jimmyjay

Thought I would add to mcelliott's 2005 post and pictures of his Gen 2 steering wheel replacement. Mine is a 2000 ES and there are some differences. I replaced my all-leather wheel with a 2001 wood wheel. Thanks Syrianna.

jimmyjay

After disconnecting the battery there are 2 small knockouts on each side of the wheel to be removed. I used a very small screwdriver used for eyeglasses. Then remove 2 torx bolts, one on each side

Gently pull the airbag off and disconnect the yellow cable.

jimmyjay

Disconnect the horn/cruise control wiring which is the large white connector above the center hub. I discovered that the best tool for this is a ball inflation needle. It is just the right size and length to insert into the connector to release it. Note: inflation needle is shown still inserted in the the small hole in the lower edge of the connector.

Also, there is a green wire leading to another small white connector (which is unused) on the lower left side of the wheel. Pinch the base with a small needle nose plier and it will come off the wheel.

Remove the nut in the center hub, 3/4 inch I believe.

jimmyjay

The steering wheel puller was very simple to use. Attach the two bolts to the holes on each side of the center hub. The wheel popped off easily. I rented the steering wheel puller for $4.61 from the local tool rental store.

Make sure the yellow arrow is pointing up as shown and insert new wheel onto hub.

Reinstall center nut, attach unused connector, reconnect wiring to cruise control/horn and airbag, put back torx bolts and knockouts, reconnect battery and you've done it.

As a precaution I started the engine from the passenger seat to avoid a possible face full of airbag

jimmyjay

My new steering wheel.

PM me if you are interested in a black 2000 leather wheel in excellent condition. My ES has only 49K miles.

LXMN

One of the best interior mods to do. Like the added wood grain kit too.

Choas

Wow looks nice I was wondering if that was a kit it looks stock where did you get it?

jimmyjay

It's a stock wheel I purchased from Syrianna, a fellow poster here. I restrained myself from doing too much with the wood kit knowing that the wood wheel was coming. I only covered the three vent openings and the lower left panel as those areas are "enclosed". Adding wood to the upper console and the glove box door would have been too much IMO.

Choas

Yea but where did you get the kit?

jimmyjay

Wood Dash Experts

http://www.wooddashexperts.com/custo...e.php?cat=1048

Choas

Now is yours the natural wood one?

jimmyjay

No, I went with the less expensive plastic. It is a very close match to the factory burl plastic wood on the center console and ash tray. I might've gone with the real wood if it was a match to the straight grained real wood on the A/C and radio, but I didn't actually check with these folks to find out.

Choas

Hmm i'll have to look into it. Mine is a 97 so it would be a lil different. I also found other cool stuff there that i posted in the wings thread.

jimmyjay

Yeah, that's a nice benefit of a '97 mod where all the wood is consistent throughout.

Choas

No it still wont match perfect the 97 has wood grain around the shifter and window controls.