How to remove and replace your ES300 Steering wheel
#16
Thought I would add to mcelliott's 2005 post and pictures of his Gen 2 steering wheel replacement. Mine is a 2000 ES and there are some differences. I replaced my all-leather wheel with a 2001 wood wheel. Thanks Syrianna.
Last edited by jimmyjay; 09-07-07 at 02:42 PM. Reason: typo
#17
After disconnecting the battery there are 2 small knockouts on each side of the wheel to be removed. I used a very small screwdriver used for eyeglasses. Then remove 2 torx bolts, one on each side
Gently pull the airbag off and disconnect the yellow cable.
Gently pull the airbag off and disconnect the yellow cable.
#18
Disconnect the horn/cruise control wiring which is the large white connector above the center hub. I discovered that the best tool for this is a ball inflation needle. It is just the right size and length to insert into the connector to release it. Note: inflation needle is shown still inserted in the the small hole in the lower edge of the connector.
Also, there is a green wire leading to another small white connector (which is unused) on the lower left side of the wheel. Pinch the base with a small needle nose plier and it will come off the wheel.
Remove the nut in the center hub, 3/4 inch I believe.
Also, there is a green wire leading to another small white connector (which is unused) on the lower left side of the wheel. Pinch the base with a small needle nose plier and it will come off the wheel.
Remove the nut in the center hub, 3/4 inch I believe.
#19
The steering wheel puller was very simple to use. Attach the two bolts to the holes on each side of the center hub. The wheel popped off easily. I rented the steering wheel puller for $4.61 from the local tool rental store.
Make sure the yellow arrow is pointing up as shown and insert new wheel onto hub.
Reinstall center nut, attach unused connector, reconnect wiring to cruise control/horn and airbag, put back torx bolts and knockouts, reconnect battery and you've done it.
As a precaution I started the engine from the passenger seat to avoid a possible face full of airbag
Make sure the yellow arrow is pointing up as shown and insert new wheel onto hub.
Reinstall center nut, attach unused connector, reconnect wiring to cruise control/horn and airbag, put back torx bolts and knockouts, reconnect battery and you've done it.
As a precaution I started the engine from the passenger seat to avoid a possible face full of airbag
Last edited by jimmyjay; 09-07-07 at 02:42 PM. Reason: added rental cost
#23
It's a stock wheel I purchased from Syrianna, a fellow poster here. I restrained myself from doing too much with the wood kit knowing that the wood wheel was coming. I only covered the three vent openings and the lower left panel as those areas are "enclosed". Adding wood to the upper console and the glove box door would have been too much IMO.
#25
#27
No, I went with the less expensive plastic. It is a very close match to the factory burl plastic wood on the center console and ash tray. I might've gone with the real wood if it was a match to the straight grained real wood on the A/C and radio, but I didn't actually check with these folks to find out.