New (to me) Steering Wheel for 2000 LX

[LBridges]

Just got it in today from an EBay seller in Taiwan. Purchased on 5 May so shipping was PDQ.

Workmanship isn't quite Lexus Quality, but I think pretty high given the price I paid $219 - FedEx shipped to Florida.

Haven't installed it yet, have other stuff on my plate, but I see no issues. Even better, it passed the wife's muster.

I will note that the seller called the color of the leather beige, but I think of beige as somewhat lighter than this. Good news is it's actually a very good match for the OEM wheel color on my 2000 LX470 with the Oak interior. The wood grain is also a pretty good match in terms of the darkness of the grain. The flooring I used as a background is a maple laminate so you have a color reference.

As I said, not installed, but hopefully no issues there.

 

[CurbsEnthusiasm]

I've been wanting to purchase one of those Taiwan wood wheels as well. The original wood is completely cracked on mine. I've replaced a steering wheel in a previous F250 with one of those wood wheels and the quality was near stock, typically they use older steering wheel bases.

I can't tell from the photo but is that wheel perforated?

 

[LBridges]

I've been wanting to purchase one of those Taiwan wood wheels as well. The original wood is completely cracked on mine. I've replaced a steering wheel in a previous F250 with one of those wood wheels and the quality was near stock, typically they use older steering wheel bases.

I can't tell from the photo but is that wheel perforated?

First, concerning the use of older bases -- my OEM wheel does not have the little bumps at 10 and 2, but maybe the LC did, or other LXs beside my 2000?

Second, yes the leather is perforated. I'd say the holes are a little smaller than on my current, original, wheel.

And just to be clear, this isn't the same seller as frequently has $299 LC/LX wheels. I have never seen one of those in person so I can't compare quality of the products.

Edit: Included a bit of detail so you can see perforations and quality of work. The sort of white highlights on the thread is a function of the crappy flash on my phone camera.

 

[CurbsEnthusiasm]

I'm sold based on that picture. My leather is falling apart like a golf club grip and my wood grain is cracked like a dropped mirror!

The sellers pictures weren't as detailed as yours, it's a great match for the oak.

 

[lhommec13]

I purchased and installed the same steering wheel (in gray) on my 2002 LC last year and can say I was more than impressed. I think I paid $199 but the quality far surpassed my expectation. I had to do a little light trimming to the small rubber area (2nd picture above) to make the airbag mount flush with the wheel, but it fit perfectly after that. The color wasn't a 100% perfect match with my 13+ year old interior, but it's close enough where no one notices other than myself. Overall, for ~$200, it's well worth it IMO. I'll post some pics tonight.

 

[LBridges]

I purchased and installed the same steering wheel (in gray) on my 2002 LC last year and can say I was more than impressed. I think I paid $199 but the quality far surpassed my expectation. I had to do a little light trimming to the small rubber area (2nd picture above) to make the airbag mount flush with the wheel, but it fit perfectly after that. The color wasn't a 100% perfect match with my 13+ year old interior, but it's close enough where no one notices other than myself. Overall, for ~$200, it's well worth it IMO. I'll post some pics tonight.

Had to do a bit of rubber trimming myself. Thanks for the heads up as I would have wondered if it was something dumb I was doing - and delayed putting it on - thinking it over before doing what had to be done. But with your note I went right to it and the wheel got changed out in less than 30 minutes. Same issue with color match, but with a 16 year difference what could I expect - I think even a new OEM wheel would have issues. Overall - I'd do it again.

 

[Emcd]

I've been eyeballing those wheels to. How'd you remove the old steering wheel? I imagine you disconnected the battery to keep the airbag from blowing up in your face while R&R the bag. Is there simple instruction guide?

 

[LBridges]

Pretty simple actually (assuming some tools at hand not in every toolbox).

Tools and actions:

Something to disconnect negative post of battery (in my case 10mm ratcheting box end wrench) - do this to prevent accidental airbag launch.

Torx t30 tool (I use the kind that goes on a ratchet but the screwdriver style would work too) to loosen one screw on each side of wheel so that air bag can be pulled (note: has two electrical connectors so don't just rip it off the wheel). Need something thin to get the somewhat rectangular panels to pop off and reveal the screw on each side (I used plastic putty knife).

Phillip head screwdriver - eventually I think you will remove 10 screws (two holding housings for the Torx screws, 6 on the wheel holding on the bits and two holding the wheel to the plastic column cover.

19mm socket and ratchet - what actually holds the wheel in place. (Don't think you could get a wrench in there and break the bolt loose).

Steering Wheel puller - the wheel has a mild press fit, if lucky you could probably yank it off, but I have a puller so...

Use this thread (has pictures). PM me if having the FSM pages would make you feel more comfortable.

Reassemble in reverse.

 

[lhommec13]

This Youtube video shows you everything you need to know about removing/replacing the steering wheel.



I forgot to take pics this evening, but I will do so tomorrow and post. Like LBridges said, I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat. Best $200 I've spent on the Cruiser in awhile (not including gas lol).

 

[LEX]

Any pics of it installed, yet? I'd like to see it compared to other eBay wheels.

 

[LBridges]

Any pics of it installed, yet? I'd like to see it compared to other eBay wheels.

Here's mine, the interior color is OAK. The wheel and airbag looks darker in person, the color here is a function of phone camera flash and accents (IMO) the color differences. I'd say the color is a very good match considering how many years the truck sat in the Florida sun, but then again I don't have anything near original to compare & contrast. Try to ignore the ink marks on airbag cover. They were left by my granddaughter while pretending to drive and finding an ink pen in grandpa's console.

 

[sean2202]

Great writeup thank you as this is on the to do list!

 

[LEX]

Here's mine, the interior color is OAK. The wheel and airbag looks darker in person, the color here is a function of phone camera flash and accents (IMO) the color differences. I'd say the color is a very good match considering how many years the truck sat in the Florida sun, but then again I don't have anything near original to compare & contrast. Try to ignore the ink marks on airbag cover. They were left by my granddaughter while pretending to drive and finding an ink pen in grandpa's console.

Looks great! I'm sold.

 

[87warrior]

Thank you for the details! The wheel looks to be good quality.

I wish they would sell a wheel without the wood!

 

[LBridges]

Thank you for the details! The wheel looks to be good quality.

I wish they would sell a wheel without the wood!

They replied pretty quickly to an email from me - I'd suggest you ask, might get a pleasant surprise.

 

[leej]

Is there any difference between the Land Cruiser Wheel and the LX470 wheel (other than the airbag cover emblem?)?

I have an 2004 LX470 (with audio buttons on the wheel, etc., tan interior), and found this:
2003-07 Toyota Land Cruiser Steering Wheel Tan Leather W/Woodgrain 4510245010E0 | eBay

Anyone know if this will work for me?

Lee
2004 LX470

 

[LBridges]

Can't say I know, but they have different part numbers so that doesn't bode well. On the other hand they both have the same color (Sandalwood is the correct name I think) available.

I know they changed the mounting after about 2002 so my knowledge is essentially zip - sorry.

I would expect the actual column and attachment to be the same, maybe with the LX having some extra electrical connector?

 

[leej]

LBridges, thanks for the reply. I suspect it is the same, and I think I may roll the dice. Its for my wife's '04 LX470.

Additionally, I think I will try to get one of the wheels from Taiwan just like yours for my 2000 LC; unfortunately, the tan/beige/oak/sandlewood/etc. (in the link you provided) are currently out of stock. On your advice, I think I will email them and ask if they will have any more in stock.

Is yours still holding up well, do you still recommend it?

Lee
2000 LC
2004 LX470

 

[LBridges]

...
Is yours still holding up well, do you still recommend it?
...

Not a single issue. The truck spends 24/7 outside in the Florida sun although I do use a windshield sun visor.

 

[leej]

Just wanted to provide an update:

I ordered this steering wheel on ebay:
2003-07 Toyota Land Cruiser Steering Wheel Tan Leather W/Woodgrain 4510245010E0 | eBay
for my wife's 2004 LX470. The steering wheel itself looked great, but unfortunately the wood didn't match the existing wood trim. The existing wood trim was much much lighter colored (light tan or honey colored) and the new steering wheel was more brown. I don't think the color difference was due to fading, I think it was two different colors. The wood color on the new wheel not matching the other wood kept bothering me, and ultimately I returned the new wheel. I should have taken a picture of the two wheels, but didn't think about it until it was returned. As long as your wood color is not really light colored, I think this wheel would be great! I'll keep looking for something for her car.

I have ordered a steering wheel on ebay from Taiwan ($219) for my 2000 Landcruiser, just like the one pictured in LBridges post. I don't have any wood trim in my Landcruiser now, so no issue there, and as long as the leather is close, I'll be happy.

Hope this info is helpful for someone else.

Lee