Changing a JL Steering Wheel

[Daniel S.]

Somehow the previous owner of my'21 JL scraped the bottom of the steering wheel. You really can't see it but I can feel the spot every time I turn the wheel. My fear is that spot will start to wear thru. So I was looking at replacements and good lord there are some expensive steering wheels out there!

I watched a youtube video and it doesn't look like it's too hard to swap, but I'm wondering has anybody purchased an aftermarket wheel or replaced one?

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[azjl#3]

Let me guess, person with big sharp diamond ring

 

[JeepinJason33]

I believe I still have an extra rubicon heated steering wheel. They are not hard to swap out. I don't think the heated part would work with a non heated vehicle. I swapped mine for a 392 wheel so I could add the paddle shifters.

There are a couple of videos out there like the one below on the swap.

 

[Blacksport]

Easy swap...you will have to transfer the switches over. Some wheels only go on one way, others are splined so you have to be careful to put the new wheel in the exact spot the original wheel was. Be VERY CAREFUL with the air bag connectors...best to disconnect the battery. Some wheels are really stuck on the steering shaft...rock it L & R and U & D, while pulling on it. Rarely, you might need a wheel puller. Also, put some tape over the hub so you don't scratch it while installing...a new air bag/horn hub is $$$!

 

[Blues Fan 30]

Ive had mine completely off to swap the trim piece out. Its honestly pretty easy.

 

[cj7ox]

And make sure you have the wheel centered before you start. Getting the clock spring out of whack will be a PIA to replace.

 

[The Fixer]

And make sure you have the wheel centered before you start. Getting the clock spring out of whack will be a PIA to replace.

I swapped the base Sport wheel for a leather-wrapped version in my JL, it was easy. Fortunately, you can't really mess up the steering wheel orientation, just remember the airbag harness goes through the right side of the steering wheel.

1/2" impact made quick work of the nut below the airbag that holds the wheel on. I'm sure you can do it with a regular ratchet, but I got the gun, so I might as well use it LOL. Once the nut is removed, you just have to carefully fish the airbag harness through as you're pulling the wheel off.

I kept the radio/cruise control/ hands-free harness attached since I was reusing the original black trim on the new steering wheel. If you want to upgrade and add the paddles as mentioned above you'll need a different harness.

Either way, follow the routing carefully so all of the buttons fit flush like they did before. Here's my OEM wheel on the right, new one on the left. I don't have the heated steering wheel option so I bought one on eBay without the heating element - it was cheaper.

Just transfer over the different sections and your new steering wheel will be ready to go in no time.

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