RX - 1st Gen (1999-2003) Discussion topics related to the 1999 -2003 RX300 models

Steering wheel upgrade

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Old 01-06-12, 09:42 AM
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Larry62
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Default Steering wheel upgrade

I picked up a 2002 rx wood steering wheel minus airbag and found out after the fact that its not a direct swap to my 2000 rx. The airbag is bigger. Has anyone done this upgrade and if so what is involved in the swap. Do I need to buy any other parts like a clockspring.or just the airbag.

Thanks Larry
Old 01-06-12, 11:53 AM
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99rx
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It has been done before. All you need is the airbag. Which will look good because it has the chromed Lexus emblem on it. Put pictures up when you are done.
Old 01-06-12, 02:00 PM
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Larry62
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Thanks for the info,,,,Larry
Old 01-06-12, 02:14 PM
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hypervish
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Let us know how it goes! I want to do it too, but don't know if it's worth it. I might just buy a wood cover for the wheel or something.
Old 01-06-12, 03:38 PM
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99rx
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Yes I'm also curious of the cost of the airbag... Keep us updated
Old 01-08-12, 05:59 PM
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Larry62
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I just paid $180 for a used one. Sucks huh! Other makes go for as low as $30 so either they are rare or its because its a Lexus. At any rate its a pricey upgrade. Had I known the price of the airbag I would have passed on it .That being said if you get the same year of wooden steering wheel as your vehicle,your existing airbag should work but better check first.
I do have a question....does the clockspring need to be pulled to get the steering wheel off on a 2000 model year?
Old 01-08-12, 07:08 PM
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salimshah
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Originally Posted by hypervish
Let us know how it goes! I want to do it too, but don't know if it's worth it. I might just buy a wood cover for the wheel or something.
What I have heard is "stay away from wood covers".

Salim
Old 01-10-12, 08:47 AM
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defo
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I've done this mod....you need to make sure you find a single stage airbag. Most of the airbags on Ebay are later models and are dual stage. This will not work on your 2000 RX.
Old 01-10-12, 08:48 AM
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defo
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Originally Posted by Larry62
..... I do have a question....does the clockspring need to be pulled to get the steering wheel off on a 2000 model year?
No, it does not need to be removed.
Old 01-11-12, 08:33 AM
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Larry62
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I installed the wheel yesterday and it looks great. Fortunately the airbag I bought was from a 2001 as I didnt know about the 2 stage bags(see depo's post). I will post pics as soon as I figure out how to do it . Maybe someone can help me on this?


Larry
Old 01-14-12, 02:41 PM
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defo
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Originally Posted by Larry62
I installed the wheel yesterday and it looks great. Fortunately the airbag I bought was from a 2001 as I didnt know about the 2 stage bags(see depo's post). I will post pics as soon as I figure out how to do it . Maybe someone can help me on this?


Larry

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Old 03-09-12, 01:13 AM
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sdwtchlvr
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I found this thread about 12 hours too late. I just ordered an OEM wood grain steering wheel from a 2000 RX for my 2002 RX. Airbag won't fit, huh. So I need to find a replacement airbag for a 2000 RX300?
Old 03-09-12, 09:17 AM
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sdwtchlvr
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After doing some more research, I may be ok. It looks as though the wood steering wheel wasn't even offered until 2001 and after...so if I'm installing this wheel in a 2002, I should be fine. Can anyone confirm this?
Old 03-09-12, 11:33 AM
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99rx
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Originally Posted by sdwtchlvr
After doing some more research, I may be ok. It looks as though the wood steering wheel wasn't even offered until 2001 and after...so if I'm installing this wheel in a 2002, I should be fine. Can anyone confirm this?
Shouldn't the 02 already have the wood grain steering wheel?
Old 03-09-12, 12:45 PM
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bob2200
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Originally Posted by 99rx
Shouldn't the 02 already have the wood grain steering wheel?
Most do, but it was an option. My 2002 RX300 has the leather steering wheel (which I prefer, for comfort).


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