The JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) DC5 OEM Momo Steering Wheel refers to the original equipment manufacturer Momo steering wheel found in the DC5 generation of the Honda Integra Type R. The DC5 is a performance-oriented version of the Integra produced in Japan, or Acura RSX in America.
Here are some key features of the JDM DC5 OEM Momo Steering Wheel:
- Manufacturer: Momo is an Italian company known for manufacturing high-quality steering wheels and other automotive accessories. The steering wheel installed in the DC5 Type R is an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) product from Momo.
- Design: The Momo steering wheel in the DC5 is typically characterized by a sporty and ergonomic design. It often features a thick rim for a comfortable grip and may have perforated leather or other materials for added style and grip. It does feel slightly different and more comfortable than the USDM Acura RSX steering wheel.
- Logo: Besides the iconic red Honda Emblem in the center, the steering wheel has a Momo logo, which is a well-known symbol of quality and performance in the automotive world.
- Functionality: Being the OEM steering wheel, it integrates seamlessly with the vehicle’s steering system and controls. It may include features such as audio controls, cruise control buttons, and airbag functionality. Keep in mind that the JDM DC5 Type R did not come with cruise control.
- Compatibility: While the JDM DC5 OEM Momo Steering Wheel is designed specifically for the DC5 Type R, it has been a popular choice for enthusiasts who may want to upgrade or replace their steering wheels in other compatible vehicles.
If you’re considering upgrading your stock steering wheel, there are various aftermarket options available. However, if you lean towards the OEM+ approach and have a fondness for Honda, particularly the JDM DC5 Type R, you might opt for the JDM DC5 Type R steering wheel. This steering wheel, originating from the DC5 Integra Type R factory, boasts distinctive features such as a red H emblem on the airbag, black leather wrapping with red stitching, and debossed MOMO lettering at the bottom.
Alternative options for steering wheel replacement
You can replace the USDM Acura “A” steering wheel with either:
- EP3 Steering Wheel (02-05 Civic SI): Comes with a black H emblem, compatible with RSX.
- Aftermarket Wheel (Momo, Mugen, Spoon, etc.):
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- No airbag included; requires a hub connection.
- Use of an OHM resistor is necessary to deactivate the SRS light if desired.
- Ideal for customization in race/track car builds, allowing adjustments to wheel size and position.
- Considerations: Upgrading other aspects of the car, such as race seats and a high-quality harness, may be necessary for safety.
Pricing of a JDM DC5 Steering Wheel:
Currently, it’s uncommon to come across new OEM steering wheels. Chances are, you’ll need to contact a JDM parts distributor or explore options on eBay. In the current market (as of 2024), prices for these steering wheels typically range from $300 to $650, varying based on their condition, ranging from heavily worn to mint.
Removal of your existing Steering Wheel:
In order to install the JDM DC5 Steering wheel, you will need to properly remove your existing steering wheel and airbag unit. Here are the required tools needed for removal:
- Ratchet and wrench set
- 14 mm socket
- 6 inch extension
- Torx T30 Bit and screw driver attachment (might be in your ratchet set)
- Steering Wheel Puller
1. First disconnect the car battery and wait 3 minutes before disconnecting the airbag. This is important as there might be still power in your system. This would avoiding you having to further reset your SRS afterwards.
2. There are two small plastic panels on the back of the steering wheel. You can remove this by hand or use a plastic pry bar. If you don’t have one, I bought this 19 piece trim removal / pry bar set on Amazon that I use for almost every interior car job. This prevents scratching of the plastic panels that you might do with a normal metal screw driver or pry tool.
3. You will need to remove a star shaped screw on each side. You will be a special screw driver bit to remove them. This is called a torx bit. These screws connect the airbag unit to the steering wheel.
4. Disconnect the airbag plug from the wiring harness, it is on the left side of the steering wheen
5. Slowly move the airbag off the steering wheel, it will reveal more connections including a black ground wire that should pull right off and a grey plug for the cruise control. Afterwards, you should be able to completely remove it off the steering wheel.
6. The steering wheel is connected by a 14mm bolt. You can use any socket to remove. You might need a 3 to 6 inch extension to avoid hittong the wheel itself. Once the bolt is removed, it might still be tightly attached, you might need a puller. Some people have been lucky enough to pull and have it pop out, but I have never had that luck when removing any steering wheel.
7. You will need a Steering wheel puller. This is the one I bought by Power Built years ago. Attach the puller to the wheel using the provided bolts. This method requires two small long bolts to bolt the wheel itself, and the center bolt will push the center of the wheel to disconnect it from the hub. One thing to note: is to mark the position of the wheel with regards to the hub, as this will be important to reinstall the same for alignment and centering purposes.
8. Once the steering wheel is removed, you can now install the DC5 Type R MOMO sterring wheel. You will use the same center bolt to install. At this moment, you can move anything that you want to maintain from the USDM acura rsx steering wheel, Some people choose to keep the cruise control levers, and others remove it.
Installing your JDM DC5 OEM Momo Steering Wheel:
Installation is more straight forward, but there are some areas to pay attention to.
9. First, align the JDM DC5 steering wheel to the markings you had put initially to keep the wheel straight and push the steering wheel in. It should glide smoothly to the hub.
10. Next, re-install the center bolt that will hold down your steering wheel. Use a torque wrench with a 14mm socket and tighten to 29 ft. lbs. (This is the spec provided in the RSX manual)
11. Placing the JDM H emblem airbag on the steering wheel, reconnecting the plugs in reverse order of removal.
12. Use the Torx screws and re-install using the bit. I hand tightened this.
13. Once finished, you may now install the battery and check for issues in SRS. Make sure you fully connect the yellow SRS plug.
Closing thoughts:
The DC5 Type R steering wheel is a beautiful show piece for many USDM Acura RSX cars. This JDM DC5 OEM Momo Steering Wheel works with all years, 2002 to 2006 Acura RSX base model and Type S. I have a 2003 Acura RSX Type S and it fit perfectly. I have also recorded videos of removing the steering wheel and re-installing it if it helps on my Youtube channel, @revcircle.