440 / 480 steering wheel compatibility

Hello,

I was at a scrapyard a few weeks ago looking for some bits for my 440(non facelift) when I came across a 480. Upon looking around inside I noticed that the steering wheel seemed quite more compact and sportier than mine. Does anyone know if it a case of a straight swap between the two to fit the 480 steering wheel to the 440 and what the driving experience is like.

hey never looked but i cant see it being different really, the only thing that could be different is the shaft diameter but somehow i cant see this being the case (seems stupid of volvo to manufactor two completly different parts!)

The steering wheel off the 480 is a drop-on replacement for the retangular hubbed lump of plastic on the 440/460. (the only previso is the 440/460 has to be a non-airbag one) I've swapped steering wheels on a couple of 440's now. As well as looking better it also allows you to actually see the heated screen/foglights switches down the right of the dashboard...)

the horn pad on the 480 prises off with fingers, once out of the centre of the wheel disconnect the 2 connectors on the back of the horn pad. The nut in the centre is 22mm and you will need an extension bar to reach it (officially its a self locking, replace when refitting nut I think, but if the locking bit (plastic washer thing) is in good condition it can be reused) The steering wheel will then pull off the splined shaft, it may require wiggling a bit to free it

To Fit to 440/460 (make sure steering wheel is in straight ahead position before starting)

1) remove fuse for horn (to prevent embarassing noise ;-) )
2) Remove central horn pad and disconnect wires, unbolt wheel and remove as per 480. Disgard!
3) Clean the metal ring surrounding the steering column, this is the slip (contact) ring for the horn.
4) Place "new" steering wheel onto splined shaft. You may find the steering column drifts downwards at this point, reach under the dashboard and push it back into position.
5) Get a friend to hold the wheel in position while the nut is tightened (see haynes manual for torque setting)
6) Connect horn pad to wires then push into position. Replace the fuse you removed earlier and test horn.
7) Done!

Cheers for that. Next chance I get i'll be back back at the breakers for one of those 480 steering wheels.