STEERING wheel upgrade.....
Lead Lap
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 410
Likes: 10
From: AZ
Bump! :-)
Im looking at the Airbags for Wood Grain Steering Wheels, and it appears there may be lightly different sizes depending on 02-04 ES vs 98-03 GS & RX.
I know 100% for sure the non-chrome L symbol Airbags from all-leather wheels dont fit the wood steering wheels.
What Im not trying to determine is if all the ones for GS, RX and ES with the chrome symbol thru 2002 or 2003 will fit the GS/RX wood grain steering wheels from 98-2003?
Reason is I have a 2003 ES airbag I can get, but it looks just a tad different in the pics on the bottom spoke...like maybe its just a little bit shorter, which would leave a gap.
Anyone know??
Im looking at the Airbags for Wood Grain Steering Wheels, and it appears there may be lightly different sizes depending on 02-04 ES vs 98-03 GS & RX.
I know 100% for sure the non-chrome L symbol Airbags from all-leather wheels dont fit the wood steering wheels.
What Im not trying to determine is if all the ones for GS, RX and ES with the chrome symbol thru 2002 or 2003 will fit the GS/RX wood grain steering wheels from 98-2003?
Reason is I have a 2003 ES airbag I can get, but it looks just a tad different in the pics on the bottom spoke...like maybe its just a little bit shorter, which would leave a gap.
Anyone know??
Last edited by az-dave; Jan 29, 2014 at 03:55 PM. Reason: subscribe to thresd
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
From: california
I think you would have to somehow wire in the steering wheel controls. The steering wheel controls are something I definitely miss switching from my IS to the SC.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: TX
I'm in the same boat as blkracefan. I've got a 95 GS300, and want to add steering wheel controls. The way I see it, there's two ways to go about it.. One being easy-ish, and the other being a fun Saturday project (probably longer, knowing me.)
Either way, I know that I will need the audio controls module, and an adapter to connect to my aftermarket head unit. The question is, will it be easier to just buy a new wheel, complete with controls, route the control wires, and be done? Or should I look at customizing my existing (factory) wheel to accomodate Lexus/other car manufacturer's controls that I can pick up on ebay, etc.?
What all is involved in making sure a different wheel will fit? I'm already assuming bolt pattern, and airbag harness (speaking of, read alot about 1 stage and 2 stage bags...?) Is there even room enough to run an extra, I'm assuming, ten or so 22awg wires through the column and through the wheel?
I'm no stranger to running wires, as I've been a home theater/car tech for nearly the past 20 years. I'm just used to connecting amps, etc. and not steering wheels lol.
Any help would be great! Most google searches have rendered nothing but steering/suspension issues, or woodgrain wheel covers.
Either way, I know that I will need the audio controls module, and an adapter to connect to my aftermarket head unit. The question is, will it be easier to just buy a new wheel, complete with controls, route the control wires, and be done? Or should I look at customizing my existing (factory) wheel to accomodate Lexus/other car manufacturer's controls that I can pick up on ebay, etc.?
What all is involved in making sure a different wheel will fit? I'm already assuming bolt pattern, and airbag harness (speaking of, read alot about 1 stage and 2 stage bags...?) Is there even room enough to run an extra, I'm assuming, ten or so 22awg wires through the column and through the wheel?
I'm no stranger to running wires, as I've been a home theater/car tech for nearly the past 20 years. I'm just used to connecting amps, etc. and not steering wheels lol.
Any help would be great! Most google searches have rendered nothing but steering/suspension issues, or woodgrain wheel covers.
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a Lexus TX 550h+ (& 3 Reasons to AVOID!)
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyota Models of the 1990s RANKED!
Joe Kucinski
10 Great Toyotas That Could Have Been Lexus Models
Joe Kucinski
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
From: california
All wheels should have the same spline shaft pattern. You shouldn't have any trouble running the wires, but it does get cramped in there once you put the airbag on so don't think you can just stuff all the extra wires somewhere like an AV install. 
I would just go on ebay and buy a used wheel that has controls, then figure out the wiring.
For the airbag, you might need an airbag harness. Do a search on here, it will connect your older style airbag connector from your car to the newer style connector on the airbag. I never needed it because mine is a 99.
I would just go on ebay and buy a used wheel that has controls, then figure out the wiring. For the airbag, you might need an airbag harness. Do a search on here, it will connect your older style airbag connector from your car to the newer style connector on the airbag. I never needed it because mine is a 99.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 315
Likes: 1
From: LA
All wheels should have the same spline shaft pattern. You shouldn't have any trouble running the wires, but it does get cramped in there once you put the airbag on so don't think you can just stuff all the extra wires somewhere like an AV install. I would just go on ebay and buy a used wheel that has controls, then figure out the wiring.
For the airbag, you might need an airbag harness. Do a search on here, it will connect your older style airbag connector from your car to the newer style connector on the airbag. I never needed it because mine is a 99.
I would just go on ebay and buy a used wheel that has controls, then figure out the wiring. For the airbag, you might need an airbag harness. Do a search on here, it will connect your older style airbag connector from your car to the newer style connector on the airbag. I never needed it because mine is a 99.
Just yesterday, I stumbled across a steering wheel that would drop dead gorgeous in a stock interiored SC. Search eBay or Google for "MOMO Jet 2 Gold Steering Wheel." There appear to be a few variations of the color scheme. Of course, going that route would eliminate the air bag.
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
From: california
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
From: california