DShields

Hey guys, Just curious if anyone has swapped out the steering wheel on an es300 for a wood handled wheel....or if anyone had any insight if it was possible. Thanks!

By the way, Im Derek, New to the forum.

Specter

DShields, Welcome aboard. I would like to do the same thing... if I had the money. Do a Search, lots of info. https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sea...archid=4735139

HamBurglar

Hi, welcome!
Like the guy above me said there's a few people who have done this, a quick search should get you in the right direction.
I believe (but not 100% sure) that pretty much any or most Lexus steering wheels will fit.
The problem is the airbag. For older model Lexus's they have single stage airbags while newer models have dual stage.
Also matching woodgrain and leather color might be difficult, try looking up the color code of your car and the code of the wheel you intend to buy.
Before purchasing a wheel I suggest doing some research here and finding out for sure if the specific wheel will bolt right on and what type of airbag you'll need.
Good Luck!

DShields

Great info!! Greatly appreciated fellas. After some looking, Ill probably skip it. Looks like waaay too much work and money for such a small upgrade. Next time Ill just buy a newer model haha.

angmedic91

iTrader: (5)

Upgrade is fairly simple. I did it to my 98ES300. I have a tan interior and had problems finding a tan/brown steering wheel, so I went with a black 2001 wood grain steering wheel. Black steering wheels seem plentiful on ebay. The only thing you have to use is the airbag from your old steering wheel, the air bag from a 2000-2001 steering wheel will not work, the airbag connectors are different. Otherwise the swap is easy. Just have to disconnect the battery, then there are two small screws on each side of the steering wheel that hold the air bag in place. Unscrew them and gently pull the bag out and then disconnect the air bag at the yellow connector. Next, remove the cruise control connector. Then remove the steering wheel nut. Next, you'll need a steering wheel puller to remove the steering wheel. The important thing is to first center the steering wheel before you start this process. Pull the wheel off and then place the wood grain steering wheel in place, be careful to make sure you dont move the yellow inner disk, make sure you put the wood grain steering wheel back the same way you took the old one off. Once the wheel is in place, replace the nut and reconnect the cruise control connector and the airbag connector from your old air bag, the put in the old air bag into the newer steering wheel and screw in the screws on each side. Your done, put the battery cable back on and your good to go, upgrade complete. Since, my air bag was brown and the wood grain steering wheel was black, I dyed my brown air bag black, looks original and no one can tell the bag was once brown. Good Luck.

1944boomer

Wondering if a 1998 Toyota steering wheel can be used on my 1998 ES300 steering wheel? They look alike?
I can get a used Toyota camry steering wheel on ebay and then use my air bag and cruise control switch? Every thing looks alike so I would only be using the steering wheel and swapping air bag and cruise control switch with mine?

LeX2K

It will work, but pay attention to the airbag style and connector early 1998 (or could be late 1997) have a slightly different setup.

1944boomer

I would only be using the steering wheel and then use my air bag and cruise control!

1944boomer

I only need the steering wheel and then use my air bag and cruise control switch!!