2012 Wrangler Steering Wheel for KK?

Oban · **Joined:** Sun Apr 06, 2014 2:48 pm **Posts:** 64

Good morning!

I am looking to upgrade my 2012 KK steering wheel to a leather wrapped one. I looked into how to safely (note: airbag) take apart the KK's steering wheel and did some research.

I am aware that the KK's and Wrangler's steering wheels carry different part numbers, but they look exactly the same (placement of controls, design, etc) when looking at Jeep's press photos for the 2012 model year.

Did anyone try this? eBay doesn't have any KK wheels, but they do have a ton of Wrangler wheels.

Any thoughts on this? Will I run into mounting issues? Should I just give it a shot?

Best,
Oban

Bmxer524 · **Posted:** Sun Mar 15, 2015 10:51 am

Do some searching. I think someone has done it before. Or atleast put the 2011+ wrangler wheel on their 08-10. Sadly I don't remember how it turned out.

Oban · **Joined:** Sun Apr 06, 2014 2:48 pm **Posts:** 64

Bmxer524 wrote:

Do some searching. I think someone has done it before. Or atleast put the 2011+ wrangler wheel on their 08-10. Sadly I don't remember how it turned out.

Hi Bmxer524! Thanks for your response.

I agree about the research statement. According to what I could find and visually confirm (based on pictures and youtube videos), it should fit... it looks the same (except for the leather and stitching of course). However, anybody with more detailed parts knowledge who could raise their hand and say whether or not the two steering wheels are substantially the same would certainly be appreciated.

Pictures and videos only get me to a certain point...

Marlon_JBT · **Posted:** Tue Mar 17, 2015 3:01 pm

I can't find anything for the '11+ Steering Wheel for the '08-10. I'd love that.

Attorney58 · **Joined:** Fri Mar 21, 2014 11:32 am **Posts:** 24

Check carid.com. I saw oem steering wheels for KKs.. I would like to change mine 2011 KK with wood ones, however, I could not. They did not ship to Turkey.

Bmxer524 · **Posted:** Tue Mar 17, 2015 5:32 pm

http://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-elect ... -225159/#b

This is an 11 to 08 JK. If I remember correctly the guy that planned on doing the 11 to 08 KK swap used this. I don't remember how it turned out though... I'll keep looking.

Marlon_JBT · **Posted:** Fri Mar 20, 2015 2:47 am

Jackpot!!!

That's all I needed to see!

The only thing holding me back was the airbag! Now that I know the connections are the same, that will be my next mod. My steering wheel is looking pretty bad these days.

NAMoulton1 · **Joined:** Tue Aug 12, 2014 7:01 pm **Posts:** 1054

Been watching this and knowing my steering wheel is wearing away because my hand is always in the same, I'd like to do the same thing. Do you plan on doing a write-up of this?

Gageraid · **Posted:** Fri Mar 20, 2015 12:23 pm

Whoever does this first MUST post pictures!

I'd love a different steering wheel.

Oban · **Joined:** Sun Apr 06, 2014 2:48 pm **Posts:** 64

It works! I bought a 2012 Wrangler Original (Mopar) Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel with red double stitching from eBay. Once you take the KK's steering wheel apart you will see that it actually is the same part on the inside.

$100 bucks and I have a nice, barely used, original leather steering wheel. Yay!

Procedure to take KK steering wheel off:

1.) Disconnect negative battery cable. THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT as you will be removing the driver airbag unit.

2.) Unscrew driver airbag unit by removing the two 10 mm bolts behind the steering wheel (one on each side). You will most likely need a wrench extension as the space is narrow due to the indicator / wiper stalk.

3.) Pull the horn / driver airbag unit slowly straight out. Do not go too fast or far as you will need to disconnect 4 connectors. 3 on the back of the airbag unit, 1 connecting into the clock spring. Once disconnected, set airbag unit carefully aside.

4.) Remove the two torx screws and two Philips head screws on the back of the steering wheel.

5.) Remove the 4 torx screws on the inside of the steering wheel holding the front bezel and switches (cruise control, etc) in place. You will be able to see these 4 torx screws once the airbag unit is fully removed.

6.) Remove front bezel including switch units. Pay attention to any remaining wires and make sure they don't get hung up anywhere on the steering wheel inside.

7.) Remove 13 mm bolt in the center of the steering wheel. Easiest done with impact gun as it has a bunch of red loctite on it. If you use a wrench, make sure to hold the steering wheel with one hand.

8.) Obtain a 2 or 3 jaw puller. I used a 2 jaw 5 ton puller.

9.) Securely position jaw puller on inside of steering wheel and center on the steering column. Tighten puller with impact gun or wrench. It will take some pressure, but the steering wheel will pop off eventually. Make sure to apply even pressure with the puller.

10.) Remove steering wheel.

11.) To install new steering wheel, do the above in reverse, except, you won't need the puller. The new steering will can be secured / pushed onto the steering column by tightening the 13 mm center bolt.

Bmxer524 · **Posted:** Sat Mar 21, 2015 9:48 pm

Nice write up. Someone just needs to add pics! Lol

Kinda interests me(LONG way off). One day I'll swap to a leather wrapped wheel...

Oban · **Joined:** Sun Apr 06, 2014 2:48 pm **Posts:** 64

Bmxer524 wrote:

Nice write up. Someone just needs to add pics! Lol

Kinda interests me(LONG way off). One day I'll swap to a leather wrapped wheel...

I will post pics once I have my leather interior finished. viewtopic.php?f=88&t=81648

Doing a complete interior overhaul. So tired of cloth and vinyl hell.

Bmxer524 · **Posted:** Sat Mar 21, 2015 9:54 pm

Id love to see how it comes out. It'd be nice to have leather interior. My beagle puppy has started shedding a ton and it's like cat hair. Lint rolling my interior is kinda annoying lol

Oban · **Joined:** Sun Apr 06, 2014 2:48 pm **Posts:** 64

I feel your pain. I am at the point where the dog hair is hardly removable as it gets stuck between the fibers of the cloth. Plus, we have a baby boy on the way, so I expect much more "liquids" meeting the seat surface going forward.

Bmxer524 · **Posted:** Sat Mar 21, 2015 10:01 pm

Luckily I don't have to worry about that yet. And when I do, the Jeep will most likely be my girlfriend's/wife's. I plan on getting a JKU come 2016 or so. And hopefully that will have leather interior lol.

Oban · **Joined:** Sun Apr 06, 2014 2:48 pm **Posts:** 64

The KK is paid for - Kids are expensive. Will drive the KK until it falls apart (which given my obsession for maintenance may be a while).

Oban · **Joined:** Sun Apr 06, 2014 2:48 pm **Posts:** 64

Bmxer524 wrote:

Nice write up. Someone just needs to add pics! Lol

Kinda interests me(LONG way off). One day I'll swap to a leather wrapped wheel...

You can see a picture in this thread:
viewtopic.php?f=88&t=81760

2012 Wrangler Steering Wheel for KK?

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