Leather steering wheel swap

[Victor_inox]

eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices

Land Cruiser Prado wheels work too. They are normally pricey, and have woodgrain though.

this is the steering wheel to die for, i wish airbag were included.

 

[brockeverly]

this is the steering wheel to die for, i wish airbag were included.

I believe its the same airbag.

 

[4ShoreRunner]

I swapped out my steering wheel a couple of weeks ago.

All you do is pop off your factory air bag / audio controls / trim and add it to the new wheel.

I was able to find a leather wheel on ebay for only $175 from what I"m assuming was either a Limited or a leather SR5. Its nice quality but honestly if I had to pay any more than that it wouldn't have been worth it.

 

[limamike]

I swapped out my steering wheel a couple of weeks ago.

All you do is pop off your factory air bag / audio controls / trim and add it to the new wheel.

I was able to find a leather wheel on ebay for only $175 from what I"m assuming was either a Limited or a leather SR5. Its nice quality but honestly if I had to pay any more than that it wouldn't have been worth it.

I just bought this one: Toyota 4 Runner 4Runner Steering Wheel Black Leather 2011 Radio Cruise Buttons | eBay

Is it really that simple to pull the airbag? Will I need to switch any of the controls? Any complications actually pulling the wheel off? Looks like the one I purchased already comes with the controls and all I need to do is add the airbag.

 

[bofa]

When you go to purchase your 4Runner, make this part of your negotiations. That's what I did.

I have a SR5 with the premium package but I'm in Florida and subject to the tyranny of Southeast Toyota. They install their own leather (both on the seats and the doors) at the port in Jacksonville. They skimp by not giving you a leather steering wheel and shift knob. I wasn't pleased with this so I insisted that they get me a leather steering wheel and shift knob as part of my sale. They did and installed it for free. If you bring this up late in your negotiations, you can get it done for zero additional cost because they just want to close the deal. My 4Runner arrived with the plastic wheel and I drove it that way for a couple of weeks before I got it back in there for the leather one.

The point is, it can be done. I love my leather wrapped steering wheel, way better than the plastic. I also considered the aftermarket options and concluded it would never be the same.

fftopic: Where did you buy from? I'm planning on the same thing.. SR5 + dealer/port leather.

 

[4ShoreRunner]

I just bought this one: Toyota 4 Runner 4Runner Steering Wheel Black Leather 2011 Radio Cruise Buttons | eBay

Is it really that simple to pull the airbag? Will I need to switch any of the controls? Any complications actually pulling the wheel off? Looks like the one I purchased already comes with the controls and all I need to do is add the airbag.

Nope its pretty straight forward..I followed a few DIY I found online...one was from a Yaris forum and another from a Tacoma forum. If I find the links I'll post em up.

I needed a steering wheel puller that I got from auto zone, they leant it to me for free I just needed to leave a deposit.

 

[limamike]

Look what came in the mail today! :lookout:

Here's the thread I found: DIY Variable Speed wiper stalk install - Toyota Yaris Forums - Ultimate Yaris Enthusiast Site

If I kill myself I'm blaming 4ShoreRunner.

EDIT: Just found this thread which looks like it has better pictures/instructions -- http://www.toyota-4runner.org/accessories/5984-woodgrain-steering-wheel-2.html

 

[limamike]

Install done! It was actually really easy after following the second thread I mentioned above (http://www.toyota-4runner.org/accessories/5984-woodgrain-steering-wheel-2.html).

Two things worth mentioning if you buy a wheel from eBay or a salvage yard:

1. Ensure that it has all the proper cabling still intact. The one I got from eBay had one of the quick-disconnect harnesses broken, so I had to salvage one from my old wheel.

2. Ensure they come with the torx screws to seat the airbag otherwise you'll have to completely remove the rear valance of the old wheel to salvage the torx screws.

 

[Mick1]

Nice. Looks good.

I almost bought that wheel. I saw the ebay listing and saw that it was local to me and I could have drove to pick it up..... I was :sleepy: and let it go.

However, I did get my seat heaters installed a couple weeks back. :girl:

 

[garrett1478]

Install done! It was actually really easy after following the second thread I mentioned above (http://www.toyota-4runner.org/accessories/5984-woodgrain-steering-wheel-2.html).

Two things worth mentioning if you buy a wheel from eBay or a salvage yard:

1. Ensure that it has all the proper cabling still intact. The one I got from eBay had one of the quick-disconnect harnesses broken, so I had to salvage one from my old wheel.

2. Ensure they come with the torx screws to seat the airbag otherwise you'll have to completely remove the rear valance of the old wheel to salvage the torx screws.

did your original steering wheel have the same buttons on it so everything still works the same?

 

[mikey's2010SR5]

Install done! It was actually really easy after following the second thread I mentioned above (http://www.toyota-4runner.org/accessories/5984-woodgrain-steering-wheel-2.html).

Two things worth mentioning if you buy a wheel from eBay or a salvage yard:

1. Ensure that it has all the proper cabling still intact. The one I got from eBay had one of the quick-disconnect harnesses broken, so I had to salvage one from my old wheel.

2. Ensure they come with the torx screws to seat the airbag otherwise you'll have to completely remove the rear valance of the old wheel to salvage the torx screws.

Looks good.

Definitely on my list of mods to do once I start the interior.

 

[Dewfang]

I'm looking for a 5th gen SR5 with cloth seats. Everyone I've found has a non-leather steering wheel. This will not do.

My 4th gen SR5 has a leather wrapped steering wheel and it's something I've come quite accustomed to! So... can you swap a leather wheel with a non-leather wheels?

TIA

Why not just get a Wheelskins leather cover they are really nice!

 

[limamike]

Why not just get a Wheelskins leather cover they are really nice!

The picture tells us exactly "why not". :barf:

 

[mikey's2010SR5]

The picture tells us exactly "why not". :barf:

I agree

 

[gray street]

I think they (Toyota) are thinking it's a 'Trail Edition.' Meant for the TRAIL.

Rock climbing at a 30 degree right angle with leather under your butt makes things a little slick. You'd slide right out of your chair. That, and the idea that you'd get dirty/wet while on the trail, thus the water resistant fabric.

I do wish for at least a leather wheel.

False I had leather in my jeep and it was never even close to an issue.

 

[Dewfang]

Oh well it may not look as good as a $750.00 wheel but 50 bucks it feels really good.

 

[brockeverly]

I have been looking for these on eBay for months. What is the keywords you are searching for? All I find is ricer steering wheels.

 

[limamike]

I have been looking for these on eBay for months. What is the keywords you are searching for? All I find is ricer steering wheels.

I believe my search term was "4Runner Steering Wheel" then I refined the search (on the left) by choosing Toyota and OEM. Keep an eye out for ones like this, too: OEM TOYOTA 2005-07 BLACK LEATHER STEERING WHEEL | eBay

That is an OEM wheel even though it looks like a ricer wheel. It's just been stripped of everything, including trim and controls. You will be able to use your trim and controls to replace those on a wheel that doesn't come with them.

 

[Mtn.Rush]

The picture tells us exactly "why not". :barf:

Wow that's beyond nasty, sorry but that just does not look right.

 

[rockja]

Install done! It was actually really easy after following the second thread I mentioned above (http://www.toyota-4runner.org/accessories/5984-woodgrain-steering-wheel-2.html).

Two things worth mentioning if you buy a wheel from eBay or a salvage yard:

1. Ensure that it has all the proper cabling still intact. The one I got from eBay had one of the quick-disconnect harnesses broken, so I had to salvage one from my old wheel.

2. Ensure they come with the torx screws to seat the airbag otherwise you'll have to completely remove the rear valance of the old wheel to salvage the torx screws.

I understand this is an old thread but thought I could contribute with some new knowledge. 2012 and up Tacoma's also have the same steering wheel. I just bought a leather wheel off eBay and installed it; it looks and works great. Something to keep in mind with the Tacoma wheel, the controls all work the same, however, the bulbs light up green!:barf: I have to go back and swap out my controls now.

Thought this could help expand the limited search for leather wheels and save some time for someone else. Happy hunting everyone!