Hey Guys,

I am wondering how difficult it is to remove the steering wheel?

Thanks

Adam

 

it really depends on your comfort level, and your respect for the potentially fatal airbag. you will need to disconnect the battery, and wait several minutes (i would wait at least 15) because there is a capacitor that will hold a charge in case the airbag needs to go off, and the power supply was cut.

next you need to keep yourself grounded, as static electricity could set off the bag. airbag connectors are usually bright yellow.

then dis assemble, ( i have removed / replaced many airbags on many brands and they are all pretty much the same story)

there will be a few screws on the back of the steering wheel which hold the airbag on (you might need a special tool, some manufacturers use whats called a safety torx. remove airbag and set somewhere where it will not be disturbed and always face up.

next you will see what called a clock spring, you need to be careful not to play with this, just remove it and reinstall it, dont spin it around.

next you will see a large nut (usually 19mm (not sure what that is in american measurement)) remove that (might need a breaker bar).

then the tricky part, my luck has been about 50/50 with this part, nothing holds the steering wheel but the resistance on the splines, sit in the drivers seat with hands at 9 and 3, and pull/wiggle back and forth. if no luck, you will need a steering wheel puller (they are usually pretty cheap and come with instructions (youtube it if need be, heck there could be a video for the RX for all i know)

voila, done

i did a quick look on youtube, nothing specific to the RX 330, but i would watch a bunch to get a feel for what you are in for.

 

Great thank you! One followup question, I am having my steering re-finished but it will take about 3 weeks. Can I use a lexus rx 300 steering for the time being, or any other steering wheels for that matter?

 

the only way to really know will be to trial and error. perhaps the shop refinishing the steering wheel has a loaner?

dont forget to mark the exact spot on the steering wheel so when you reinstall it isnt crooked.

 

Well considering that I would be have to purchase a steering wheel on ebay, it can be a waste of time as well as money. Back to the drawing board.