I have a 2011 rx350 and something came loose in the steering wheel. I can hear something gently scraping as the wheel is turned, this started the same time i got an air bag warning. How can I remove the cover of the airbag to see whats loose? On the road in the middle of new mexico.

 

I saw a thread mentioning this same problem, about six months ago, but can't find it. Anyone else?

 

Check these out.

supplemental-restraint-systems-steering-pad-removal-2010-rx350-to-08-2009-.pdf
steering-column-steering-wheel-removal-2010-rx350-to-08-2009-.pdf

 

RXSF & jimandkath, I think that's it. A Torx screw coming off, causing the scraping sound. Excellent detective work. Thanks for the "how to" pages.

 

I'd suspect you should be able to have Lexus repair this for free. The air bag in your steering wheel is part of the safety restraint system in your Lexus and might possibly pose a danger if the airbag deploys and that piece becomes a projectile. I'd also be concerned that it might cause an unintended deployment of the airbag.