Steering wheel questions, your suggestions are appreciated

[Hoo024law]

I have the opportunity to buy an OEM leather-wrapped steering wheel for my 01 Solara SE four-banger. I have a Haynes manual as well. Does anyone know if switching steering wheels is particularly difficult, or if it voids any warrenties, etc.

I havent looked at the Haynes in great detail yet as to the removal and installation of a steering wheel, but it doesnt "seem" that difficult.

Thanks guys. btw I enjoy this forum, its quite informative.

[happy_aggies]

I have not done it, but it should be pretty simple.

Remove the airbag, it should be 1 or 2 screws around and pop it out,
then remove the steering wheel.

[DavPak]

be careful when removing the wheel.
airbags are dangerous to work with.

[Flipside909]

I have the opportunity to buy an OEM leather-wrapped steering wheel for my 01 Solara SE four-banger. I have a Haynes manual as well. Does anyone know if switching steering wheels is particularly difficult, or if it voids any warrenties, etc.

I havent looked at the Haynes in great detail yet as to the removal and installation of a steering wheel, but it doesnt "seem" that difficult.

Thanks guys. btw I enjoy this forum, its quite informative.

Becareful when re-wiring anything. You may accidentally trip off the AIRBAG light and make an un-necessary trip to the dealer to turn it off.

[Yanks0114]

I have the opportunity to buy an OEM leather-wrapped steering wheel for my 01 Solara SE four-banger. I have a Haynes manual as well. Does anyone know if switching steering wheels is particularly difficult, or if it voids any warrenties, etc.

I havent looked at the Haynes in great detail yet as to the removal and installation of a steering wheel, but it doesnt "seem" that difficult.

Thanks guys. btw I enjoy this forum, its quite informative.

For the time, effort and risk involved, i don't think its worth it. How would would the OEM leather steering wheel cost you?

[Dave D]

I put a JDM Celica 3 sopke leather wheel on my 99 Solara last year and it was a snap. Just dissconnect the battery before beginning work, and always lay the airbag face up in case of accidental dischagre(otherwise it would be propelled through the air upon discharge). Two torx screwws on the side and 1 large nut on the column. I didn't even need a steering wheel puller. The wheel came right off. Just treat the airbag with respect and don't take a hammer to it or something. Also protect the wires from coming in contact with a static discharge. As far as warranty you will probably be on your own as there is a lot of liability issues with the airbag and I'm sure Toyota is not going to stand behind an airbag malfunction if you've changed the wheel and airbag. I wasn't worried about that as my car was not under warranty and I figure that if the airbag doesn't deploy it's the chance I would take. I took special care to make sure the airbag was connected correctly. I have no doubt that it would deploy under conditions that would warrant it. Check E-Bay. That's where I got my wheel. They always have some steering wheels and airbags. When you make the change you can always sell yours or keep it in case you want to switch back. I got $450 for my stock leather wheel and airbag.