Alfa Romeo 147 156 166 GT Multi-Function Steering Wheel Audio Radio Control Push Touch Rubber Buttons Controls Instructions Install Guide

The Problem

The OEM steering wheel buttons wear easily and ruin the look of the steering wheel and the vehicles interior.

The steering wheel audio control rubber buttons wear / delaminate causing light to leak from the buttons. Until now the only solution for this common fault from the manufacturer was to replace the complete button units at vast expense. Rather than just replacing the component that fails- the rubber buttons. Unfortunately, even this solution is flawed as the buttons would just wear again causing the same issues. If replacing the complete button unit, it is also not uncommon for the trim colour to not match up with the rest of the vehicles trim as shades vary, another good reason to replace just the rubber buttons that fail.

Symptoms of the fault

The steering wheel audio control buttons are worn, rubbed off, edges deteriorated, light leaking / bleeding where painted or rubber has worn off.

Vehicles affected and compatibility

Alfa Romeo:

147 All Models

156 2003-2006

166 2003-2006

GT All Models

Associated part numbers:

71738943, 71718458, 71718459, 71718460, 71718461, 71738469, 71748026, 71748028, 71748029, 71748030, 71730030, Delphi, Eaton.

Our solution

Fit our replacement rubber buttons and restore the look / feel of your multi-function steering wheel. Save the cost of a whole button unit which would just fail again.

We manufacture replacement rubber buttons; allowing you to replace just the component that fails. Our buttons can be installed very easily following our pictorial and video instructions and will restore the look and feel of your steering wheel. Alfa Romeo do not sell this part separately, their solution to this common fault is to purchase 2x complete button units at vast expense which would just fail again. Our buttons are a vast improvement over the OEM part and are designed not to deteriorate like the OEM part. Replace your buttons and restore the look of your steering wheel / interior.

You will receive

2X button pads.

1X Mute, volume up down.

1X Source, skip track forwards / back.

X8R Ltd www.x8r.co.uk

Begin by turning the steering wheel just off center, this allows easier access to the bolts on the reverse of the steering wheel without interference from the wiper and indicator stalks.

Disconnect the battery and let the vehicle stand for 20 minutes.

Always check the manufacturers guidance for airbag removal for you specific vehicle before removing.

On the reverse of the steering wheel remove the 3x Allen head bolts holding the air bag. These will loosen but will not come out.

Lift out the airbag. Some opt to un-clip the electrical connector others leave connected and balance airbag out of the way. Please follow manufacturers guidance for your vehicle model.

Remove the silver colour button unit.

Gently lever out of position.

Once button unit is freed disconnect the electrical connector on the ribbon from the steering wheel.

Lever back the black tabs as shown with a small flat bladed screwdriver.

One of the tabs has the ribbon running behind it take care not to damage the ribbon when levering.

You will hear a click once released, you can then separate the black plastic from the silver housing.

Lift the old buttons out of the silver housing and replace with our new buttons.

Slide the black plastic back in to the silver housing, at the opposite end to the black tabs, the black plastic slides in to a recess in the silver housing as shown.

The black tabs then need to be pushed down and forwards to retain to the silver housing, you will hear a click once secured. Again take care not to damage the ribbon that runs behind the tabs.

Push the button unit back on to steering wheel and reconnect the electrical connector.

Refit airbag and re-tighten Allen head bolts.

Test button function.

This completes the repair. If you need any further guidance on this install or would like to purchase the parts shown please call us on +44 01843 446643 or email us at sales@x8r.co.uk . Please also check out our instruction guide on YouTube. www.x8r.co.uk

Installation is carried out at installers risk, if unsure please contact us or a professional, X8R Ltd cannot be held responsible for any adverse result of installing this product or any injuries caused by install, if in doubt ask a professional. All images and texts are copyright X8R Ltd 2016