it'll only get worse, so prepare for it
 

I'll be 75 next month, and have so many pains from so many areas, that sharp acute pangs are commonplace to me. Along my life's journey, I think I've broken about everything, at least once, because I've been regarded as reckless, a mad dog, "never-lift" (at the dragstrip), and a "kamikaze", due to my early life's approach to danger or never realizing my limitations.

Even after I did calm down, becoming a mild dog not a mad dog, in my 50's, I still try lifting more than I should, and never accepted backing away from physical challenges (I now face days or weeks of painful recovery when I exceed those limits). Bad old habits, literally "die-hard" habits, remain with me.

Though I very rarely have ever used one, I now have canes, walking sticks, and a homemade shillelagh placed strategically, with two in my X5 (moving them to my other vehicles, if I'm out and about, solo). With two bad legs, sciatica also in both, trick knees, peroneal tendinitis, also in both, I never know if/when I'll need one (but false pride has kept me from using foresight, and carrying one in public, so far). Maybe next month ??

OOF. Welcome to the club where the secret passphrase is "OWOWOWOW F*****CK!!"

I've been in that club for years; I started having knee problems first, at 50, and everything that can hurt, followed suit.

It's become so bad, I have to rest up after carrying in groceries, especially if there's a bag of pet food at 45-50 lbs. Working underneath a car ruins my knees & back for days, and therefore I make sure I take all parts and tools with me, so I don't have to get up many times.

Getting old is hell, but it beats the alternative.


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To the OP; just beware that steering wheel spinners are outlawed, or require medical authorization (to be provided to the DMV) in some states! Don't want you getting a ticket if a cop were to..ahem...see you holding your knob while driving...

Nope, not a problem here
 

Actually, they're not explicitly illegal in any US state, even the Blue ones. In fact, while no permit is required, the California Highway Patrol notes the California DMV's Senior Guide for Safe Driving recommends their use for drivers who need assistance with steering, especially with power steering.

California-Specific Rules
No general ban: According to the Orange County Register and the California Highway Patrol, there is no Vehicle Code section in California that bans the use of steering wheel knobs on private vehicles.
Mechanism requirement: California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 1593, states that a steering knob cannot be attached unless the steering mechanism prevents the handwheel from spinning from road reactions.
Mounting requirement: The knob must also be mounted within the periphery of the steering wheel.
Recommended Use
Senior Driver Aid:
The California DMV's Senior Guide for Safe Driving suggests using a turning knob if you still have trouble steering.
Mobility Assistance:
Steering knobs can be a vital aid for individuals with limited hand or arm mobility, allowing them to operate their vehicle safely and comfortably.
Key Takeaway
Steering wheel knobs are legal to use in California, provided they meet the mounting and mechanism requirements outlined in the California Code of Regulations.
They are a legitimate assistive device for those who require them, rather than a universally prohibited accessory.

Here in Texas, the spinners may be regulated in commercial vehicles, but not in privately-owned vehicles. It is recommended to not use spinners that stick out past the rim diameter (like on a projecting arm), which could catch on a sleeve or something, but min is mounted almost perpendicularly atop the wheel rim, and doen't stick out but maybe a 1/2". I hardly ever wear loose sleeves, anyway.

I'll probably remove the spinner when/if I recover more mobility in my right arm, and/or my left wrist/thumb gets better.

I've had to use on/off since my mid 20s.

IDGAF what somebody else might think, do what's best for you.

I rarely use a cane anymore since i use a mini Segway for mobility.

My knee pain rewound a decade when i started using it and it's helped immensely with all mobility like stairs


–awr–

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Andrew - if you have similar problems with your knees as I do, and you're still working on BMW 's a lot, do you find yourself having to "rest & recover" after every repair job?

I do, and that makes me not likely to even initiate automotive projects anymore, and put off maintenance until the last minute (oil changes, brakes, even checking tire pressures). I no longer want to spend most of my waking hours "working on it" (whatever the project might be).

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I've had CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) since 1989. I need r&r after going up a flight of stairs.

When working on cars i break up a big job in two hour shifts over days usually.

If i push though a 4-6 hour job I'm spent for 3-5 days of recovery. Still satisfying to succeed.

My next big job is an engine swap. And then rod bearings.


–awr–

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