Is it really necessary to use a steering wheel puller to get the steering wheel off? I saw a sewell Lexus steering swap video on youtube and the guy was yanking on the wheel. Will that cause any damage? Also he didn't disconnect the battery I'm no mechanic but I think it would of been wise to do so.

 

from experience, If it is your first time pulling the steering wheel off, the puller will def make it easier.
However, I don't find it necessary and as for disconnecting the battery, it's just a safety precaution since you are dealing with part/sensors related to the airbag.

I'm sure any force too much can cause damage, but the steering wheel can come undone without being so aggressive as seen on sewell video.

 

you don't have to use steering puller. Most of us don't disconnect battery just for swapping steering wheel.

 

Thanks for the reply. I will give it a shot.

 

You'll really wish you disconnected the battery as a precaution just in case there is a slight arc when connecting or disconnecting the airbag

 

when you pulled the wheel, remember don't unscrew the steering wheel screw completely. just loosen it with some gaps then pull so you don't pull the spiral coil out. I loosen the screw and pulled then the spiral coil got loose then I had to pushed it back in so the coil would be centered and click the switch on the turn signal control when I make a turn.
also no need to disconnect the battery, I heard there is a second battery some place for the steering from the Lexus tech at the dealership, so it doesn't make sense just to disconnect the main battery while another one for the steering is still running, just make sure you plug back the air bag cables correctly, a short, or discharge on the electric current can make the air bag go off.

 

Now I'm scared to try it. Don't want to screw anything up in the process.

 

You'll be fine, just take the airbag out, disconnect all the wires, loosen the nut but don't take it off. Then place both hands on the sides where you would for the paddle shifters, and both feet on the floor and use your legs to push while you pull with the upper body. It sounds much worse than it is!

 

I would try to push it little side by side first before I start to pull it.

 

How do you unclip the airbag cables? Just pull it up? I was trying to install aftermarket steering wheels and having a hard time removing the airbag cable

 

Will the 2011 steering wheet fit 2006?

 

You dont need a steering wheel puller. If you goto sewell one of the vendors and goto f sport wheel there is a removal video which shows how to get it off without one

 

Take a flathead or interior trim removal tool, push it into the flat part of the airbag cable clip, lift it up, or in other words push it with the flathead towards the dash if the steering wheels is on the car. The clips lift and pop out. I know it's hard to picture but basically they pull right out once you get the flat part to lift.

 

I'd like to thank everyone for replying. I got the job done. It was very easy but I have to say I used a steering wheel puller and that made it that much easier. The steering wheel puller is free to rent if you return it with 2 day at O'reily auto parts store. If I could ever get a perforated steering wheel I will do this again.

 

If you take off the airbag, the battery should be removed first. I took it off prior to install the steering damper, it wasn't too hard, and did not require much force.