What a Grant GT steering wheel is and who uses it

A Grant GT steering wheel is an aftermarket steering wheel designed for performance driving, street cars, and racing applications. Grant is a manufacturer based in the United States that has made steering wheels since the 1960s, and the GT line is their performance-focused product. These wheels are smaller in diameter than factory wheels, typically 13 to 15 inches, which gives the driver more precise control and faster steering response.

Grant GT wheels are used by people who want to replace a worn or uncomfortable factory steering wheel, improve the feel of their car's steering, or prepare a vehicle for track use or autocross events. They come in different materials — leather, suede, vinyl, and bare aluminum — and with different grip styles. The wheels bolt directly to your car's existing steering column using your factory horn pad and turn signal hardware, so installation does not require cutting or welding.

Key Takeaways

  • Grant GT steering wheels are smaller and lighter than factory wheels, designed to improve steering response and driver control in performance driving.
  • Installation uses your existing steering column hardware, but you will need to confirm your car's bolt pattern and steering shaft diameter before ordering.
  • Grant GT wheels cost between $150 and $400 depending on material and grip style, and are sold through automotive retailers and online suppliers.
  • The wheel itself does not change how your car handles or accelerates — it only changes how the steering feels and how quickly you can turn the wheel.

How to measure your steering column before buying

Grant GT wheels fit different steering shafts, so you must know your car's shaft diameter and bolt pattern before you order. The shaft diameter is the thickness of the metal rod that comes out of your steering column — it is usually 3/4 inch, 13/16 inch, or 1 inch. You can measure this with a caliper or by wrapping a piece of string around it, marking where it overlaps, and measuring the string against a ruler.

The bolt pattern is how many holes are in the center of your steering wheel and how far apart they are. Most cars use either a 2-inch or 3-inch bolt circle, meaning the holes are arranged in a circle 2 or 3 inches across. You can find this information in your car's owner's manual, or you can remove your factory wheel and count the holes and measure the distance between them with a ruler or caliper.

Grant publishes a fitment guide on their website and through retailers that lists which wheel sizes and bolt patterns fit which car years and models. If you are unsure, call the retailer or Grant's customer service line with your car's year, make, and model, and they will tell you which wheel will work.

Material and grip options explained

Grant GT wheels come in four main materials. Leather is the most common and most expensive option, typically $300 to $400, and it is durable and comfortable in most weather. Suede is grippier than leather and costs $250 to $350, but it can wear faster and requires more cleaning. Vinyl is the least expensive option at $150 to $250, is straightforward to clean, and works well for street cars, but it can feel less premium and can become slippery when wet.

Bare aluminum wheels are lightweight and popular for racing, costing $200 to $350, but they offer no grip and can be uncomfortable in cold weather. Some Grant GT wheels also come with a horn pad — a padded center section — and some do not. A horn pad makes the wheel more comfortable for street driving but adds weight and cost. For track use, many drivers prefer a wheel without a horn pad.

The grip style refers to the shape of the rim where your hands hold it. Most Grant GT wheels have a thin-rim design that is easier to grip and turn quickly, compared to a factory wheel's thicker, flatter rim. Some models have a dished center, which curves inward and gives the wheel a more aggressive look.

Installation and what you need to do

Installing a Grant GT steering wheel is a job most people can do at home with basic tools. You will need a steering wheel puller (a three-armed tool that costs $20 to $40 and is available at any auto parts store), a socket set, and a screwdriver. The process takes 30 minutes to an hour.

First, disconnect the negative terminal of your car's battery to disable the airbag system. Then use the steering wheel puller to remove your factory wheel — do not try to pry it off by hand, as this can damage the steering column. Once the factory wheel is off, unplug the horn wire and any other connectors underneath. Install the Grant wheel by sliding it onto the shaft, aligning the bolt holes, and tightening the bolts in a star pattern so the wheel sits straight. Reconnect the horn wire and battery, and test the horn and turn signals.

If your car has an airbag in the steering wheel, you will need to disable it before removal. Some Grant GT wheels are designed to work with airbag systems, but most are not. Check the fitment guide to see whether the wheel you are ordering is airbag-compatible for your car.

Cost and where to buy

Grant GT steering wheels range from $150 for a basic vinyl wheel to $400 for a leather wheel with a horn pad and dished center. Most common options fall between $200 and $300. Shipping usually costs $15 to $30 depending on your location.

Grant GT wheels are sold through automotive retailers including Summit Racing, Jegs, RockAuto, and Amazon. Local car parts stores like AutoZone and O'Reilly may carry them in stock or can order them for you. Specialty retailers that focus on racing or performance parts often have a wider selection of colors and materials. Prices are usually the same across retailers, so compare shipping costs and return policies rather than hunting for a lower price.

What a Grant GT wheel will and will not change about your car

A Grant GT steering wheel makes the steering feel more responsive and direct because it is smaller and lighter than a factory wheel. The smaller diameter means you turn the wheel less to achieve the same steering angle, so the car responds faster to your input. This is useful in racing, autocross, and spirited street driving where quick steering corrections matter.

A Grant GT wheel will not change how much power your engine makes, how fast your car accelerates, or how well it grips the road. It only changes how the steering feels and how quickly you can turn the wheel. If your car understeers or oversteers, a new steering wheel will not fix that — those are suspension and tire issues. If your steering is numb or unresponsive, a Grant wheel may help you feel the road better, but it will not change the underlying steering geometry or responsiveness of your car's suspension.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a Grant GT steering wheel work with my car's airbag?

Most Grant GT wheels are not airbag-compatible, meaning you will need to disable the airbag system. Some models are designed to work with airbags, but this is rare. Check the fitment guide or call the retailer with your car's year, make, and model to confirm whether the wheel you want will work with your airbag.

Can I install a Grant GT wheel myself, or do I need a mechanic?

Most people can install a Grant GT wheel at home with a steering wheel puller, socket set, and screwdriver. The job takes 30 minutes to an hour. If you are uncomfortable working on your car or your steering column is stuck, a mechanic can do it for $50 to $150 in labor.

What is the difference between a 13-inch and 15-inch Grant GT wheel?

A 13-inch wheel is smaller and lighter, requires less hand movement to turn, and is preferred for racing and track use. A 15-inch wheel is closer to factory size, feels more familiar for street driving, and is easier to use in parking lots. Choose based on how you drive your car and what feels comfortable to you.

Do I need to replace my horn pad when I install a Grant GT wheel?

Grant GT wheels come with or without a horn pad depending on the model. If your factory wheel has a horn pad and your new Grant wheel does not, you can transfer the horn pad from your factory wheel if the bolt patterns match. Check the product description or call the retailer to confirm whether the wheel includes a horn pad.

Will a Grant GT wheel make my steering wheel feel heavier or lighter?

Grant GT wheels are lighter than factory wheels, so the steering wheel itself will feel lighter in your hands. However, this does not change how much effort it takes to turn the wheel at low speeds — that is controlled by your car's power steering system. The lighter wheel makes quick steering corrections easier and reduces arm fatigue during long drives or track days.