I am seriously thinking about replacing my GS400 steering wheel with e shift. I love it, but I really want the wood-wrapped steering wheel. I know I will have to remove the steering wheel and send it off somewhere, but I'm not sure if I'm capable of doing it. To those of you who have done it, how horrible was the experience? I've heard that the most dangerous part about removing the steering wheel itself is the airbag.

Any advice? Warnings?

-Kendra

 

I want to as well, but don't have the time and money. I think there is a DIY floating around for the steering wheel removal...I'll see if I can locate it, or if someone else knows..... chime in.

 

Air bag isn't a problem as long as you disconnect the battery and then the SRS plugs. As for pulling the steering wheel - you will need a steering wheel puller among other things. I have never done it on a Lexus but hahve done it on several Acura's.

Jonny

 

http://lexusmodz.netfirms.com/

This guy has a diy for it, including his own wood retrofit.

 

I forgot, but there is a site for a japanese company whole sells a replacement wood
steering wheel for the GS with e-shift, something like Grazio-co......Not sure, but i
remember checking them out

 

The steering wheel puller was not required when I took off a GS steering wheel for a friend.

Your experience may be different.

Once you have all the proper screws removed, just rock the steering wheel from side to side and use a pulling motion.

If it doesn't come off after a few hard tugs, go for the puller.

Make sure you use a steering wheel puller not a generic gear puller, cause it won't work.


CL members have ordered from American Stitches for a long time. If you do not have black interior, they will need a part of your car to match the leather.

This process takes around a month to do a wood conversion. There was a loaner steering wheel floating around the club for a while. Don't know if it is still in circulation.