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

 

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.

 

Thanks for the info,,,,Larry

 

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.

 

Yes I'm also curious of the cost of the airbag... Keep us updated

 

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?

 

What I have heard is "stay away from wood covers".

Salim

 

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.

 

No, it does not need to be removed.

 

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

 

Sent you a PM

 

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?

 

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?

 

Most do, but it was an option. My 2002 RX300 has the leather steering wheel (which I prefer, for comfort).