Steering Wheel

[tsb]

I believe our steering wheel is the same as the lexus ls400 and ls430. Can someone verify this. And if they are the same has anyone in here changed the steering wheel of the Tundra to something else? if so, how did u do it?

And can the center piece of the steering wheel(the section w/ the toyota logo) come off?

any info will be appreciated

[TRDPWRD]

I have been wondering the same thing. The pix of the Ivan Stewart edition at the SEMA show had a 3 spoke, thick TRD wheel. Wonder if they are ever going to seel that as a separate item?

Our wheel is also identical to the Avalon as well. It is way to small and "car-like" for a pick up truck....

[DJ]

It comes off by unscrewing two screws just behind two of the spokes. A Torx screwdriver is required. Inside is the air bag, which is electrically connected by a yellow wire. Warning -- if you disconnect the air bag and then turn the key to ON, a fault code will be recorded in the system. Be careful with that air bag -- you don't want it to blow up in your face.

This is something you might consider if you are thinking about changing the steering wheel. Will the air bag of the new wheel be appropriate for the Tundra?

[tsb]

DJ-

do you think the steering wheel off from a lexus ls430 or 400 works w/ the tundra?

how can i remove just the front flap without triggering the airbag?
or how can i change the steering wheel without triggering the airbag?


i'm lost...confused... but yet i find myself in and out here....

[RM]

Judging from the similar appearance of most Toyota/Lexus steering wheels, I'd bet the bolt pattern/splines are identical. I called several salvage yards looking for a 2000-2001 Celica three spoke wheel. The prices were $175-250, without the airbag, which obviously is specific to that wheel. The airbags went for another $200-250. The total price was more than I wanted to spend. I then considered going to Landcruiser wheel, figuring if I couldn't get the three spoke, I would at least upgrade to a perforated leather wheel. The Tundra airbag would work with this combo. Ultimately, I sent my wheel to american-stiches.com and had my wheel covered in leather (with a 1/16 pad underneath) that I am very happy with. Cost was $250, but every time I wrap my fingers around it I smile.

[DJ]

Originally posted by tsb
DJ-

do you think the steering wheel off from a lexus ls430 or 400 works w/ the tundra?

how can i remove just the front flap without triggering the airbag?
or how can i change the steering wheel without triggering the airbag?


i'm lost...confused... but yet i find myself in and out here....

The two screws I described just hold the front cover in place. Under the front cover, the steering wheel itself is held onto the steering column by a big nut. Removing the front cover won't trigger the air bag, nor will unplugging it. So, just remove the front cover, disconnect and remove the air bag, then unbolt and remove the steering wheel.

[bradbury]

Do use care when playing with the airbags.
It is possible for a stray static charge to set it off while it's removed.