Steering wheel replacement?

uzj100 · 06-15-09, 05:57 PM

Anyone have the inside scope on what other steering wheels fit an 2000 model? Ebay list the lx470 and ls400? Can anyone confirm this? My steering wheeel is in terrible shape however I am not paying 600 for a replacement. Also, does anyone have the list of LC dismantlers in the USA? I think one is called TAP recycling?

1loudLX · 06-15-09, 06:57 PM

Me like the LX470 wheel with the wood trim. Wears a lot less. From pictures, the late model LS400 wheels look exactly like ours.

Trunk Monkey · 06-15-09, 07:05 PM

car-part.com (or something like that) for all yards, cruiserparts.net for Cruiser specific stuff (not much 100 series), and Slee has some salvage trucks and parts.

I'd just recover your wheel. The 80's crowd uses leather Wheelskins, excellent covers.

uzj100 · 06-16-09, 07:36 AM

I ordered Leather Repair Kits - Do it yourself leather repair products for furniture auto just about anything leather or vinyl and will try to repair it. I do not like aftermarket wheel covers. I think I will also call tap recycling to see if they have a used one.

Trunk Monkey · 06-16-09, 07:51 AM

I don't think you'd mind the Wheelskins cover, it's just like OEM leather. If you take your time with the install, they're very good. Same cost as the "repair" kit you just bought and will last much longer. Only downside I've seen is they add 1/16" in thickness to the wheel, but you forget about that in a week.

1loudLX · 06-16-09, 08:24 AM

I still say find one out of an LX with the wood, especially if you drive with one hand and "palm" the wheel when you turn.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trunk Monkey

I don't think you'd mind the Wheelskins cover, it's just like OEM leather. If you take your time with the install, they're very good. Same cost as the "repair" kit you just bought and will last much longer. Only downside I've seen is they add 1/16" in thickness to the wheel, but you forget about that in a week.

I wouldnt mind it a little thicker anyways, ordered the 911 with the thicker steering wheel option

Utahfj62 · 06-16-09, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1loudLX

I still say find one out of an LX with the wood, especially if you drive with one hand and "palm" the wheel when you turn.

Yeah - Good luck with that - - i've tried for a year now. Nada. Last time I checked the OEM one is only about $1100 bucks if you can stomach that. (Comes with airbag and entire assembly)

macneill · 06-16-09, 10:12 AM

You guys are all missing the point. This is what he needs:

Hicaira · 06-16-09, 10:13 AM

I recently put a wheelskins cover on my 100 and have to say that I really like it. It made the wheel just a few MM's thicker and now it has the same hand-feel as my Bimmers. It took about an hour to install though just because I wanted to make the seams as tight as factory.

And $40 beats the heck out of $1,000. For the difference I could afford an ARB locking front diff or sliders. Man's gotta have priorities.

Exiled · 06-17-09, 03:26 AM

I installed a Wheelskin cover a week after I bought the Cruiser (2+ years) and never looked back. As others have said, if you take your time the installation is easy and clean, and I actually prefer the slightly thicker wheel. I don't care for the wood on the steering wheel of the newer LX470s at all.

uzj100 · 06-17-09, 03:30 AM

How is the color match on the oak interior? Can you guys post some pictures? Thanks,

LonghornCruiser · 06-17-09, 08:49 AM

I had an oak wheelskin and the color match was not very good with my interior. Was obvious I had a steering wheel cover on. And it started to fade at the top after 4 months. They did send me a new one free of charge, but wanted something better. I ordered a replacement wood grain one on Ebay like this

TOYOTA LAND CRUISER SPORT wood steering wheel w/o dash:eBay Motors (item 310126424597 end time Jun-30-09 16:25:14 PDT)

It matches the interior much better and feels a lot better. $500 - $70 for steering wheel core return.

Happy with it so far, but only had it on for a few months.

rockclmbr · 07-03-09, 07:57 AM

Has anyone ever removed the steering wheel? I need to replace a broken spiral cable that requires removal of the steering wheel with a SST. Just wondering if I can get away without purchasing one.

TMILL · 07-03-09, 08:09 AM

I used this bolt puller from harbor freight.. only $13

- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

rockclmbr · 07-03-09, 08:13 AM

Quote:

I used this bolt puller from harbor freight.. only $13

- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

TMILL, thanks! HF is 1mile from my house, I'll check it out. I think I can replace this spiral cable myself and save $350. That way I know how it works and will know it is done right! Now I just have to get the other shop to pay for the parts they f'd up!

TMILL · 07-03-09, 08:35 AM

I found one on ebay for $80.. I think it was listed for a Lexus ES 300 but was same part used in 98 LX470... you could check OpenX and see if same part number

Trunk Monkey · 07-03-09, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockclmbr

I think I can replace this spiral cable myself and save $350.

Be crazy careful with the air bag. You pop that and your $350 savings is out the window.

Hicaira · 07-06-09, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trunk Monkey

Be crazy careful with the air bag. You pop that and your $350 savings is out the window.

...in emergency room medical deductible?

Of the few things in a car I am not willing to mess with explosives top the list.

hedydd · 07-10-09, 12:02 PM

Prevention is better than cure. The leather on mine started to wear and peel at the two points where they are stitched together where the leather is raised a bit. Timely application of superglue has extended the leather life by about 30% to this point. It is now starting to wear at the ten-to-two positions to the point that it doesn't like wet hands or a wet cloth. The leather *may* last to 160,000 miles but that will be it. Is there a product that re-seals or re-varnishes the leather before its too late?