Paddle Extensions?
- Thread starter Liam Miller
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Installed. Piece of cake.
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Look awesome. So, how easy was it? Good job mate!
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Oh yes! I've just test fit; going to run out and get some loctite for the little set screws.
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WoW!! Wonderful!
I can't wait anymore for mine!!!
phobos512
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First, no idea if they would fit other vehicles than the S3 (as demonstrated here) and the latest A4 (as listed in the eBay ad). Sorry.
So for the install here's how I did it:
For each set screw I placed the set screw on the included hex (Allen) wrench. Then, I applied a drop of Loctite 242 (medium strength removable threadlocker) and let it penetrate, then wiped off the excess. For the inside screws (those toward the hub/airbag) I applied these on my workbench, screwing them in till flush. Then I popped the paddle on the paddle and applied the remaining screws. Due to the shape of the wheel and the length of the included wrench I could only get a half turn so I would turn the wrench 180 degrees, remove it, reset and continue. The top screws were easier than the bottom screws due to the shape of the wheel. On doing the passenger side I couldn't as readily get the paddle extension to "pop" into place so I loosened the top inside set screw slightly since it is accessible from the top of the wheel. At the end of tightening each screw I wiped off any excess Loctite with a shop towel I had just for this purpose, and I wore latex gloves so as not to get Loctite on my fingers and accidentally spread it to the interior of the car.
I could see marring the paddles if you're not careful - they press against the corners of the paddle so since they're just black plastic marring would look like a very small indentation. I don't expect it would be too visible if it did happen. However by design the screws are going to compress the paddle extension against the paddle so depending on how soft the plastic is it may or may not mar.
They provided in my kit two extra set screws, which is handy as they're so small and I have large hands. I didn't end up needing them though. In all with my meticulous prep it took about fifteen minutes to install. I could probably do it again in five.
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So for the install here's how I did it:
For each set screw I placed the set screw on the included hex (Allen) wrench. Then, I applied a drop of Loctite 242 (medium strength removable threadlocker) and let it penetrate, then wiped off the excess. For the inside screws (those toward the hub/airbag) I applied these on my workbench, screwing them in till flush. Then I popped the paddle on the paddle and applied the remaining screws. Due to the shape of the wheel and the length of the included wrench I could only get a half turn so I would turn the wrench 180 degrees, remove it, reset and continue. The top screws were easier than the bottom screws due to the shape of the wheel. On doing the passenger side I couldn't as readily get the paddle extension to "pop" into place so I loosened the top inside set screw slightly since it is accessible from the top of the wheel. At the end of tightening each screw I wiped off any excess Loctite with a shop towel I had just for this purpose, and I wore latex gloves so as not to get Loctite on my fingers and accidentally spread it to the interior of the car.
I could see marring the paddles if you're not careful - they press against the corners of the paddle so since they're just black plastic marring would look like a very small indentation. I don't expect it would be too visible if it did happen. However by design the screws are going to compress the paddle extension against the paddle so depending on how soft the plastic is it may or may not mar.
They provided in my kit two extra set screws, which is handy as they're so small and I have large hands. I didn't end up needing them though. In all with my meticulous prep it took about fifteen minutes to install. I could probably do it again in five.
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DJAlix
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I like them, but they're slightly too big for me. There's really not a broad choice of variety for a car of it's kind sadly.
seanbeckerleg
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Can anybody tell me if the the FL paddles are the same as the PFL? I've seen a few I like but they don't say wether they'd fit a 2017 s3.... just 8v platform.
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Thats what this thread is about. In short PFL paddles are different to the FL ones, which are now the same shape as the TTmk3 and new A4. The ones I pictured above were advertised as being for the A4.
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seanbeckerleg
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Ok mate, cheers!
So are these the only one available at the moment? Where can I get a set?
DJAlix
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Not sure. The ones I bought were the first I found. Check eBay. These are the ones I purchased:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/182182059648?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
my sincere advice is do not screw around with those little tapping screws. They will inevitably damage the original paddles by digging holes in them. I really regret doing that to mine, and now I just use some good double sided tape and cut them into shape. But the damage is already done.
Oh yes! I've just test fit; going to run out and get some loctite for the little set screws.
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Looks like they dont follow contours of the steering wheel unfortunately, how are you liking them?
phobos512
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They are perfectly flat from the side so no they don't follow the profile of the wheel; however from the front I'd say they follow the curve of the wheel just fine (and since that's what you see that's what matters). Still like em just fine, no regrets.
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I want something simple like the RS ones
I agree, assume there’s nothing on the market since this thread?
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Not sure to be honest, I don’t know how the current ones are attached, whether it is by clips or not etc
Yup. Airbag comes out, then the bezel, followed by finger tip control units. Once all that's out you'll have access to the paddle shifter screw.
Here's the frustrating part, bezel has male pins that insert into rubber foam. Maybe this is unique to my experience but, since being dissembled, this bezel refuses to sit flush against the steering wheel like it did before.
Last year I tried three sets of paddles during my search- Ebay ones pictured above, OEM RS, and RelakMoto.
OEM RS's were an improvement over stock but still a tad small. Plus wish i hadnt disassembled the wheel.
Ebay extensions design is flawed. As they extend out they move further away from your reach due to their non curved design. This can also be observed by looking at their side profile. This completely defeats their purpose as i had to extend my fingers and re-position my hand to shift with them.
RelakMoto's are the ones i stuck with. They are curved, thereby allowing extensions to follow a consistent spacing with the wheel. Also the rubber coating is a nice touch, they feel silky smooth and give off an oem look.
If anyone's interested in the OEM RS shifters i still have my set laying around. Will be posting them in classifieds soon.
https://www.pinalloy.com/collection...udi-a3-a4l-a5-q7-tt-tts-s4-q2-s3-sq-2016-2017
Just waiting on these to arrive, cheap enough! No screwing either, just 3m tape.
Just waiting on these to arrive, cheap enough! No screwing either, just 3m tape.
I’m using RS paddles and the bezel is somewhat flexible and there’re catches all around, you’ll need to make sure the catches are in place and the inserts are in the slots. It will sit flush, I took it apart (FL n PFL) multiple times without issues.
