Abstract: A steering wheel (310) for a motor vehicle includes a core member with a circular rim (312). At least one dampening element (314) is attached to the rim (312) and is supported and sprung in a sleeve (318) by at least one spring element (316). A method of manufacturing a steering wheel (310) is also provided, the method including steps of providing a steering wheel core member (312), and securing a sleeve (318) having at least one dampening element (314) supported and sprung therein to the core member (312). A method of optimizing vibration in a vehicle steering wheel assembly is further provided.

Abstract: A steering wheel (10) for a motor vehicle includes a core member with a circular rim (12). At least one dampening element (14) is attached to the rim (12), preferably in a channel (11), the dampening element (14) having a density greater than the density of the core material, and preferably positioned substantially radially symmetrically around the rim (12). A method of manufacturing the steering wheel (10) is also provided, the method including steps of providing a steering wheel core member (12) having a circular rim section (12) with a channel (11), positioning at least one dampening element (14) in the channel (11), and delivering a flowable curable material around the rim section 12 to secure the dampening element therein.