SUB BRZ – Toyota – WITH wire extension – steering wheel spacer installation

Valid for

MANY Japanese cars under the Toyota, Lexus, Subaru brands since late 2000s to early 2020s.

This guide is suitable for the steering wheel spacer which part number starts with SUB-BRZ-… and includes wire extension for the steering wheel buttons.

Wire extension can have 10 or 12 pins, and this does not alter the procedure.

The part number is on the product page (SKU line) and on the label inside the black cover of the spacer, in which a QR code leads to this page.

It’s pointless to list here all the vehicles on which the spacer fits: they are too many, and the list would need updating while time passes and we discover more and more compatibility.

Spacer has been developed for the Subaru BRZ / Toyota GT86 car, and later on we discovered that many Toyota, Lexus and Subaru cars share the same steering wheel “hidden” core, making possible sharing the same steering wheel spacer straightforward.

The kit has been specifically engineered to maintain complete functionality of all OEM features while providing enhanced driving ergonomics for both vehicles, which share the same platform architecture. Whether car you’re installing this steering wheel spacer on, the procedure remains identical due to their shared steering column design and internal components – a testament to the precision engineering of this steering wheel spacer solution.

The following video has been recorded on a GR86, and it is suitable for all the above mentionned cars. It is very useful to see the steps described in this page, also if you have a different car on which this same steering wheel spacer fits.

Reversibility Notes

The SpacerShop spacer does not permanently alter the structure of the steering wheel or the steering column. It can be removed at any time, restoring the vehicle’s original configuration effortlessly.

Safety Precautions

Before starting the installation of the SpacerShop steering wheel spacer, carefully read the following safety precautions to ensure a smooth and safe process:

1. Park the Vehicle with Straight Wheels:
   • Make sure the wheels are perfectly straight before starting and let someone help you holding the steering wheel straight while working on it. The spline does not have specific markers, so you can easily skip a tooth and mis-align the wheels.
2. Disconnect the Battery:
   • Always disconnect the car battery before working on the steering wheel to prevent accidental activation of warning lights or airbag deployment, wait 30 min before proceeding, to let electric power fully discharge from the vehicle.
3. Handle the Clockspring Wires with Care:
   • Never pull  hard the wires coming from the clockspring assembly.
   • Accidental tension or damage to these wires can result in clockspring failure or clicking noises when turning the wheel, potentially requiring the procedure to be redone and clockspring substitution.

Installation Procedure

Step 1: Airbag Removal

1. Releasing the airbag:
   • Use the three holes behind each steering wheel spoke to push the spring clips and release the airbag unit. Older cars may have bolts instead of springs. Usually, springs are meant to be pushed radially: insert a screwdriver 1/2″ (1 cm) inside the little holes until you feel the elastic resistance of the spring, and the airbag will just pop out a few mm. 

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   • If you have bolts, just unscrew them, they may be hidden by little plastic black covers embedded in the steering wheel shape.

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2. Disconnecting cables:
   • Carefully unplug the connector(s) on the back of the airbag. Ensure you unlock the plastic safety clip before pulling it out.

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   • Disconnect the horn wire, which may require slight force.
3. Safe storage:
   • Place the airbag in a safe area, away from the workspace and out of children’s reach. Badge up. Dry environment.

Step 2: Steering Wheel Removal

1. Loosen the central nut:
   • Loosen the central nut without fully removing it to prevent the steering wheel from coming off abruptly.
2. Remove the steering wheel:
   • If the steering wheel is “glued” on the steering column, use a puller tool in the two M8 holes near the central nut to gently release the wheel.
   • Alternatively, alternate pull left and right with your hands to free the steering wheel.
   • When the wheel is “shakeable” on the column, you can remove the central nut and the wheel as well. Accomodate the wires gently across the slot and leave them pending from the clockspring. Do not twist the clockspring.
3. Store the steering wheel safely:
   • Once removed, place the steering wheel and nut on the passenger seat or in a secure area.

Step 3: Spacer Installation

1. Prepare the spacer:
   • Disassemble the spacer by unscrewing the allen bolts. leave the black cover on.
2. Install the aluminum side:
   • Mount the aluminum side of the spacer onto the steering column, ensuring the slots are horizontal.

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   • Tighten the central OEM nut to 30 ft-lb (40 Nm).
3. Attach the steel side:
   • Fit the steel splined side of the spacer onto the aluminum side. Being its spline count uneven too, do a test on the steering wheel first: insert the shaft in the wheel’s bore: the flat surface machined on the steel plate must be in line with the steering wheel’s corresponding edge on its frame. If it doesn’t, just twist the steel part about 180°: that will be the correct alignment. Pull it out from the steering wheel and bolt on the aluminmium part, mantaining the correct alignment. 

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   • Tighten the bolts to 10 Nm.

Step 4: Steering wheel re-install

1. Reinstall the steering wheel:
   • Position the steering wheel onto the spacer’s shaft , ensuring the edges alignment matches as per before step: edge on the steering wheel aluminiumm core must be horizontal and in line with corresponding edge machined on the spacer. Gently pass the cables through the  central slots of both the spacer and the wheel.
   • If you did right, the steering wheel edge, the steel part edge and the aluminium’s slot flat edge will be all in line. The black connector from the clockspring can be mis-aligned a little bit because it must not be forced.

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   • Tighten the central nut to 30 ft-lb (40 Nm).
2. Reconnect the airbag:
   • Reconnect the horn wire first, then the airbag wire, ensuring the connectors are aligned properly in their sockets.
   • Insert the connectors until they click into place, then push the airbag into the steering wheel to engage the spring clips. (or tighten the bolts, if your car has them instead of the springs).

Post-Installation

After completing the installation, reconnect the battery and verify that everything works fine. Do a test drive to check for proper wheel alignment and ensure there are no unusual sounds when turning the wheel.

Final Checks

1. steering wheel rotation effort does not change
2. no warning lights
3. stalk lever still return automatically
4. all steering wheel buttons work as before
5. horn pressure feel does not changes
6. existing steering wheel adjustment still works, if were available from factory
7. you should not hear clicks or rubbing noises behind the wheel

Your Driving Upgrade is Complete

With the successful installation of your steering wheel spacer, you’ve enhanced both comfort and performance for your driving experience. Enjoy a more ergonomic setup and improved control on every journey. Drive safely!