Replacing the Stock steering wheel with something a lil' better

[ScrooYoo]

I'm in the process of a major interior makeover and need to know....Has anyone ever replaced their stock steering wheel?
I don't know if this is just me, but i find the stock steering wheel to be unbearably uncomfortable. (03 le) The grip on it is just wayyy toooo thick and i cant get my fingers around it comfortably. feels like i'm getting carpal tunnel syndrome after driving for a long time. The vinyl grip is also slippery and the last thing i want to do is add more thickness to it with a steering wheel cover. I also want to use this project as an excuse to have audio controls for the stereo mounted on the wheel. if anyone has experiences with this, please share!!


my interior upgrade will be consisting of a dark grey leather interior kit, brushed aluminum dash kit, and hopefully, if it can be done with success.... a comfortable steering wheel.

before and after pics will be posted once the whole project is complete. thanks in advance for any expertise!

[islandboy57]

I don't know about a new steering wheel. It will be tricky since it's equipped with an airbag. Even if you decide you'll do without an airbag, your SRS light will be on [which you can disconnect] and you'll have to think about whether or not you'll pass your safety check. I don't think it's worth it.

I know what you mean though, I don't like the steering wheel on the gen 5 either. The gen 5.5 improved it by switching it out for a steering wheel with a rough texture which is great.

[jorallo]

one of the gen 5s had a tri point steering wheel similar to the ones used in celicas trd steeringwheel i think i like that one alot but i can't find it my color..

oh well

[ScrooYoo]

Originally Posted by jorallo

one of the gen 5s had a tri point steering wheel similar to the ones used in celicas trd steeringwheel i think i like that one alot but i can't find it my color..

oh well

Did it look like this? (if you scroll down a little you'll find it)


www.boomplustoys.net/trd_other.shtml


These are good because they already have the airbags in them. They are very pricey though and would probably only be worth it if you could fetch some decent $$$ selling your stock steering wheel. They come in red, yellow and grey, and they are made for the supra i believe. I'm having a hard time picturing how one of these would look in a camry tho.

[Yazovets]

Safety is something you should try not to compromise I think...you should check out steering wheels from other Toyota models which may fit your Camry.

[Avalonman]

Originally Posted by jorallo

one of the gen 5s had a tri point steering wheel similar to the ones used in celicas trd steeringwheel i think i like that one alot but i can't find it my color..

oh well

You are talking about the SE

[MrSo0h0o]

i have an 05 SE with the tri-spoke steering wheel and in all honesty, the "leather wrapped" wheel, if it is even allowed to be called that has such a thin vinyl-ish feeling to it, it feels very cheap and is not soft to the touch kind of leather like on my gf's 06 rolla S.. im kinda dissapointed in the feel of the wheel.. plus it doesnt have the thumb grooves at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions.. if you could find out if the gen 9 rolla S steering wheels are compatible, i would go with those cuz they have an amazing feel to them

[v6secamry]

Originally Posted by MrSo0h0o

i have an 05 SE with the tri-spoke steering wheel and in all honesty, the "leather wrapped" wheel, if it is even allowed to be called that has such a thin vinyl-ish feeling to it, it feels very cheap and is not soft to the touch kind of leather like on my gf's 06 rolla S.. im kinda dissapointed in the feel of the wheel.. plus it doesnt have the thumb grooves at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions.. if you could find out if the gen 9 rolla S steering wheels are compatible, i would go with those cuz they have an amazing feel to them

i have the 04 se and i think the steering wheel isnt that bad compared to the le's, the se feel much better to me anyway its softer and give me a better grip

[jorallo]

yes yes the se wheel .. but i like that trd steeringwheel too but its in black damn my fawn interior color car !!!