Need to Remove Steering Wheel- Any Help Appreciated
Need to Remove Steering Wheel- Any Help Appreciated
Hi all,
I'm going to swap my steering wheel for a repainted black wood grain one and need some help to remove my current dark maple wheel and replace it with this new one. I want to be careful, as I do know that I will reuse my inflator and don't want it to be ruined, nor any other essential parts of the steering wheel (cables, electronics, etc) Can anyone help or supply a DIY to accomplish this? Thanks in advance.
I'm going to swap my steering wheel for a repainted black wood grain one and need some help to remove my current dark maple wheel and replace it with this new one. I want to be careful, as I do know that I will reuse my inflator and don't want it to be ruined, nor any other essential parts of the steering wheel (cables, electronics, etc) Can anyone help or supply a DIY to accomplish this? Thanks in advance.
Hahaha. that's very true. But who's to say that's its functional right now? It's all blind faith at this point, irregardless. But the safe thing is that it's MY airbag and not a used one... so at least I know it's proposed "status" as functional.
Trending Topics
Pit Crew
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 177
Likes: 86
From: W.Sussex UK
I had a quick look at adding paddle shift a short while ago and took the wheel off to see how difficult it may be. Here are a few pictures that may help.
I think the removal sequence is as follows:-
I removed the battery earth lead.
Removed 2 screws holding the multi-function steering control switch module.
Unplugged the connector from the switch
Removed the plastic cover on the other side.
That reveals the 2 captive torx bolts that secure the centre pad with the air bag.
Loosen the 2 torx bolts to release the air bag.
I found that I had to wriggle the centre pad quite vigorously in all directions to free it.
Unhook the horn and air bag connections carefully and that gives access to the wiring connector that goes to the clock-spring and the nut holding the steering wheel on.
Disconnect the cabling and loosen the nut but don't remove it yet.
Pull the steering wheel until it's loose. Mine was quite easy but a puller might be required.
Mark the splines and the wheel so that you put it back in exactly the right place.
Most also advise to centre the steering wheel before removing the nut and wheel completely.
Unless you can reset the air bag light, don't reconnect the battery until reassembly is complete.
I think the removal sequence is as follows:-
I removed the battery earth lead.
Removed 2 screws holding the multi-function steering control switch module.
Unplugged the connector from the switch
Removed the plastic cover on the other side.
That reveals the 2 captive torx bolts that secure the centre pad with the air bag.
Loosen the 2 torx bolts to release the air bag.
I found that I had to wriggle the centre pad quite vigorously in all directions to free it.
Unhook the horn and air bag connections carefully and that gives access to the wiring connector that goes to the clock-spring and the nut holding the steering wheel on.
Disconnect the cabling and loosen the nut but don't remove it yet.
Pull the steering wheel until it's loose. Mine was quite easy but a puller might be required.
Mark the splines and the wheel so that you put it back in exactly the right place.
Most also advise to centre the steering wheel before removing the nut and wheel completely.
Unless you can reset the air bag light, don't reconnect the battery until reassembly is complete.
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles
Michael S. Palmer
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4
Joe Kucinski
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 344
Likes: 94
From: Lexus, NJ
Hello.
I would like to examine the connection to the windshield washer switch and then perhaps remove the switch for cleaning and/or replacement on my 2003. Will I need to remove steering wheel in order to do this, or will I be able to do this by simply removing the 2 or 3 covers that surround the upper part of the column?
My wipers are working, but there is no current getting to the pump.
Thank you.
I would like to examine the connection to the windshield washer switch and then perhaps remove the switch for cleaning and/or replacement on my 2003. Will I need to remove steering wheel in order to do this, or will I be able to do this by simply removing the 2 or 3 covers that surround the upper part of the column?
My wipers are working, but there is no current getting to the pump.
Thank you.
I had a quick look at adding paddle shift a short while ago and took the wheel off to see how difficult it may be. Here are a few pictures that may help.
I think the removal sequence is as follows:-
I removed the battery earth lead.
Removed 2 screws holding the multi-function steering control switch module.
Unplugged the connector from the switch
Removed the plastic cover on the other side.
That reveals the 2 captive torx bolts that secure the centre pad with the air bag.
Loosen the 2 torx bolts to release the air bag.
I found that I had to wriggle the centre pad quite vigorously in all directions to free it.
Unhook the horn and air bag connections carefully and that gives access to the wiring connector that goes to the clock-spring and the nut holding the steering wheel on.
Disconnect the cabling and loosen the nut but don't remove it yet.
Pull the steering wheel until it's loose. Mine was quite easy but a puller might be required.
Mark the splines and the wheel so that you put it back in exactly the right place.
Most also advise to centre the steering wheel before removing the nut and wheel completely.
Unless you can reset the air bag light, don't reconnect the battery until reassembly is complete.
I think the removal sequence is as follows:-
I removed the battery earth lead.
Removed 2 screws holding the multi-function steering control switch module.
Unplugged the connector from the switch
Removed the plastic cover on the other side.
That reveals the 2 captive torx bolts that secure the centre pad with the air bag.
Loosen the 2 torx bolts to release the air bag.
I found that I had to wriggle the centre pad quite vigorously in all directions to free it.
Unhook the horn and air bag connections carefully and that gives access to the wiring connector that goes to the clock-spring and the nut holding the steering wheel on.
Disconnect the cabling and loosen the nut but don't remove it yet.
Pull the steering wheel until it's loose. Mine was quite easy but a puller might be required.
Mark the splines and the wheel so that you put it back in exactly the right place.
Most also advise to centre the steering wheel before removing the nut and wheel completely.
Unless you can reset the air bag light, don't reconnect the battery until reassembly is complete.
Got it done today! Pretty easy and the instructions above were 100% accurate. I did have trouble removing the horm pad/air bag inflator. I found that it is easier to remove the left hand capative Torx bolt, which created enough room for the pad/inflator to be removed easily. This should have been a 15 minute job, start to finish but I had to pause in the middle to run to Home Depot to get an extension for my socket wrench. Just a note to anyone who follows this thread, be sure you have the proper Torx attachment, a 3/4" socket for the actual steering nut, and at least a 5" extension. Other than that, really easy. Let me know what you think.
Pit Crew
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 177
Likes: 86
From: W.Sussex UK
Nice work, yes I like that a lot.
I haven't returned to the paddle shift project yet. The steering wheel is from an IS250 with a full leather grip. The airbag and clock spring connections present the greatest challenge. I think I have a possible solution but need to source an IS250 clock spring and the under steering column connectors and loom.
Mine is a 2006 with the 6 speed box.
I haven't returned to the paddle shift project yet. The steering wheel is from an IS250 with a full leather grip. The airbag and clock spring connections present the greatest challenge. I think I have a possible solution but need to source an IS250 clock spring and the under steering column connectors and loom.
Mine is a 2006 with the 6 speed box.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 344
Likes: 94
From: Lexus, NJ
Hello.
I would like to examine the connection to the windshield washer switch and then perhaps remove the switch for cleaning and/or replacement on my 2003. Will I need to remove steering wheel in order to do this, or will I be able to do this by simply removing the 2 or 3 covers that surround the upper part of the column?
My wipers are working, but there is no current getting to the pump.
Thank you.
I would like to examine the connection to the windshield washer switch and then perhaps remove the switch for cleaning and/or replacement on my 2003. Will I need to remove steering wheel in order to do this, or will I be able to do this by simply removing the 2 or 3 covers that surround the upper part of the column?
My wipers are working, but there is no current getting to the pump.
Thank you.
I decided to wing it. I removed the three screws that hold the top and bottom cover that is just behind the steering wheel. The turn signal switch assembly is held in by only 2 screws on top. The only thing left was an electrical connector with about a dozen wires on it. Pulled out the assembly, removed the circuit boards and sprayed all over with compressed air. The sprayer switch has 5 small wires coming down the right-hand stalk that connects to one of the boards with it's own connector. So I took close-up photos of the circuit board for later research. I put everything back together and....IT WORKS!
It was no necessary to remove the steering column in order to get to the switches.