My wheel is pretty much shot – it's flaking out at the top and the rubber part twists around on the inner frame. I've looked into getting a replacement, but they're surprisingly tough to find. I have an '04, and apparently the wheels for '03-'04 are different from earlier year models. I went over to a local breaker who specializes in LRs, but he had nothing. I'm thinking I could either order one from ebay or a used LR parts site OR try to fashion a custom replacement. Anyone ever attempted the latter? It feels as though there's a metal core to the wheel; presumably I could remove the foam outer part and put something new over it. What if I wrapped a piece of wood around it? I have next to zero woodworking experience and this seems like a pretty involved job, but I have little to lose. Another option could be wrapping the inner bit with some sort of foam, then wrapping that with an outer cover, like bicycle handles.

Edit: I'm thinking about something like this guy did – seems like it could look decent with some attention to detail: http://www.instructables.com/id/Rebu...ell-with-wood/

 

You can also buy universal re-wrap kits. Doing one out of wood is going to be hard, especially for someone with no experience. Also, the 99-02 wheels will fit just fine.

 

Will likely have to go that route eventually, but I might try the wood thing first for the heck of it.

 

Well post pictures of it!

 

99-04 are the same steering wheels. Only difference is the color. Ebay has a good amount of them for sale from 35.00 and up. I scored a mint complete black steering wheel off of an 04 for 75.00 with free shipping.

 

I wouldn't suggest wrapping your steering with wood. You don't want to be pulling splinters out of your chest if you ever get into an accident.

 

Very good point about safety – I hadn't considered that.

 

Unfortunately, I'm speaking from real experiences. Trust me, you want that wheel to flex and gradually absorb energy when your body is abruptly thrust up against it. I bent the **** out of the wheel in my 01 DII.

But a custom wood wheel would like pretty sick

 

If you figure out how to do wood, similar to what a Lexus steering wheel looks like, let me know!

 

Check garysteeringwheels.com they did a Benz Wheel for me and came out great.......pricey but excellent work> contact them and ask if they would redo your wheel on wood