ARCHIVE HOW TO: remove the steering wheel and replace with a pretty one
- Thread starter NLXTACY
- Start date
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Had a steering wheel sticking out my fly. Arrr, it was a driving me nuts.
Your tool holder works better than the two at my house. They would have wondered off, with the tool, to find something better to do.
From the reading of past threads I think the conclusion was that none of the newer Toyota/Lexus wheels with controls were useable due to different style airbag? Dual stage or something and at some point the spline count changed. I should put some effort into finding a non hacked looking steering wheel control solution. Wiring is easy using a maestro or similar communication device but it’s finding something that looks oem is tough I think I will order a steering wheel from them today
I actually thought about a steering wheel with radio controls built in. Still might. But I don’t have the time for mundane research the way I used to.
nukegoat
Should have bought a Jeep
Why notI actually thought about a steering wheel with radio controls built in. Still might. But I don’t have the time for mundane research the way I used to.
This was a hilarious read, thankyou for that!On the steering wheel there us only one connector to worry about, the white on tab. One little tab on the bottom and out it comes.
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Taking off the steering was funny...
I gave the task to my 5'4" 18 yo brother to remove. I told him to take the 19mm and just loosen it but DON'T remove it. He asked what the two threaded holes were on the sides of the nut. I told him those were for a steering wheel puller. He asks if I have a steering wheel puller.
"Of course I do! You!", I replied.
Huh?
I explained he just needed to man up and yank on it and it'll pop off. Since he's single and 18 this should be natural to him
Meanwhile I went to grab a drink, take a piss and eat a sandwich. 30 mins goes by and my brother comes in frustrated. It wouldn't budge.
I walked out, sat down, put my feet on the floor, pulled the on the steering wheel once and it came right off. My brother was pisssssed. Leverage bro. Leverage.
So anyway, this what the steering column looks like once the wheel is off.
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A few years back I went to a salvage yard to pick up a spare steering wheel,
went out to the vehicle with the yard monkey who, while sitting in the driver's seat, beat the sh-t out of the wheel with his knees, fists, you name it. I seriously was concerned he was going to either break the wheel in half or rip the entire steering column out of the vehicle he was hitting, banging, and tugging so hard on the wheel, but it eventually came off, no harm done.
Much less drama when using a steering wheel puller with a cordless impact.
went out to the vehicle with the yard monkey who, while sitting in the driver's seat, beat the sh-t out of the wheel with his knees, fists, you name it. I seriously was concerned he was going to either break the wheel in half or rip the entire steering column out of the vehicle he was hitting, banging, and tugging so hard on the wheel, but it eventually came off, no harm done.
Much less drama when using a steering wheel puller with a cordless impact.
I just gave mine a little rocking back and fourth at 12 & 6 then 3 & 9 and persuaded it. Going to see how this new leather from "wheelskins" comes out..
Does anyone know if I can drive around with the airbag removed? Or will it trigger something crazy in the system to make any other airbags go off? The reason I ask, is because I will be removing my Airbag tomorrow by disconnecting my battery first and applying the brake pedal to get any 'juice' out of the system. Then bringing the airbag and cover to a leather guy who is going to dye the new leather wrapped wheel to match perfectly. I assume he will need it for a few day and I still need to drive around.
Thanks in advanced!
Thanks in advanced!
jkeithw
Supporting Vendor
Unfortunately I am VERY late in doing this write up but well...I've been busy. @FloridaFJ80 and I traded some gear (of which I have YET to send him) and I promised him I'd do a write up and give my feedback. So here goes...
First thing first is comparing the old steering wheel with 364k miles on it and the new one from Land Cruiser Heaven. The color is a great match for new leather but you can see how age has altered the color on my wheel. Everything else looked right, matched, from what I could tell so off to the races.
Obviously the very first step is shutting off all power to the truck and letting it sit for about five minutes because you do NOT want to risk the airbag going off. Although the potentiometer is under the center console, I've heard that odd power surges could somehow trigger it. Not taking any chances
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sheez, your bad wheel is WAY better than mine...! (wanna sell it?)
Thank you @NLXTACY for the write up. Finally had enough of the old cracked leather and the crumb dirt collecting steering wheel covers. Sent mine off to Dallas custom wheels and had new leather with extra padding. 1 week turnaround. I figured it’s what I see the most while driving and wanted something professional, durable and pretty, plus They used my original wheel. 495 including Fedex.
lumbee1
Native American
Previous previous owner was a cigar smoker and the top of the steering wheel was sticky and gummy with tar. I didn't have any tears in the leather to deal wiht. I cleaned the wheel with magic eraser, mixed a customer paint color to match the wheel, and painted the worst spots several times. I finished the surface with Angelus Leather Paint Stain Finisher to protect the paint and then wrapped the wheel with a Wheelskins cover. I prefer the thicker steering wheel with the Wheelskins cover. In the end, it cost approximately $65 and the steering wheel still looks great 5 years later.
Paint $3
Leather finisher $8
Wheelskins $50
The paint color in the 3rd picture was not the final tint. I mixed another batch that was closer to the OEM gray.
Paint $3
Leather finisher $8
Wheelskins $50
The paint color in the 3rd picture was not the final tint. I mixed another batch that was closer to the OEM gray.
Reviving this thread instead of starting a new one. Anybody know what this electrical connector is for? There’s nothing connected to it and my EWD reading skills are pretty poor.
LX450s had optional mobile phones. The phone controls were located here if so equipped.
Hey guys I’m having issues removing my steering wheel on my 01 LC. There’s something white behind it that I don’t see on the pictures here not sure if that has something to do with it.
I can pull it back but it feels like it’s being held in by something. Almost like a spring or clip?
Any suggestions on what to do?
I can pull it back but it feels like it’s being held in by something. Almost like a spring or clip?
Any suggestions on what to do?
