The Toyota Corolla steering wheel is an important component in the car's control system. The steering wheel is inextricably linked to the steering column - this is the part of the steering through which the force created by the driver is transmitted directly from the steering wheel to the chassis. Let's look at how the mechanism works as a whole and what role the steering wheel plays in it.
Like most other cars, the Toyota Corolla steering wheel is made in the shape of a circle. It is attached to the central hub and further to the steering column. The wheel is held on the hub by spokes.
Corolla cars are available with right-hand and left-hand drive. The former are used in countries where left-hand traffic is common, the latter, respectively, where traffic is on the right.
Toyota Corolla steering wheel
The Toyota Corolla steering wheel is an important component in the car's control system.
The steering wheel is inextricably linked to the steering column - this is the part of the steering through which the force created by the driver is transmitted directly from the steering wheel to the chassis. Let's look at how the mechanism works as a whole and what role the steering wheel plays in it. Like most other cars, the Toyota Corolla steering wheel is made in the shape of a circle. It is attached to the central hub and further to the steering column. The wheel is held on the hub by spokes.
Corolla cars are available with right-hand and left-hand drive. The former are used in countries where left-hand traffic is common, the latter, respectively, where traffic is on the right.
Diameter
The external size of the Toyota Corolla steering wheel is from 36 to 38 cm. In different models, the value may differ by a couple of centimeters.
The diameter of the Fielder steering wheel is 37 cm. Braids of sizes 35-37 cm (S) and 37-39 (M) are suitable for it. The second one will be too big, and the first one, although it is difficult to stretch, should fit like a glove.
The steering wheel diameter of Toyota Corolla Spasio, Corolla E120, 150 is 38 cm.
Judging by reviews from car owners, the Toyota Corolla 120 steering wheel breaks quite often (more often, for example, than on the Corolla 150 model). Officially, this device does not require maintenance or repair; in reality, everything is somewhat different.
How to check the steering yourself?
It is imperative to check the condition of your car’s steering wheel from time to time, since overall traffic safety depends on its proper operation. Particular care must be taken to inspect each of the threaded connections, as well as the protective covers. If you find tears or cracks on the surface of the cover, replace it - otherwise water or dirt may get inside. You can buy a leather steering wheel cover for a Toyota Corolla at a spare parts store, specifying the car model (120, 140, 150, etc.). Leather braiding will be the most durable and will last quite a long time.
During the inspection process, pay attention to the steering wheel spokes - when the wheels are installed straight, the spokes should be located symmetrically relative to each other.
You can turn the steering wheel all the way left and right, but you need to feel the smoothness of the steering wheel and listen to the sounds that appear when turning. If you notice anything unusual, contact a service technician for advice.
The main factors to pay attention to during the inspection:
- the steering wheel and all adjacent mechanisms must be securely fastened;
- the nuts of the ball joint ends must be well secured;
- there should be no gap in the ball joints of the rods;
- the steering wheel spokes should be positioned symmetrically without distortion;
- When turning the steering wheel, there should be no jamming, the movement should be smooth;
- During the turning process, there should also be no extraneous sounds or knocking.
Repairs you can do yourself:
- Replacement of steering wheel leather and damaged tie rod end covers.
- If play is observed in some ball joints, it is necessary to change their tie rod ends.
Modernization of multimedia and multi-steering wheel
Remove the steering wheel, as well as the lower fragment of the casing, disconnect the old wires and disconnect the screw cable, 3 of them. Now you need to put the casing in place, you also need to break the safety stop; it prevents the cable from rotating. It is important not to move it before installing the steering wheel; the opening should be at the top.
Connect the steering wheel, aligning the previously made marks. Connect the cruise control cable and secure the joystick with 2 clips.
Connect the airbag and horn key.
Installing cruise control on a Toyota Corolla 150
Twist the pillow, install a new plug with a connector for the lever on the right, and the old one on the left. That's it, the cruise control switch is connected. Connecting buttons Unfortunately, there are no buttons for the speed limiter in the version.
We couldn't find them at the disassembly site and therefore had to order buttons from the online store. You can see them in the photo below.
The user said thank you:
No additional adapters are needed, but it is worth finding out whether your car is designed for audio steering or not. If yes, then you can safely install them. As for spare parts, we will need: This is where the list of tools ends. Instructions for installing buttons on the steering wheel Before installing the buttons, they need to be partially modified.
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How to check play
If there is free movement of the steering wheel, this reduces the quality of car control, because the steering wheel reacts to the driver’s actions with a delay. You can try to correct the situation by adjusting the steering mechanism. If this does not help, then some part of the steering is faulty and requires repair or replacement.
To carry out the test, you need to place the car on a flat, non-slip surface. In this case, the backlash value cannot be higher than 5”. The calculation can be carried out using the following formula (mm):
- L – backlash value;
- p = 3.14;
- D – steering wheel diameter.
To set the actual level of play in your steering wheel, you need to use a ruler, chalk, or caliper.
- Place the front wheels of the car straight.
- Attach the ruler to the dashboard so that its plane touches the outer part of the steering wheel rim.
- Turn the steering wheel to the right until the wheels begin to turn. Mark the current position of the steering wheel with chalk.
- Repeat the action by turning the steering wheel to the left.
- Measure the length of the gap between the marks.
Toyota Corolla steering wheel braid
Start tightening the leather on the wheel rim, but do everything gradually and not all at once so that the thread does not break. Transverse seams should not protrude; for this purpose, grooves are made with a knife or a file, where the inner part of this seam is then placed.
Changing the steering wheel cover on a Japanese Toyota Corolla is a simple but painstaking process. To complete it you need to be patient and follow the instructions.
Installation of simple braid
The braid from the manufacturer is sold in a set with thread and devices for covering. You can unpack and get to work.
Place the workpiece on the rim. Using a needle, pass the thread under the stitching stitches. The thread is gradually pulled together until the edges meet. Genuine leather stretches. The braid fits tightly without glue.
If the braid sags after tightening, it must be replaced. Can be shortened or narrowed. The loosely hanging braid slips in the driver’s hands.
Braid for a steering wheel with complex-shaped spokes. There are curved protrusions. For standard models, the braid is selected by brand and year of manufacture. Made from leather, eco-leather, rubber-based fabrics. The size of any material will definitely fit.
The braid is selected according to simple parameters:
The finished braid does not require adjustment. The size and shape of the protrusions for covering the knitting needles are suitable.
Braid with dense inserts is more difficult to wrap yourself. It's better to go to a workshop. The work will be performed in the presence of the customer.
Some take on the wrapping themselves. If you do not follow the instructions, the braid will not fit properly. The skin is not stretched enough. Or vice versa, they pull too hard. You'll have to undo the thread and start again.
How to change the steering wheel cover on a Toyota Corolla yourself
The braid on the steering wheel of a Toyota Corolla size 150 or any other is installed as follows:
- Lock the steering wheel.
- Place the pattern on the wheel rim, making sure it matches the shape of the wheel.
- Pick up a needle and thread, they come included.
- Pass the thread through the stitches without piercing the material.
- Start lacing from the bottom of the wheel, clockwise.
- Straighten folds, eliminate distortions, try to tighten the material as much as possible.
- After each gap, tighten a secure knot and cut off excess thread.
- Stretch the braid with your hands after completing the work.
This completes the installation.
Instructions
- The first thing to do is to align the steering wheel and wheels straight.
- Disconnect the battery, wait a little (about 2-3 minutes), then remove the plugs from the steering wheel (lower part), then you need to unscrew one screw on both sides, a screwdriver with an asterisk bit will help.
- Disconnect the airbag and disconnect the wires.
- It is necessary to make marks on the steering wheel and shaft to secure them after removal. Unscrew the nut with a wrench.
- Remove the steering wheel, as well as the lower fragment of the casing, disconnect the old wires and disconnect the screw cable (there are 3 of them), then connect a new cable and connect the wires.
- Now you need to put the casing in place, you also need to break the safety stop (it prevents the cable from rotating). It is important not to move it before installing the steering wheel; the opening should be at the top.
- Connect the steering wheel, aligning the previously made marks.
- Connect the cruise control cable and secure the joystick with 2 clips.
- Connect the airbag and horn key.
- Twist the pillow, install a new plug with a connector for the lever on the right, and the old one on the left.
- Connect the battery.
How to braid a Toyota Corolla steering wheel yourself
Buyers of used cars or owners of cars with a worn steering wheel sometimes prefer to sew the braid themselves.
- Wrap the steering wheel with cling film.
- Seal the film with masking tape.
- Using a marker, mark the seam locations on the tape. You can place them anywhere. Draw a scalpel along the drawn lines to make a rough pattern.
- Straighten the pattern and transfer it to paper. The finishing version will be 1 centimeter shorter where the transverse joints appear. The length depends on the internal size of the steering wheel.
- The outer circumference of the wheel will be 8 centimeters larger than the inner one. Sew the transverse seams, combine the pattern into a single draft.
- Sew the cross seam using a machine. Leave threads on both sides to tie knots later.
Gray braid for Toyota Corolla steering wheel
- Start tightening the leather on the wheel rim, but do everything gradually and not all at once so that the thread does not break. Transverse seams should not protrude; for this purpose, grooves are made with a knife or a file, where the inner part of this seam is then placed.
- To tighten the braid, use a thin nylon thread, which is used by shoemakers when working with leather materials. Reinforced threads are less preferable in this case.
- Pull the thread starting from the edge.
When the outer part of the steering wheel is covered, you need to start working on the inner part. In this case, installation is carried out without threads:
- Make blanks based on the dimensions of the central part of the steering wheel.
- Take measurements, make a paper template and blanks.
- Clean the steering wheel with an alcohol wipe.
- After stretching the leather onto the steering wheel, it is glued in hidden places with adhesive. Follow the instructions on the tube during this process. At least 15 seconds must pass for the material to fix.
Leather braiding on the steering wheel of a Toyota Corolla car is also installed in car services. If you think that you cannot cope with the task, then it is better to contact specialists.
Source
Genuine leather case
Modern leatherettes are almost indistinguishable from genuine leather. There is a risk when ordering a steering wheel cover online. Buyers write in reviews that the braid has a chemical smell. A price that is too attractive should alert you.
Leather is a flat sheet material. To give it the shape of a ring on the steering wheel, you need to join several parts. The braid made of genuine leather always has transverse seams. The rim without seams and stitching is leatherette. It often surpasses natural leather in strength and wear resistance.
There are many video instructions on the Internet on how to cover a rubber cover with genuine leather. The leather blank is stretched and sewn along the edges. Externally, the cover looks like a braid. Combines with leather upholstery.
The best option is to order a cover from a car dealership. Select material from available samples. Complete with perforated or decorative inserts. There will be no doubt that the braid is made of high-quality leather.
How to install a multifunction steering wheel on a Corolla with your own hands?
The multi-steering wheel is a complex functional device that allows you to duplicate the car control levers directly in direct access, thereby increasing the comfort and convenience of operating the car.
The Corolla E150 configuration does not provide for the possibility of installing a multi-steering wheel, but this device can be installed by hand - this will require no more than 1 hour of time, as well as wheel wrenches and wrenches, a set of screwdrivers and a Torx-20 wrench that comes with the car. To install the multifunction steering wheel you need:
- Open the hood and turn off the power to the car by disconnecting the negative terminal from the battery;
- Next, on the sides of the steering wheel, using a Torx-20 wrench, unscrew the bolts securing the airbag;
- Then we dismantle the connectors from the block with wires and the airbag, after which we align the wheels and remove the central nut with a wheel wrench;
- Now, with a smooth movement towards yourself, you need to remove the steering wheel. During dismantling, it is not allowed to sharply pull or push the steering wheel, as there is a risk of damaging the fixing brackets;
- Next, we install the new steering wheel and connect the connectors with plugs according to the instructions supplied in the kit, after which we tighten the central nut with a wheel wrench and restore the airbag.
After installation, it is advisable to check all control levers for operation and, if necessary, restore damaged components.
Problems with ESD: what to do if the steering wheel does not work?
The Corolla E150 is equipped with an electric power steering, which makes the car easier to operate - this device allows you to minimize the force on the steering wheel when turning. In case of neglect of car maintenance or due to the end of its service life, the power steering may not work fully, which reduces the convenience and safety of driving a car, as a result of which the question of repairing the amplifier arises.
To repair the EUR, you will need a standard set of wrenches, a set of screwdrivers, pliers and a jack; the whole procedure will take no more than 1.5 hours. In order to restore proper functioning of the electric amplifier, you must:
- Drive the car onto a flat surface and jack up the front part, then place additional supports under the engine side members;
- Next, we disconnect the negative terminal from the battery and dismantle the steering wheel, after which it is necessary to remove the instrument panel and the central part of the dashboard, which will open access to the amplifier;
- On the upper shield, located in the resulting window, there is an amplifier block, where all the functional organs of the power steering are located. To begin with, it is recommended to ring the electrical circuit in the system and check the fuses for functionality, and then replace the relay. The problem may also arise due to acidified terminals in the wiring;
- If the EUR is completely unsuitable, it is recommended to take the car to a certified service station, otherwise there is a risk of unbalancing all systems.
When repairing the ESD, it is necessary to install only original parts, having first checked the components for compatibility using the vehicle’s VIN number. If you install the wrong model of relay or fuse, the electric amplifier may completely fail.
Also, during repair of the electric power steering, it is necessary to level the steering wheel and center the wheels, otherwise, after repair, the electric power steering sensor will transmit different forces to the wheels, which will negatively affect the suspension and chassis of the vehicle.
