hybridlexy

Hi All!

I purchased my 2010 RX450h CPO last November, and have always noticed (and wondered!) why the two pieces of wood trim at the bottom of my steering wheel had multiple small dents - figured perhaps the previous owner had a little dog that chewed on it (terrible hypothesis, I know! :P).

Over the weekend, the mystery solved itself! I was a little aggressive with the removal of my seat belt, and let it "fly out" and retract itself, instead of gently guiding it back to the pillar like usual...and BAM - the metal buckle snaps at the wood detailing on the steering wheel - new small dent.

Guys, if you don't already, please take it easy with the on/off of your seatbelt! I'm contemplating putting some sort of cover on the wood...has anyone actually done so?

Cruiter

Evidence of real wood and not 'plastic' like some. Plus character scars . Good observation, thanks .

wilchan

My wife did it once. Not at releasing seat belt time, but at pulling seat belt time when she tried to buckled the seat belt. Yup one real wood scar on the steering wheel too.

-- william

kitlz

I'm not sure how much protection you can get from a cover other than minimizing damage. But it's worth a shot for a couple of bucks. My steering wheel doesn't have any damage as far as I can tell. It's all leather. But I'll have to double check it later. What I don't like is the metal part of the seat belt dings up the pillar on the side of the seat when it retracts during release. I had the same issue on previous RXs. I wish Lexus would put something there that doesn't damage so easily.

hybridlexy

i think if we take it easy with the on/off our seatbelts, we should be good to go!
the previous owner of my RX definitely put quite a few small dents on the steering wheel. nothing like "safety first" i guess! :P

UCSB

Thanks for the warning ... a good reason to be a little careful.

Edit ... just went out to see how this could occur and noticed that clearance to steering wheel is greatly reduced once seat moves into position.