tv4184

I have a 99 3rd gen runner and my steering wheel has seen better days. I was gonna buy a new one online and replace it myself and I was wondering if there was a lot of work involved or not?

TACOKRAWL

Piece of cake!

Just take your battery loose, remove the 2 screw covers on the sides of the steering wheel. Take the airbag assembly loose.(you will need torx drivers for this)
Next CAREFULLY pull the airbag assembly out of the steering wheel(mine took a little persuasion)!
Unplug the airbag and cruise control from behing the airbag assembly(orange or yellow funny looking plug dependant upon year model.)
Take the center nut loose from the steering wheel.
Use a puller to remove the steering wheel(if you don't have one, it is a rentable tool from AutoZone)
Repeat all those steps to replace stering wheel and airbag


Thoughts:

Be sure to wear a ground strap at all times while handling the airbag. Static electricity can cause the airbag to deploy. Seen it happen at a BMW dealership. Not pretty.............at all.

Be sure to park your truck withe the wheels straight prior to removal.

Be sure to torque the nut that holds the steering wheel on to the factory reccomendation.



All in all it is a very simple procedure. Easier than changing oil IMHO.

Alot of people seem to be "scared" of the airbag and all its related parts. It is really not that bad, just take your time and use caution as witha any other car repair and you should have no problems.

Sorry for the long post, but I believe in being thorough.

Thanks and good luck!
Matt

jimrockford

I did the same thing myself. I found one on eBay for about $40. It looked brand new.

I didn't have a puller when I swapped it out. My initial removal attempt didn't seem very promising, but rocking the wheel back and forth while pulling on it eventually broke it loose. The puller is definitely the way to go though.

I'm glad I made the swap. The new wheel is holding up well and looks much better than the old one.