josey88

Ok... I have been always very pleased with my 2000 GS-400 , except for the steering wheel . I have been wanting to replace it for long time , but I was always afraid of the complications with the Air bag .
Now , having said that , I found this wood steering wheel on Ebay , brand new from Japan but it doesn`t mention if I can install my Airbag (the one original on the car) or I would have to find a more modern one .
I need to know that and besides that how difficult it is to swap the steering wheel having to re-install the transmission buttons , etc etc ?
I am pretty handy , so I am fairly sure I can do it with some guidance . Would I need an extractor to take out the steering wheel ?
I will really appreciate as much info as possible to decide if I burn some money on this thing . Thanks
http://www.ebay.com/itm/98-00-Lexus-GS300-Beige-Leather-Brown-Wood-Grain-E-Shift-Steering-Wheel-JDM-VIP-/370746102397?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item565230927d&vxp=mtr

Kyle Harty

iTrader: (17)

If it's designed for 98-00 you're airbag should fit. The shift buttons pop right out with a flathead screwdriver. My wheel came out without any kind of a puller, can't say for sure you won't need one but I didn't.

josey88

I asked the airbag question to the seller . Will wait for the reply . If I am assured I can use my airbag I will buy it .
From 1 to 10 how would you describe the difficulty to swap your steering wheel ? what about taking the airbag out and installing it back again ? I have no clue , since I have never done it . Click the pic to open the site .

ThomasGS4

iTrader: (19)

You absolutely will be able to use your airbag, although I couldn't see myself spending that much on that wheel alone.

Sevenevez

iTrader: (2)

it is fairly easy to remove.

Disconnect your battery so you don't break your neck when the airbag explodes!



On the side of your steering wheel/column, pop out the lil square plastic on the left side. and use a torx / star driver to loosen this screw



on the right side pop the little circle out and loosen the other screw



Just lightly wiggle the Airbag out of there and carefully unplug the yellow airbag connector



I use my 4-way lug wrench to break the big nut loose holding the steering wheel on



Instead of renting a steering wheel puller, just put your foot on the brake for leverage and pull on the top of the wheel, then a good hard tug on the lower part of the wheel pulled right off.



Reverse the Process to put your new wheel on

rgarjr

iTrader: (1)

I agree that's a lot of dough for that wheel. The leather also looks kind of weird on those pics. I personally like the 01+ wheels.

josey88

Hey, this is EXACTLY what I needed !!!! It doesn`t seem to difficult at all .
Thanks , Sevenevez ... those pics describe the procedure perfectly .

josey88

Yes, I think so too . It is a lot of money for a steering wheel, but I can use the original airbag which would save me some problems and having to buy another bag . In any case , are there any other wood tan leather steering wheels with the e-shifts available for less money ? I would jump on it for sure .

Kyle Harty

iTrader: (17)

They are harder to find with e-shift to fit a 98-00 airbag. Didn't check the link to see the price but of it's worth it to you go for it!

tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

nice pics Pete.... nice wheel to jose

josey88

Yes, my car has the e-shift buttons .
I was researching on the 01 and up airbag and I like the 98-00 airbag design better and the way it looks on the steering wheel . The only thing is that it doesn`t have the shiny L emblem , but besides that , I prefer the old one style better ,kind of a more square looking , so , fortunately I even like my airbag style .
If the seller confirms 100% that I will be able to use my air bag as all of you have said , it will be only a matter of swapping wheels , it is a brand new steering piece with no damage at all since it is new , and If I consider the cost of buying an newer airbag and finding it , etc , then the cost balances better .
If I am doing the wrong thinking , please, advice me . Thanks

josey88

Well... I think it is worth it .
My GS-400 has only 27,000 miles on it (27,035 to be exact ) and it is immaculate in and out .
I am keeping it forever , so yes , I think that even thou it is a lot of dough for a steering wheel , it will make my car complete .
The site says that it is Tan perforated leather so that is why it looks weird on the pic . The wood seems to match perfectly with the interior wood color also .
What the hell, it is only money , lol...

sung35

Hey Josey,

Post pics after install and let e know how the wood match with your exiting wood. I have 2000 GS4 too and thinking of doing he same thing. Thanks

Hung

josey88

I guess I will be a kind of an expensive guinea pig , lol... yes , I will post it , of course.
Hopefully the wood would match , at least I expect it will .

tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

do you have cherry wood interior or the brown wood like the steering wheel?