Looking for help with my three biggest complaints

[013]

This forum has been a wealth of information, so thanks to everyone who contributes. That being said I have three issues that need to be addressed and am looking to all of you for help.

I have an 2007 sr5 4X4 V6.

Issue #1. Toyota went really cheap on the steering wheel. A hard plastic wheel that I don't really care for. Went to the dealer and was quoted $800. However through the internet I found a dealer in Texas that will sell me one for $250. Question. How difficult is it to replace the wheel? I don't have the audio controls, so my main concern is the airbag. Is this something that you would recommend doing yourself?

Issue #2. Seats. Has anyone replaced there front seats with any aftermarket ones, i.e. Recaro? Or has anyone tried using the seats from the 4runners rich brother the Lexus and will they fit? I have the aftermarket leather added via the dealer however the seats are just ok as far as comfort is concerned.

Issue #3. The rattle. There is a mysterious rattle/squeek that has developed on the drivers side door panel above the lower speaker. I feel that if I remove the door panel and apply felt or silicone it would solve this problem. I've tried to use the search function on this forum to no avail.In your opinion is this something that I should let the dealer resolve? And a subquestion has anyone added more soundproofing to their doors, and if so how are the results?

Lastly, thanks everyone for your help. Other than my gripes, 19,500 trouble free miles mechanically and I don't baby her! Thanks again.

 

[TheBlueWave]

Issue 1: They are available leather wrapped, you could have had one as an option on SR5, standard on other trims. There are procedures for safely disabling the SRS system (I don't know on this vehicle, but I did it on an older Honda once), you could try and find out how to do that with a repair manual or something like that.

Issue 2: That people complain about this surprises me. When I test drove mine the seat was fine, and it still is, although I could see how some people may not get the thigh support they need but still buy the vehicle because everything else was to their liking. Never heard of someone replacing seats, but if you stick a Recaro in there, post pics, I bet it would look real cool if you made the right choice of style and color.

Issue 3: Rattles come from lots and lots of places it seems. You could search "rattle" and get a long book. I prefer to fix them myself, as dealers just don't really try that hard to fix them. I have one on the back seat where it anchors in the "up" position. I made one wrap with duct tape, and re-wrap now and then, and don't hear it. I usually have the radio up fairly loud but I think I'll turn it down later to see if any new ones came up.

 

[013]

You are correct the leather wrapped steering wheel is an option, however my truck was on the lot all good to go, so i didn't have a chance of ordering it. The funny thing is that its a rather inexpensive option when ordering a new truck, but an expensive one at the dealer after the fact. I did find a dealer on-line in Texas I believe that will sell me an OEM leather wheel, however I'm afraid of the install. Since I don't have the steering wheel audio controls, it would be easier, its the airbag that makes me nervous. As far as Recaro seats go, there is a place near my house that sells them. I'll be stopping in to get more information. And as for the dash rattle, anyone out there have pics of the door panel removal process, I can't seem to find them using the search function.

 

[rook]

For a steering wheel, Ebay is your friend. Or a junkyard. Don't worry too much about the airbag, if you disconnect the battery, it is a simple connection. Someone will be able to help you out. Beer works wonders.

The seats are imo the worst feature of the truck. Its a sore subject.

For the door panel, it is relatively simple to remove. Sorry I dont have exact details, but if you work carefully you will find 2 or 3 screws, probably under the inner door hadle and arm rest. The rest of the panel will pop off as its attached with plastic re-usable clips. Search over in the audio section because a few guys have put new speakers in the doors, requiring removal of the panel.

 

[tkr128]

Keep an eye out on eBay for leather steering wheels. Many steering wheels from similar year Toyotas will work too.

2004-2006 Highlander (slightly lighter in color)
2005+ Tacomas
2003-2006 Tundra
2003+ Lexus GX470/LX470 (If you don't mind the wood)
2003-2007 Landcruiser

Just remember, some of those models had two or three different colored steering wheels available, so keep a look out for black ones.

I got one from eBay sitting waiting to be installed.

 

[Ray K.]

Check this site as an option for your steering wheel:
http://www.wheelskins.com/

I've seen a showroom demo model, and it really looked sharp.

Ray K.

 

[DanDLT]

seats

i put a 300zx driver seat in ,, auto, leather way comfortable..
this was a big issue for me too.

 

[jbs]

Re: seats

i put a 300zx driver seat in ,, auto, leather way comfortable..
this was a big issue for me too.

Any pics or writeup on how it was done? Was fitting it pretty straightforward?

 

[BenSD]

I put a stack of half a dozen or so washers under the front mounting brackets for the driver-side seat. This kicks up the front end just enough to give thigh support. I no longer have any comfort issues with the 4runner's seats. I've been in quite a few cars, and now I think the 4Runner's seats are among the best of the bunch --- even when I had to drive 900 miles in one day for a trip this past spring.

 

[xmytruck]

1. Rattle
2. Rattles
3. Rattles more than a JEEP.

 

[Paul2660]

Question on the Washers

BenSD, could you post a picture of the mod you did with the washers? I might try that also.

I agree on seat comfort, it's has never been comfortable for me, and I was considering selling mine but the current Financial markets and price of gas, I decided to just keep it.

One other note, on seat replacement, if you current rig has side airbags, you won't want to replace the seat as they are in the seat itself.

Thanks
Paul C

 

[sbbamafan]

I have almost 60,000 miles on mine. Definitely the best car I have had - not the most 'high-end' but the best made. I have yet to have a squeak or rattle.

 

[xmytruck]

I have almost 60,000 miles on mine. Definitely the best car I have had - not the most 'high-end' but the best made. I have yet to have a squeak or rattle.

don't get me wrong but I am sure that I will find a rattle in your 4R. I love my 4R too but all cars rattle . I have had people say the same thing to me that their car or truck does not rattle after two minutes in their car, I would point out at least two or three rattles.

X

 

[Mtneer001]

1. if i recall correctly, i think one poster on here used a steering wheel from a lexus SUV...

i think it has a marble or wood look to it. that would be pretty bad....

apparently it is a major paint to get the air bag back in right....

I would love to know if you ever decide to swap out your steering wheel.

please post pics and let us know how easy or hard it is.....

 

[013]

So i went ahead and ordered a Wheelskins cover. First off, a pain in the butt to get on. You actually have to thread a needle and go around the wheel. Once I got the hang of it it went well. However total time was about 2hrs. The end result is OK, not great and not stock. But for 45 bucks not bad. Also it makes the wheel feel much thicker. As far as the rattle goes, its still there as i am afraid to remove the door panel for fear of even more rattles. I would really be interested in that washer trick that was talked about. Anymore info. on that??

 

[jreask]

My 2001 SR5 with almost 200K has NO rattles. NONE. I can't believe there are complaints about rattles. Perhaps this is with the newer (03+) models?