New (to me) Steering Wheel for 2000 LX

[jasoncjung]

I also bought from this seller for my 2001 LC (*Replacement Steering Wheel Dark Wood Grain Leather Grip For Toyota Land Cruiser | eBay) beige interior with dark wood grain trim. The wood seems like a great match, and the beige steering wheel is a "good enough" match for my beige - definitely a difference but not enough to care. My leather wheel was cracking on the very surface and some worn bits, but nothing terrible - it just bothered my wife. Bought with a coupon for $176 shipped. It apparently shipped from LA, so took 2 days to SF.

I had to do some minor trimming of the black rubber bits on all 4 corners, but 10 mins with a box cutter did the job. I had no problems with the uninstall/install except pulling the steering wheel - my old one was definitely stuck. After 10 mins I basically gave up. Then my wife was wondering why I was swearing, and in 10 seconds, she pulls it off - I guess I have to work out more?

 

[Ayune]

@jasoncjung What sort of coupon did you use, is it a code or something else? I'm planning on buying the same wheel shortly. Mine looks like an ape gnawed on it.

 

[ScubaJon]

Ebay has been putting out 10-20% off any item coupons for holidays the last few months. I would bet that is the code he is talking about. They are usually good for a few days so you have to check ebay regularly to catch them.

@jasoncjung What sort of coupon did you use, is it a code or something else? I'm planning on buying the same wheel shortly. Mine looks like an ape gnawed on it.

 

[LEX]

I think GETDADSGIFT might be a 15% off coupon for purchases $75 or more.

 

[jLB]

Just received one of these eBay wheels for my son's 2000 LC.

It looks pretty good out of the box. Feels slightly thicker than the OEM wheel. Grey color may be a little off, but not bad. Not sure what I think of the 10 & 2 "bumps".

Online, I see differing opinions on whether a "steering wheel puller" is "required" or just "makes it easier". Any comments from previous posters? Any recommendations/preference as to which (inexpensive) puller did or didn't work well?

On the trimming, I see the general area, but which surface is being trimmed for airbag clearance, parallel to the steering shaft or perpendicular to the steering shaft?

 

[gatormark91]

If they made them without wood, I'd be all over this. Until then, sticking with my Wheelskins, I guess.

 

[Tanner H]

Online, I see differing opinions on whether a "steering wheel puller" is "required" or just "makes it easier". Any comments from previous posters? Any recommendations/preference as to which (inexpensive) puller did or didn't work well?

i don't think you'll need one unless its really really stuck on there. you can lock the steering column with the key out and just start moving the wheel back and forth with your hands at 9 and 3 back and forth back and forth while pulling towards you.

 

[Ayune]

Online, I see differing opinions on whether a "steering wheel puller" is "required" or just "makes it easier". Any comments from previous posters? Any recommendations/preference as to which (inexpensive) puller did or didn't work well?

My wheel required a puller. Any cheapo one from AutoZone or the like should work. They usually come with a variety of mating screws, I was surprised to find my OEM wheel's threads were 5/16-18.

 

[jLB]

OK, I gave it a few yanks, and then went to the steering wheel puller, which made life a whole lot easier.

The grey leather is a pretty good match to the OEM grey interior, and I don't find the wood too out of place.

Now I'm to the point that the airbag is a little "proud", so the mounting screws don't quite line up. I expect that I need to trim the rubber/plastic, as others have mentioned above, to get the airbag to seat properly.

I probably should've test fit the airbag before I installed the wheel. At this point I'd appreciate some confirmation of what surface others have trimmed, as It's hotter than hell out there, and I'd prefer not to have to go through the R&R again, if I don't absolutely have to.

In my case, the rubber/plastic pad on the upper spokes was a little too wide. A couple of strokes with a box cutter on the top/bottom surfaces (parallel with the steering column) was enough to get the airbag to seat.

 

[nothappening]

I'm having some trouble with the fit of my airbag like some have mentioned. I can get mine to seat properly but then it has no play - I haven't reconnected the battery so I'm not sure if I could even activate the horn. Does anyone have advice on how I should proceed? The fit seems really off, it's very tight on the right side and a big gap on the left side. I don't see any way to make adjustments.