RX330 Steering Wheel fitted in LX470 - FYI

[OregonLC]

I'm pretty certain @OregonLC is referring to the dimensional/physical deployment not the electrical aspect.

Correct. I would want to be certain that things like explosive force, deployment speed, bag volume, bag angle, etc were completely compatible between the two models before I replaced such a critical safety feature.

While the wheel may physically mate up, I personally wouldn't trust my life on saving $200 on getting my OEM wheel re-skinned.

 

[Eliot]

Correct. I would want to be certain that things like explosive force, deployment speed, bag volume, bag angle, etc were completely compatible between the two models before I replaced such a critical safety feature.

While the wheel may physically mate up, I personally wouldn't trust my life on saving $200 on getting my OEM wheel re-skinned.

I can see where you're coming from, but in regards to physical dimensions, the airbag for that steering wheel is designed to cover up the full diameter of the steering wheel. This will keep my face from making contact with the wheel. Explosive force, i can't really put numbers to it, but it's pretty simple...the airbag forces are designed to catch the momentum of a human head. I can't imagine many changes being made between Lexus models (if it catches a human head in an RX330 then it'll catch a head in a LC100). Airbags are pretty simple devices and I've seen this done too many times. I don't see any safety issue here. Definitely good to think about though, and thanks for the input.

Does that RX steering wheel have the same contours (shape) that blend in with the steering column as the steering column on your LX? Do the colors work to be about the same also? I have the (1998) LC tan interior.
One last question and not sure if you would know this or not, but are the shape of the steering column's the same for both the LX and LC? I have an LC and am in need of a new(er) steering wheel also.

Colors are very close to an exact match. The steering wheel fits in with the entire console like it belongs there.

I have no idea about the steering column. My guess is they are different.

 

[bctlex]

I can see where you're coming from, but in regards to physical dimensions, the airbag for that steering wheel is designed to cover up the full diameter of the steering wheel. This will keep my face from making contact with the wheel. Explosive force, i can't really put numbers to it, but it's pretty simple...the airbag forces are designed to catch the momentum of a human head. I can't imagine many changes being made between Lexus models (if it catches a human head in an RX330 then it'll catch a head in a LC100).

I tend to agree with @Eliot since the steering wheel and the airbag both replaced, then there should not be an issue. Its a whole different matter if using RX airbag with LC steering wheel because the LC wheel is larger, so it may not be covered by the airbag.

Just a personal opinion, definitely not airbag expert.

 

[jblatl]

Spline counts are not all the same, just tried to install a new wheel from a 1999 Camry and no go! Splines are different.

Does anyone have any other options???

 

[Biga27110]

swapping for a new lx or gx wheel would make a big difference in driving.

 

[sacmaster]

The wheels in my 04 Tundra and 08 Sienna looked exactly like the wheel in my 03 LC. I suspect they would all be a direct swap.

 

[CBeckFJ]

swapping for a new lx or gx wheel would make a big difference in driving.

If newer LX or GX wheels mounted up and matched all the contours, that would be one hell of a swap