Steering Wheel size

[kevinw]

When we first bought our 2000, there were complaints from certain persons about the size of the steering wheel. So, I replaced it with a new old stock mark 2 Stag wheel, obviously designed for cars with power steering. This was then too thin to hold comfortably, so has been augmented with additional sleeves to give it a bit more grip. The problem is that although the steering is fine when moving, it is a bit heavy to park and so I've been sent on a mission to find a replacement steering wheel that will require reasonable effort to park and has a nice "chunky" grip. Probably a leather Moto-Lita, if I can get over the shock of the price!

I think the current wheel is approx 13 or 14 inches diameter. What diameter did Triumph fit as standard for non-power assisted cars? I do still have the original wheel, but it is stored away somewhere in the garage and I'm not entirely sure where...

You'll appreciate that driving vintage buses, I am quite happy with steering wheels of about 30 inches diameter and having to stand up sometimes to get enough leverage to maneouvre. But some of us have rather got used to the advantages of power steering...

Kevin

[James]

I LOVE my 15" Motolita - the price is a lot - but the steering wheel is the thing you are in contact with most of the time.

http://www.mintylamb.co.uk/wordpress/wp ... g_8617.jpg

[Jonathan Lewis]

What diameter did Triumph fit as standard for non-power assisted cars?

Hello Kevin,

At launch, the Mk2 cars were equipped with one of two steering wheel options - the two-spoke 311256 for the 2000 and the three-spoke 311242 for the PI. The PI one is approx 16" in diameter as - I believe - is the 2000 one. There was no differentiation in steering wheel size between cars equipped with PAS and those without.

Early Stags also used the three-spoke 311242 but from early 1973 got a revised item (313149) with a slightly reduced diameter (14.5") and a thicker, rounder-section rim. According to the parts book, this was applied to 2500S cars from launch, with 2500TCs retaining the original 16" design. Whether later 2500TC/S production was eventually standardised on the 313149 item I'm not sure (I suspect that it may have been) but it does not appear that Triumph ever bothered to assign different wheel diameters to PAS/non-PAS cars as opposed to distinct model lines.

I think that some Dolomites may have had smaller versions of the three-spoke PI-style wheel, but the two-spoke version used on 1500FWDs and 1500TCs is exactly the same as that of the 2000 Mk2.

From a personal perspective, I don't find much wrong with the original 16" wheel in conjunction with PAS but, if I was going to contemplate a change, MotoLita would probably be my preferred option too. As you say, not cheap, but quality costs...

Regards,

[James]

I reckon 15" is ideal for standard cars, 14" for PAS.

[stag estate man]

I reckon 15" is ideal for standard cars, 14" for PAS.

hi
yes i would agree i had a mk 2 2500tc with pas and the 16" wheel and the steering was over light
much better with the mk2 stag , 2500s 14" diameter wheel
cheers grahame

[CAR]

My pi, although '71 and PAS, has a later 's' wheel fitted, I guess this was fitted by someone who found the 16'' wheel a little too light. I would love to try a 16'' one on there.
With the price of a Motolita being very high, why not get someone to retrim a 16'' pi wheel with a little more padding to suit. Surely no more expensive.

Colin.

[kevinw]

While I was in the garage today, I measured the steering wheels on both Triumphs. The saloon is approx 14.5 inches (with the extra padding) and the TR (MotoLita), 13 inches.

Having discovered just how expensive steering wheels are, Ann has now decided that maybe the steering isn't that heavy for parking......

Kevin

[Mike Stevens]

I think that some Dolomites may have had smaller versions of the three-spoke PI-style wheel

We had a 'V' reg Dolomite 1300 and that had the 3-spoke design complete with little plastic fillets in the spoke 'slots'. I think it was the same diameter as the 'S' wheel.

Not terribly relevant I suspect....

Cheers,
Mike.

[kevinw]

I think that some Dolomites may have had smaller versions of the three-spoke PI-style wheel

We had a 'V' reg Dolomite 1300 and that had the 3-spoke design complete with little plastic fillets in the spoke 'slots'. I think it was the same diameter as the 'S' wheel.

Not terribly relevant I suspect....

Cheers,
Mike.

Well, we've not had an off-topic ramble for ages...

Kevin