Replaced the scratched, torn, and scraped up unsightly steering wheel on the X Type today.

What a difference and it was very simple to do.

All you do is remove the two airbag screws, unplug the two airbag connectors, unplug main cruise/radio wiring harness from steering wheel, unbolt wheel and it pops right off without a puller or any special tools needed.

It only took about 15 minutes start to finish and wow, what a difference.

 

Very nice

 

That looks insanely nice! I need to get on this mod my steering wheel is in need of replacement...I just have to find one that is in good shape now...been ebay hunting for a while now.

What do you know, I look again and I find one...hmmm

 

Glad you found one, it's certainly a nice affordable upgrade.

 

Very nice, wood is the way to go!

 

Does look a lot nicer. Mine is in terrible shape too, black with grime almost all the way around it. It's so bad that I actually thought about buying a cover for it which would be a first for me; I find them to be very tacky.

Is the center piece of the wheel supposed to be raised that much off of the rim in your before pics? Mine is like that too, it doesn't look right and I just figured the previous owner had messed with it, maybe trying to get to the wiring when the had unit was installed.

Nice job dude, makes a world of difference.

 

It's a well known fault with the early airbag in that the cover curls causing that raised look.

I bought a used later type wheel with airbag and swapped them over.

 

I had the dealer swap mine out for a wooden steering wheel when I purchased the car. My wife was pissed off because all the commercials were showing the car with a wooden steering wheel and they delivered the leather one. She payed 700.00 for the wooden one as my Birthday present. Didn't think it was going to be so easy to replace or would have done it myself for less. Thanks for the post.

 

I'm thinking of doing this. I have an X Type 2004 with audio and cruise controls on the wheel. Can you confirm that the newer model of steering wheel is plug & play when we swap it?

Thanks a lot. My goal is to go from this fugly one...

 

To this newer and much nicer one.

 

I'm not exactly sure about upgrading to the newer style wheel, I can post a picture of what the connectors look like on my old one so you can compare it to the newer style wheel if you'd like. From what I remember it's got a six pin plug for the crusie/radio controls in the middle at the top, and two airbag connectors on either side.

Personally I'd be a little hesitant as the physical airbag might be slightly different in the newer model compared to what you have now.

 

The new wheel really improves the interior.

 

I've pm'ed mikesmith2, and am waiting for his answer as my understanding of his post is that it is exactly what he did and without any issue.

 

Quick question for you, how far in is that T30 screw for the airbag? I am debating on going to harbor freight and getting a set of hand torx drivers as I have a T30 bit but not sure if it it will be long enough

Just ordered me a steering wheel yesterday and looking forward to installing it just wanted a little input to see if I needed to get new tools

 

The airbag screws are only about 1/2" in, I used a 3/8" ratchet and torx bit and it fit no problem. If you use a screwdriver type torx you'll have to reposition the wheel so it will have room to fit but that shouldn't be too much trouble.

 

Perfect cause I have a 3/8 and a T30 bit...so that will be perfect! Thanks!

 

Does anyone know if the electrical plugs are different between the older and newer versions of the steering wheel? I must say the wood one is much more appealing. My early version one suffers from the curling of the cover.

 

The plugs are the same

 

Good job. I have an 03 and I want to change the steeering wheel to a wood one.

 

Where did yoy bought it? I'm from italy and on ebay.it i couldn't find it. Any hints?