Steering Wheel

[DrDazzle]

So has anyone replaced theirs? What are my options as far has still retaining the airbag and cruise control?

[JasonA]

I've looked before. The Lexus ES330 has one that's awfully close, but as I recall, it's still not EXACTLY the same. The actual mounting points for the airbag are not the same. Externally, it looks like the same shape, but internally, it's different. But it'd be a sweet swap, airbag and all:



I assume that all airbag wiring is essentially the same. It's just a 2-wire connection with the little harness plug. But if you get in a wreck and for some reason, the incorrect airbag that's in the car (say it's a Lexus airbag) doesn't go off, is there an insurance or legal issue? I don't know...

[DrDazzle]

Well, I want to replace mine, preferably with a racing wheel. Mine is basically the stock one with a silver/blue font TRD logo. It was there when I got it, so I don't know if its a whole new wheel or he just put the logo on it to replace the Toyota emblem. The top of the wheel has rubbed down a bit from where he put his hand and such, so i'd like to replace it, either with a TRD one like I have (and have seen, with different emblems) or a racing one. I just don't know what my options are for a nice after market one that may take the cruise and/or airbag.

[JasonA]

Oh, I thought you were talking about OE wheels. My Cadillac had a wood grain wheel like that Lexus wheel, and I've wanted to put one in the Corolla. Mine's an LE model, with the wood grain plastic, and it's a tan interior color, like that Lexus (actually, my interior color scheme is EXACTLY like that Lexus). A wood grain wheel in the 'Rolla would look cherry for sure.



You might try 9th_gen_corolla.com (without the "_"). There are a lot of guys there who are into serious modifications. I know that a number of them have done racing wheel swaps.

[PhatRoyale]

There aren't many aftermarket steering wheel options out there that will retain the airbag or cruise control. The TRD steering wheel has an airbag but no cruise, and they run at least $500 and up on ebay if you can find one that fits.

Honestly, I wouldn't bother upgrading the wheel, if more grip is what you're after, then google up some aftermarket leather steering wheel wraps. You can sew these one yourself with a needle and thread and they work nicely to improve the feel of your stock wheel.