Aftermarket yoke steering wheel in Model 3

[Mishachurnoff]

Hey guys, I read a Tesla employee mention that the model 3 airbag is not designed for the yoke and one should keep the OEM steering wheel on untill a redesigned airbag is brought to the market. Essentially the model 3 airbag may fold over top of the yoke because their is no longer support from the top of the wheel.

Ive also heard that Tesla employees don't know everything and the airbag will still go up to the glass.

My question is, is the airbag in the new model s the same as in all Tesla vehicles and is there a way to find out? (Part number)

Thanks, I really love the yoke but if it's truly a safety issue it's not worth buying period.

 

[trixter]

Good point @texas_star_TM3, but are you sure insurers would decline coverage for that, or would they increase the premium to cover the additional "risk"?

We need someone who has the yoke to actually step up to the plate and report this upgrade to their insurer.

 

[trixter]

Hey guys, I read a Tesla employee mention that the model 3 airbag is not designed for the yoke

Can you cite that source? I'm not being a smart-a, but I'm considering purchasing the yoke and would like to know.

 

[BojangleGuy]

How long did it take to ship over here?

About 2 weeks.

 

[BojangleGuy]

A couple of questions as I'm considering the same yoke upgrade.

1. Did you compare your Aroham yoke steering with Hansshow's yoke steering? If yes, I'm curious why you went with Aroham?
2. Is the quality of the right/left scroll buttons the same as OEM? Do you notice cheaper plastics being used compared to OEM, or perhaps a different feel on the scroll?
3. Have you tried the steering wheel heating element with your yoke? Does it work as promised?
4. Can you try out the airbag functionality for us and report back? (j/k)

1. Yes I did. It really came down to price. No reason to pay the extra for the Hansshow. They both are coming out of China and have identical build quality.
2. The core of the yoke is OEM Tesla. They just change the outer portion of the wheel. Hence the somewhat expensive cost. If it was just a Chinese knockoff it would be much less than $600
3. Yes heating element does work
4. Will report back on this

 

[BojangleGuy]

I'm certain you informed your insurer that the OEM steering wheel was swapped out with an aftermarket yoke for which the car wasn't certified for.... right?

I did. My agent asked if I would drive over to his office and show him because he wants one for his M3 as well

 

[Mishachurnoff]

Can you cite that source? I'm not being a smart-a, but I'm considering purchasing the yoke and would like to know.

It was on Reddit, and I actually looked at his profile and yeah it's a verified employee. I ordered it and canceled it, if it was only me driving I'd buy it though but not if my wife was driving too.

 

[PITA]

Well I really like it... very interested to see how people adapt with it.

Michael Knight

 

[Vincent T]

I really like it too, and very interested as well.

 

[PITA]

Consider this… The yoke steering wheel that comes standard in the Model S does not have the upper section. I think Tesla has already determined that an airbag does not need an upper section on the steering wheel to deploy properly and provide the intended protection for the driver. If you’re curious, just search for airbag deployment/crash test Model S with yoke, and you may find some answers…

OP, that’s a nice looking yoke. I almost pulled the trigger on that same one, but ended up ordering this slightly different model/variant from the same company (Aroham).

View attachment 706084

Have you got a link to this one? I searched but couldn't find it...

 

[PITA]

Why not? Looks cool. Makes your car different than others. Is actually super fun to drive with and does give you a better view.

For me, as I don't tend to drive much anyways, it would definately bring a sense of occasion... very different from driving my other car.

Not sure how my Wife might react, but I can probably win the guess on that one

Would it pass a UK MOT Inspection?

 

[PITA]

Actually, just answered my own question...

Yes, this yoke steering wheel is legal in the UK, and would pass the MOT.

Great, I might buy one, give it a go...

 

[PITA]

I'm in... I ordered the Heated Version for my 2021 Model 3 Performance

£419 delivered to UK... (not sure if taxes, or import duty will apply, but happy to pay that on top).

See how this turns out.

 

[Dadpool]

T

not about being Grandpa but you're giving the insurer an *excellent* reasons to decline coverage or being sued by the opposing party. hope that form over function is worth it.

That theory would check out if the airbag caused the wreck or they could prove the steering wheel being different was solely the cause of the injury being claimed.
Otherwise it would be like saying your insurance won’t cover your car if you put new coils on it or a lift…

 

[BojangleGuy]

I'm in... I ordered the Heated Version for my 2021 Model 3 Performance

£419 delivered to UK... (not sure if taxes, or import duty will apply, but happy to pay that on top).

See how this turns out.

What one did you end up ordering?

 

[TLLMRRJ]

Would it pass a UK MOT Inspection?

You get to keep the original steering wheel, right? If so, just take the 5 minutes to change it back for the MOT and then 5 mins to add it back on.

 

[PITA]

What one did you end up ordering?

Exactly the same design as yours... and with the Heated Option.

Looking forward to trying it out...

 

[PITA]

You get to keep the original steering wheel, right? If so, just take the 5 minutes to change it back for the MOT and then 5 mins to add it back on.

Yeah, I won't be doing that. It's legal in UK, so I'm not bothered now.

It's just a matter of preference here, not Law or Legislation.

 

[GreenHokie]

You get to keep the original steering wheel, right?

Not sure about retailers/sellers located in the US, but none of the ones on AliExpress (China) require a core exchange from the buyer. So, yes, the buyer gets to keep his/her original steering wheel. This, of course, gives you the flexibility to easily change back to your original steering wheel in case you end up not liking the yoke.

 

[elf9]

Happy to answer any questions if you have any! Install took about an hour.

So it looks like you transferred your OEM trim/wiring harness to the yoke, which means you still have working scroll button lights, correct?