The Right Elbow Factor

[3ZHPGUY]

OK, I’ve had this ZHP for nearly 8 years now and I’m just realizing I don’t fit. It was first brought to my attention by my first driving instructor at Mid-Ohio.


I’ve always liked my steering wheel located in the fully extended and fully down position however; I don’t fit when it’s in that position. Due to the off center steering wheel position in our cars, my right elbows crammed between the console pad and the right bolster. It’s almost like I need to shorten my right arm. That ant gonna happen. Never noticed it much, in Northern Ohio with checker-board grid and strict law enforcement. Now in Tennessee, things are a little different; hands continuously at the 10:00 & 2:00 O’clock positions on the steering wheel and right curves can truly be a PITA.


Time for a change; with the wheel now only being extended 2 inches or less, things seem to fit much better allowing for far greater control and pleasure.


Anyone else noticed this problem?

[Oli77]

Not really, but not tracking the car either plus I am average size. What do you mean wheel extended 2 inches?

[3ZHPGUY]

Not really, but not tracking the car either plus I am average size. What do you mean wheel extended 2 inches?

I'm a little guy also and I'm talking about the telescoping adjustment of the c steering column that brings the wheel closer to your body.

[az3579]

I personally don't have the problem you have, but I do feel that the offset steering is contributing to my hips being shifted, verified by an X-Ray at the chiropractor's office. The offset steering, coupled with the bolsters on the sport seats forcing my left leg way out of the way to reach the dead pedal, I think is making my hips crooked.

[Oli77]

I'm a little guy also and I'm talking about the telescoping adjustment of the c steering column that brings the wheel closer to your body.

Well I'll be! Completely forgot about that adjustment! I'll give that a try.

[3ZHPGUY]

I personally don't have the problem you have, but I do feel that the offset steering is contributing to my hips being shifted, verified by an X-Ray at the chiropractor's office. The offset steering, coupled with the bolsters on the sport seats forcing my left leg way out of the way to reach the dead pedal, I think is making my hips crooked.

I never really noticed it for 7+ years but, I do now. Must be that I don't drive it everyday anymore.

[NorCalZman]

Do you mean that the wheel is not centered to our seats? I haven't noticed that. I thought that was only an Audi problem. hah.

[OtterEffect]

I'm fairly short and I notice sometimes that I hit my elbows on the bolsters when cornering aggressively. My wheel is only extended about half way and I can get both my wrists on the top of the wheel so my seating position is correct as far as I know. I do definitely feel that the dead pedal is a bit far out though. I find myself sitting a bit sideways sometimes.

Any tips on proper seat positioning?

[Oli77]

Do you mean that the wheel is not centered to our seats? I haven't noticed that. I thought that was only an Audi problem. hah.

I remember the picture from one of our members on this site (I hope) of an e46 convertible shot straight down onto the car. You could tell that the steering wheel is at an angle offset a little from say, the radiator.

[stephenkirsh]

Do you mean that the wheel is not centered to our seats? I haven't noticed that. I thought that was only an Audi problem. hah.

Yea this is news to me too.