Technical Help with Paddle Shifter

[slonison]

Does anyone know how to open the actual paddle shifters? Not remove them from the steering wheel, but actually open them to get to the circuit board inside?

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[GTP]

I do not.

What I want from them is no binding when pressing on the upper end of the paddle. The switch action hangs and it won't activate a shift.

Hands at 9 & 3 is more tiring for me than at 10 & 2, at the track. Hence my desire for off-center paddle presses. I wonder if replacing the switches would help but I don't want to start down a new rabbit hole.

 

[slonison]

I can confirm that the switches are simple momentary switches. Meaning that you SHOULD be able to swap it with any paddle switch that is a momentary switch.

The paddle switch for the S550 is only held on with one screw and a plastic tab. With some modification, you might be able to rotate the paddle switches to face 10 and 2.

 

[GTP]

I can confirm that the switches are simple momentary switches. Meaning that you SHOULD be able to swap it with any paddle switch that is a momentary switch.

The paddle switch for the S550 is only held on with one screw and a plastic tab. With some modification, you might be able to rotate the paddle switches to face 10 and 2.

I watched this video on steering wheel disassembly. It seems as though I could keep the wheel on the car, and disassemble just enough to remove the paddles/switches. Then study if a "higher quality" switch (i.e. one that that operates better from an off-center force will work. OR, fabricate a bracket that positions the switch up a bit.

Ideally I would position the switches at 9:30 and 2:30. That would allow shifting with my pinky finger when I drive at 10/2, but also with my index finger when I drive at 9/3.

 

[slonison]

I watched this video on steering wheel disassembly. It seems as though I could keep the wheel on the car, and disassemble just enough to remove the paddles/switches. Then study if a "higher quality" switch (i.e. one that that operates better from an off-center force will work. OR, fabricate a bracket that positions the switch up a bit.

Ideally I would position the switches at 9:30 and 2:30. That would allow shifting with my pinky finger when I drive at 10/2, but also with my index finger when I drive at 9/3.

Yea, that was me. I am 100% confident you should be able to keep the wheel attached to the car. The part that would be the most difficult is that the harness and connector may not reach where you relocate the switches. But

You could also consider larger paddle shifters since they are just momentary switches. The Nissan Maxima have larger range paddles that may suit your needs better.

I have two sets of paddle shifters of my own but I am apprehensive about tearing one set apart. Just to get inside. :/

 

[GTP]

Adding stick on paddle extenders to my last car is when I learned that they effectively apply an off-center torque and prevent the switch from clicking. IOW it is not a solution.

 

[Jsolman]

Have a look on youtube for steering wheel paddle change/swap videos, there are a few,
its fiddly but easy enough.
You basically use a small drill bit to bite into the split pin and pull it out, the back (Paddle) then comes off.
Some companies eg S550Euros. Make replacement paddles that then clip back in, retaining the original switch etc, but giving a large paddle shifter.

 

[Paddles]

I wish each paddle could shift up and down like in the C6

 

[slonison]

Have a look on youtube for steering wheel paddle change/swap videos, there are a few,
its fiddly but easy enough.
You basically use a small drill bit to bite into the split pin and pull it out, the back (Paddle) then comes off.
Some companies eg S550Euros. Make replacement paddles that then clip back in, retaining the original switch etc, but giving a large paddle shifter.

Thanks! I reached out via their contact page, gonna see what they say. I figured that pin was the issue. Didn't think to drill it out. I have a spare set, so I may give it a try.

I wish each paddle could shift up and down like in the C6

That's an interesting though. I have to imagine that the paddle was actually a rocker. I can't imagine how the paddle would know if you wanted to shift up or down.

 

[Rodpwnz]

I purchased a set of magnetic paddle shifters from aliexpress recently and will likely be installing them soon.

I tested them out uninstalled and they are very tactile and clicky. I just hope they are quality enough to last.

 

[GTP]

I purchased a set of magnetic paddle shifters from aliexpress recently and will likely be installing them soon.

I tested them out uninstalled and they are very tactile and clicky. I just hope they are quality enough to last.

I am looking into this too. Before you install them can you hold one still and actuate it from the very tip of the lever? If it doesn't hang up like the OEM then they will be my solution.

 

[Jsolman]

Thanks! I reached out via their contact page, gonna see what they say. I figured that pin was the issue. Didn't think to drill it out. I have a spare set, so I may give it a try.




That's an interesting though. I have to imagine that the paddle was actually a rocker. I can't imagine how the paddle would know if you wanted to shift up or down.

The pin can be re-used, as you basically wedge the drill bit up into it, it spins and then pulls out, at which point the paddle shifter can be removed, and swapped out with the pin pushed up to hold it in.
3/32 - 6 inch long drill bit. Use at slow speed to push inside and grip, then pull down and out.

 

[slonison]

The pin can be re-used, as you basically wedge the drill bit up into it, it spins and then pulls out, at which point the paddle shifter can be removed, and swapped out with the pin pushed up to hold it in.
3/32 - 6 inch long drill bit. Use at slow speed to push inside and grip, then pull down and out.

Just to be very specific. I'm using a standard drill bit in the clockwise direction straight into the hole on the bottom of the pin.

Get the bit basically "caught" inside the pin and then just pull it out, like drawing a sword out of a sheath?

 

[Jsolman]

Just to be very specific. I'm using a standard drill bit in the clockwise direction straight into the hole on the bottom of the pin.

Get the bit basically "caught" inside the pin and then just pull it out, like drawing a sword out of a sheath?

Yes, it goes inside the pin, grips and turns the pin, once it bites, pull out and the pin should come with it.

 

[GTP]

I purchased a set of magnetic paddle shifters from aliexpress recently and will likely be installing them soon.

I tested them out uninstalled and they are very tactile and clicky. I just hope they are quality enough to last.

Have a link to what you ordered?

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