clifsmith

I hate the way my plastic steering wheel feels in my hand so I would like to add leather wheel to my 2011. I found the factory leather one on ebay for $218. I really like the way it looks as well.

My question is how hard is it to remove and re-install the new factory leather steering wheel? Any special tools required?

1GreeKtC

iTrader: (3)

nevermind that link...it's not meant for vehicles with air-bags.

CIONIDE

iTrader: (1)

Bad Greek!

Here you go clif:
http://www.trdsparks.com/install/08460-12820inst.pdf

TrevorS

iTrader: (1)

FWIW -- Another possibility is to install a wheel cover. Both slipover and laced are available. Personally, I'm really happy with my slipover (tight grip and very good feel), but many on this site went for Wheelskins (http://www.wheelskins.com/).

Here's a photo of my slipover;

clifsmith

You da man. thanks Cionide!

clifsmith

thanks Trevor, I don't car for slipovers. I did try to install the wheelskin it was a pain in the rear and the contours of the steering wheel really screwed me up. I ended up getting frustrated and took it back.

CIONIDE

iTrader: (1)

You're welcome, I'm here to help.

Puredrive

Where did you get that slip-over leather cover? Seems like it would work ok.

TrevorS

iTrader: (1)

I got it at Pep Boys -- seems like most auto parts/accessory and also some department stores have an assortment (Walmart for instance). I first got one for my Eclipse as the OE leather looked awful after 20 yrs (different style cover from the above). I liked it so well I decided to get one for the xB since I didn't much care for either the feel or the bland look of the wheel. I picked up five or six possibles, checked fit and appearance in the parking lot, and kept the one that best pleased me. Very happy with it and totally affordable !

PS. As another example, here's the Eclipse' cover:

rockthebeef

I love the feel of the leather steering wheel. The installation was really easy, but you will probably need one special tool - a steering wheel puller like this: http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-45000-St.../dp/B0002SRDSM. It's pretty useful as I also used this tool to pull off a stuck brake rotor without having to whack it.

RicRat

You don't need the puller if you don't want to spend the cash on something you may never use again.

We pull the wheels off at the plant all the time when we have to reset toe and never use a puller. All you have to do is whack it with the sides of your fists at the 3 and 9 postions a few times, it will come loose.

Clifsmith, I would be glad to help if you want. Although, I might end up wanting a new wheel too. lol

Graywolf 06

Has anyone installed a wheel skin on their Xb? Is it a snug fit? What colors did you go with?

mnscionxb

i dont like the skins just cuz you can see that its a cover

clifsmith

If you are talking about the kind you stitch in. Yes, I tried it and it was a pain and did not go on wheel. Where those contours are around the posts it caused problems. I gave up trying. I have installed these before with success on other vehicles.

TrevorS

iTrader: (1)

Here's a thread I just searched for you:

https://www.scionlife.com/forums/sho...ght=WHEELSKINS

Graywolf 06

Thanks Trevor I forgot about doing a search.

DaoChuan

I have a Wheel Skin on my 2008 xB and love it. It fits tight and looks and feels great.

Graywolf 06

DaoChuan, Thanks for your reply about the Wheelskin. Any chance we can see a photo?