather is the all-round grip: tacky, durable and comfortable in all weather. Suede grips harder but wears faster and hates wet hands. Wood looks right in a classic cabin but is slippery when your hands sweat. Alcantara grips like suede, wears faster than leather and hates wet hands.

What is a flat-bottom steering wheel for?

A flat bottom gives your legs more room to move, which helps tall drivers and tight footwells. It also makes the steering feel quicker, because the wheel is usually smaller as well. The NRG RST-024 in this guide is a 320mm flat-bottom wheel with a blue centre mark, and its smaller size makes the steering feel quicker.

Can I fit an aftermarket steering wheel myself?

Most drivers can, with the right hub adapter, a puller for the stock wheel and a torque wrench. Disconnect the battery first so the airbag system discharges, and test the horn and indicators before you drive. Torque the hub nut to the maker figure, and check the alignment, because a wheel fitted one spline off will sit crooked.

Why does my airbag light stay on after fitting a new wheel?

The airbag circuit is open because the stock airbag is gone. A resistor in the circuit is the usual fix, but check your local rules first, because the airbag system is a safety system. Fitting the wheel removes the factory airbag, so the system sees an open circuit and the light stays on until a resistor is fitted.

Are NRG steering wheels only for off-road use?

Retailer listings for NRG wheels state that the products are designed for off-road use and should be kept on the track. That is the maker position, and it is worth knowing before you fit one to a daily driver. The same off-road-only position appears on the retailer listings for the NRG RST-036, RST-018 and RST-024 in this guide.

What is the difference between MOMO, NRG and Grant?

MOMO is the benchmark Italian aftermarket brand, NRG is the deep-dish and track-focused brand, and Grant is the North American classic brand making wood and muscle-car wheels since 1922. All three need a hub adapter made for your car. Grant has made steering wheels since 1922, and its wheels are hand crafted in North America with impact and fatigue testing.

Sources

By Leo, Founder, WinchInsider

Leo covers winches, recovery gear and the accessories that make a vehicle useful on the road and the trail. Every guide on this site is research-based: maker documents, listing evidence and owner reports, never test claims and never invented specs.

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