Removing Prado 150 steering wheel

[krypto Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close krypto]

Can anyone give me some pointers on how to do this. In particular;
1. How do I disable the airbags
2. How do you remove the existing wheel.

Thanks in advance

[macaroon1 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close macaroon1]

Hi..I've got to remove my 03 leather steering wheel and take it to the re -trim guy to get done. 10+ years of grime and oil and the top is starting to go. The top coat has already gone. I looked on PP for a few hours then thought..I've a Gregory's manual..what am I doing..and low and behold there is a chapter all about steering and a step by step guide (inc some pics) on how to remove wheel and SRS front airbag. Alas it only goes up to 09 (120 series). If you think it might help..let me know or you could take your camera phone to SCA and take pics of that Gregory's page..cheeky!!??
But I think you'll need a T30 Torx socket for the torx fastener and maybe a puller!! Will have to find out if I need the latter as I'm not sure ..think it's overkill 4 one job!!

Cheers

[krypto Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close krypto]

Thanks, not sure if the 150 is the same as the 120. Spoke to a Toyota Tech who said to remove the battery for a few minutes and that there are mounting screws at the back. Might take some pics when I do it.

Where are you sending your steering wheel to recover as I might do that to my old wheel?

[macaroon1 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close macaroon1]

Hi. Yes the manual says to take the negative terminal off the battery too and wait around 3 minutes..more so that the SRS airbag does not go off (properly turns off), however you would loose a lot of the radio settings (??) so I guess you could just take the fuse out and wait the same time. It really sounds just like the 120, the 150 must share a lot of the trim accessories.. the mounting screws will be a T30 Torx fastener..I'd lay my life on that!!! It really does not look a hard job just have to have 'more special tools' to do another job. Be careful where you store the airbag..in a wooden box is best away from static electricity, but fashia side up and out of the way from prying feet (kids).

I found a local re trim chap who will do it all for a couple of hundred bucks, real leather..not vinyl and do all the stitching too in all the same tan colour. Sounds very reasonable to me don't know why some guys says it costs so much!!?? He does a real smick job too..just got to get him the wheel for a weekend. If you use a breakers wheel (same colour), really do try and a use your original SRS airbag, can't stress that enough..safety first...

I can post the steps if you wish.....

[Anth120playdo Banned Find all posts View Profile Close Anth120playdo]

Whenever removing or working around srs airbags it is highly recommended you disconnect the battery.
Also depress the brake pedal for at least 20 seconds, this will help drain the capacitors.
You should place it safely, with the bomb side down.
You should not need a puller, after You have removed the nut, whack it, I can't explain it, I'd have to show you.
Have fun!

[macaroon1 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close macaroon1]

FWIW the manual clearly states bomb side up. i.e trim facing upwards..you'd think this would be wrong and above correct but it does make sense. There must be a plate at the back to hold it altogether surely???. WCS..if it does go off you don't want this projectile flying into your body/face. If the trim is up..them the bag is only going to hit you in the kisser..which is what it's designed to do in the first place..so placing it in a box is my idea of good practical sense..???!!
Thx.

[krypto Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close krypto]

I'm pretty handy with the tools but I've never seen an air bag steering wheel apart.

Thanks for the tips. I assume the torx that you're referring to is under the steering trim. What is the bomb that you're talking about?

[macaroon1 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close macaroon1]

You have to prise the plastic plugs covering the airbag retaining bolts from both sides of the steering wheel, right behind wheel. The bolts will possibly be a Torx fastener head (T30; I'm sure). You may need to pull the bolts out partially to release the ends of the bolts from the airbag..but there is no need to completely remove the bolts from steering wheel. Before a full withdrawal, disconnect all the wiring connectors eg cruise control audio remote control etc. Install the SRS airbag back in reverse! Removal of the wheel comes next by removing the retaining nut and following other parameters.

The bomb...I took it as being the airbag and continued the theme!! Was told to store it trim facing upwards..sort of makes sense!! Never had one go off in my face..may it remain that way!

[Si & Rae Member Find all posts View Profile Close Si & Rae]

PM sent

[macaroon1 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close macaroon1]

Well, I took my steering wheel off early this week and received it back from the re- trim guy. Just to let you know it was a pretty easy job and I'm no mechanic. Like ############# said remove the negative battery terminal then press the brake to discharge the capacitors. I had a bit of a blonde spell where I could not work out how to remove the wiring connections! Tried to force them out then realised you had to press the small plastic lugs up! SRS airbag came out good and stored it safe for the duration.

Steering wheel has come back really soft and subtle (car seat leather) and with the newish dash (@18 months old) the car is starting to look really 'smick' for 2003. Look, I reckon the 150 will be the same as the 120. Just have to have a torx T30 with extension to get the SRS fasteners off! The wheel retaining bolt was hard to loosen but with x2 person holding it, it's doable. Did not take pics as some are in the Gregory's manual but I can take a pic of my new wheel!!?? Really chuffed with it. A job one does not do often but I'm keeping the car long term so thought I'd better attend to the small matters rather than spending money on keeping up with the jones'!
Cheers.

p.s you don't need a puller, just a good firm 'whack' from behind. Remember to mark the wheel corresponding to where it locates on the column so you can put it back in the same place.

[Anth120playdo Banned Find all posts View Profile Close Anth120playdo]

FWIW the manual clearly states bomb side up. i.e trim facing upwards..you'd think this would be wrong and above correct but it does make sense. There must be a plate at the back to hold it altogether surely???. WCS..if it does go off you don't want this projectile flying into your body/face. If the trim is up..them the bag is only going to hit you in the kisser..which is what it's designed to do in the first place..so placing it in a box is my idea of good practical sense..???!!
Thx.

Yes trim side up, thats the bag.
The bomb as I call it is at the back.
Place it in a safe pace, it's nt going off unless you apply voltage to it, that's a bomb