3rd Gen Steering Wheel Fitting

[paulc]

Hi,

My 3rd Gen came with a small "boy racer" type steering wheel (in red leather!), I am going to replace it with an original wheel (including the airbag), which I have got from a breakers.

To the fit the orginal back on - do I just prise off the horn/air bag cover the to the get to the centre/spline part? I assume the airbag has an electrical connection?

I think the current one should come off pretty easly - it just has horn/cover attatched by allen bolts, I guess the centre nut will be under that.

Cheers,

Paul

[charvell]

you might have to disconnect the batteries before touching the air bag system. i think you haveto leave it for a few mins once the batts are disconnected. I might be wrong and i am sure some one will pop along soon and correct me

[paulc]

Yes, that sounds like a wise move!

[dieselboy]

Hi. I know the boy racer type steering wheels that some people put on the surfs are very naff and tasteless. I didn't like my Toyota steering wheel very much and wanted to replace it with something nicer. It took me ages of searching the internet before I found a wooden one that was a nice dark wood. Here is what I have on mine:
I think it's a mountney but it was so long ago now I can't remember. I don't think it looks out of place, and it can make the sharp off road turns easier (like when you get stuck!)
The thing is you have that air bag, and I didn't on my 2nd gen. When I get a 3rd gen I will probably want to keep the air bag.
Please be careful when installing the steering wheel. You don't want it going off. Theyre like a timebomb so I've read.

[paulc]

Thanks - yes I was a little concerned myself, if you hear a big bang from Hertfordshire you'll know what it is!

[dieselboy]

Thanks - yes I was a little concerned myself, if you hear a big bang from Hertfordshire you'll know what it is!

Buncefield?

[paulc]

What a breeze that was!

Disconnect battery

Remove two star head bolts holding the airbag unit/horn push

Unclip two electrial connectors

Remove centre/steering column nut

Reversve to re-fit.

Job done...

[dieselboy]

Nice one!

[paulc]

I know..

Toyota's do seem pretty simple to work on, I've got a Saab 900 Turbo T16 that I tinker with - it's a nightmare in comparison!

[dieselboy]

Nice. They go well those old turbos.

[paulc]

Not wrong there - quick motor even by modern standards - a bit different too. Might have to let it go, got too many toys!

[Philip]

Paul

How is the wife with the new car or are you in the dog house??

[paulc]

Half in half out! A bit undecided really - I'm working on it!

How's the VW?

[paulc]

What the heck - I love it

[Philip]

The VW is OK. Smooth drive and quiet engine. Still trying to get to grips with all the electrical gizmos it has. Not like a Surf, where you get to look down on people, now i am always looking up!!!