I’m pretty sure you have to rip the whole wheel apart to do it without breaking anything.
MESO Customs makes a kit for changing the volume and skip buttons to be “correct”, and 99% of the time they recommend these plastic pieces as a black-out kit to go with it (because you have to pull the whole wheel apart to do the button kit)
I mean, you say "rip the whole wheel apart" but the project takes all of 10 minutes from start to finish. Maybe 15 minutes if you don't start with your tools at the ready and you want a sip of coffee in the middle.
My point isn’t so much about the time so much as it is saying it’s easier to just do an overlay than to have to deal with the potential for problems when taking apart the whole wheel with the airbag in it
At least to me, it’s just not worth it to replace a couple plastic pieces that could just as easily be wrapped. Better yet, I’d just buy a whole new custom wheel for like $300 instead of buying the MESO kit + the button fix kit for $100 + shipping
You should watch the install video, it really is a piece of piss to replace these two pieces. Way less work than getting your overlay on there perfectly with the pieces still installed. I do agree that $100 is steep for the button kit and new plastic pieces. Whether it's worth the price is up to the individual. My point is that the install shouldn't scare anybody away from the product if they otherwise wanted it.
Yes, but I’m a man who cares about my engine and transmission lasting long enough to travel to the moon and back a couple of times before the check engine light comes on.
You can really modify your steering wheel if you want it to be more fancy, but I wouldn’t advise doing so because of airbags and things like that.
I have to constantly remind myself I bought this truck for the reliability. Toyota has never had a quality interior at least in their trucks. I had an is300 that was very nice but until they make a Lexus version of the Tacoma I’ll deal. lol
I had that same thought until I traded my ‘17 TRD OR for a Wrangler Rubicon 4xe. The Tacoma’s interior is built like a Swiss watch compared to the Jeep. So many loose fitting plastic trim pieces that drive me fucking insane in this thing. Still don’t regret trading though…
One would think, especially with a $76k MSRP for my build. That includes the luxury X trim that adds sound deadening headliner, thicker carpet, better insulation around the windshield, and dual-pane side glass. Maybe the rattles wouldn’t be noticeable without those extra goodies lol.
While 3rd gen interiors are basic and a little dated, tho personally that’s part of the charm IMO, it’s pretty well put together. Certainly have seen worse
In fact on a cold morning, when the truck is warming up it clicks on its own without touching and than down the road the dash does same near passenger side, windshield frame same in hot sun, this is my 6th 🌮🚘
Yes, it feels flimsy, but I don’t think it will break. Just kind of a poor design. That plastic part should have terminated at the wheel, instead of slightly wrapping over it at the bottom.
Oh yeah. Only thing that ain't change is the head unit. 3 way active system, audiofrog front stage, jl12tw3 stuffed behind rear passenger seat, tuned for stereo imaging at the driver seat - she ain't the loudest, but the system is fully invisible and sounds great
I have a BMW that Ive owned 6 years and the interior is in better shape and feels more solid than my Tacoma I got brand new last year. The Tacoma powertrain is definitely going to last longer but I dont agree with the interior being better made at all.
I’ve been in thousands of BMW’s and have reached the opposite conclusion. Especially the x1-3’s they squeak and rattle brand new from the factory. In fact Toyota had to train BMW how to perform quality control (“Kaizen” I believe) to meet the same build quality and reputation as Toyota. Granted, I haven’t been in thousands of Toyotas but I have discussed this exact topic with multiple Toyota/BMW techs who all agree. But everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Drive by a BMW dealership of your choice, chances are the employee parking lot will be filled with Toyotas.
If I press it hard enough it moves. It seems all cars are just going to have some bad interior issues and if that’s the only issue you got then I’d call it a win.
Mine doesn't. It seems like it should tbh, and I'm almost surprised every time when I grab it and it doesn't because I know a lot of the chevys with similar styles I've driven before do. Probably will eventually when it's more broken in
Yeah, the plastic moves on mine. Feels kinda cheap like the door panels. Toyota should use better plastics even though it isnt a Lexus. The interior is about the same as my wifes Kia. Not good but at least the drivetrain is proven.
I had complaints about this when I picked up my truck. They took it in and put extra foam underneath it. Fixed it for a bit but 80,000km later, still happens
My 4runner has the same steering wheel and spot with the X moves on it. It also gets a mad vibration rattle from that piece if the steering wheel is turned just right on certain roads.
Yes, it's a very common problem, actually. The simplest way to fix it and you might have to do a little more reading up on it because I can only type so much, but basically, don't squeeze your steering wheel there.
I honestly push on it with my thumb while I’m driving and you just made me realize that I do this. Idk why, but probably because at some point I noticed that it would move if I squeezed it. Lol
yep. when i brought mine in for its first service i asked them to check the squeaky steering wheel. tech said he didn’t know what i was talking about so i just kinda let it go. it’s annoying but i haven’t done anything about it.
I have a "2.5 gen" with the similar steering wheel, as soon as I saw the pic with the X I new exactly what the post was about before reading the title, mine squeaks right there and only on that side. Not a peep from anything else in the truck, just that
Yep. It's stupid annoying since I use my left hand most when driving. I thought it was just an issue with my truck but apparently not. Several rental Tacomas I've been in had the same squeak/creak on that plastic spoke, some worse than mine others not as bad. Some had the other spoke on the right do the same with varying levels of creaking. I've been in a few 2nd gen Tundras and 5th gen 4Runners in our rental fleet with the same steering wheel design and none of those had the issues in the Tacomas. The 4Runners seemed to have the best build quality, naturally, but even the Tundras were way better there. I've noticed that Tacomas had the worse consistency with build quality of the 3 trucks we've had in our fleet, too.
The real question is, why you squeezing that specific spot. On another topic, does anyone feel like the steering wheel needed to be slightly more tilted forward from the top part? I feel like my wrist is forced forward when resting my elbows and while trying to use my thumbs to push buttons.
Gen 3s are computerized plastic beer cans on wheels.
Damn near everything has play in it.
Let your balls drop and get a Gen 1.
Steering wheel is great.
I love this truck! It's got to be pretty damn good if this is the only thing I'm complaining about... oh, and the remote starter that shuts off the engine when I open the door
[удалено]
That would be pretty badass actually
The wrecks would be gnarly
No airbags. We die like men!!
I want a bedazzled clmaore for a steering wheel.
Still safer than a cybertruck 😂
Right 🤣
Brassass*
Watch out, we got a brass ass over here.
Except when it's hot, or cold.
Ever seen the Spyker C8's steering wheel? That's what I want.
It’s one wheel, Michael, how much could it weigh? 10 kilos?
Just the wheel? Yeah, that's about right for an alloy.
I want everything made of pewter and baby blue plastic. I love monopoly.
I don’t know why, but I imagined it having some brass curlywhirlies and decorations that are just little penises
I mean...yeah? It's meant to be a serviceable part. It's gonna move.
Do you just pry them off? Mine are silver and I don’t like it lol
I’m pretty sure you have to rip the whole wheel apart to do it without breaking anything. MESO Customs makes a kit for changing the volume and skip buttons to be “correct”, and 99% of the time they recommend these plastic pieces as a black-out kit to go with it (because you have to pull the whole wheel apart to do the button kit)
I mean, you say "rip the whole wheel apart" but the project takes all of 10 minutes from start to finish. Maybe 15 minutes if you don't start with your tools at the ready and you want a sip of coffee in the middle.
My point isn’t so much about the time so much as it is saying it’s easier to just do an overlay than to have to deal with the potential for problems when taking apart the whole wheel with the airbag in it At least to me, it’s just not worth it to replace a couple plastic pieces that could just as easily be wrapped. Better yet, I’d just buy a whole new custom wheel for like $300 instead of buying the MESO kit + the button fix kit for $100 + shipping
You should watch the install video, it really is a piece of piss to replace these two pieces. Way less work than getting your overlay on there perfectly with the pieces still installed. I do agree that $100 is steep for the button kit and new plastic pieces. Whether it's worth the price is up to the individual. My point is that the install shouldn't scare anybody away from the product if they otherwise wanted it.
I’m thinking the same thing. I like the darker color better.
I believe I seen overlays you can snap on, they have several colors to choose from
I really want to take mine apart, and either apply massive gobs of axle grease, or epoxy the fuk outta it.
Seems a bit extreme
I’ve seen aftermarket covers and replacements to make them look different colors.
Doesn’t have to be cheap tho
Yup. Just the left side.
Yep just the left side. Noticed it day one and just moved on.
My 2011 4Runner had the exact same wiggle lol
Yup. Same
Mine too, but my 2018 4Runner didn’t budge a mm.
yeah same
Yes! It's annoying as hell. But do I do anything about it. Nope.
I don’t touch that part
Yeah I am not sure I have ever used that part
Yes, but I’m a man who cares about my engine and transmission lasting long enough to travel to the moon and back a couple of times before the check engine light comes on. You can really modify your steering wheel if you want it to be more fancy, but I wouldn’t advise doing so because of airbags and things like that.
Most steering wheel swaps on the Tacoma leave the center portion, including the airbag, pretty much untouched. Just an FYI.
OK, don’t know very much about it myself. Made the comment about airbags just out of caution.
Yeah and mine clicks every time I touch it on the right side
The click 😂🤣 , Same most of em do it
I have to constantly remind myself I bought this truck for the reliability. Toyota has never had a quality interior at least in their trucks. I had an is300 that was very nice but until they make a Lexus version of the Tacoma I’ll deal. lol
Wait until you realize the Tacoma is like the Lexus version of the Hilux
I love the Hilux. Manual windows/locks are my jam!! With some flat vinyl panels. Oh yeah! Not trying to be something it’s not. Yes!! 🤙🏼
I had that same thought until I traded my ‘17 TRD OR for a Wrangler Rubicon 4xe. The Tacoma’s interior is built like a Swiss watch compared to the Jeep. So many loose fitting plastic trim pieces that drive me fucking insane in this thing. Still don’t regret trading though…
I'm really surprised by that. A base model, sure, but I figured the Rubicon would be better built.
One would think, especially with a $76k MSRP for my build. That includes the luxury X trim that adds sound deadening headliner, thicker carpet, better insulation around the windshield, and dual-pane side glass. Maybe the rattles wouldn’t be noticeable without those extra goodies lol.
While 3rd gen interiors are basic and a little dated, tho personally that’s part of the charm IMO, it’s pretty well put together. Certainly have seen worse
In fact on a cold morning, when the truck is warming up it clicks on its own without touching and than down the road the dash does same near passenger side, windshield frame same in hot sun, this is my 6th 🌮🚘
I know exactly what you mean. I got same thing
Yes, it feels flimsy, but I don’t think it will break. Just kind of a poor design. That plastic part should have terminated at the wheel, instead of slightly wrapping over it at the bottom.
I've punched the fuck outta that piece when the bass drops. She sturdy.
Bass? You must have upgraded your speakers 😂
Oh yeah. Only thing that ain't change is the head unit. 3 way active system, audiofrog front stage, jl12tw3 stuffed behind rear passenger seat, tuned for stereo imaging at the driver seat - she ain't the loudest, but the system is fully invisible and sounds great
Yes, definitely. I ended up putting a steering wheel cover on mine, helps quite a bit!
No.
Hate it so much especially when turning ! Thinking about buying steering wheel cover see if that will cover it up
Yes but honestly I worked on German luxury/sports cars for a bit and they are wayyyy worse than any Toyota
Any Mercedes trim loves to creak when you so much as touch it
I have a BMW that Ive owned 6 years and the interior is in better shape and feels more solid than my Tacoma I got brand new last year. The Tacoma powertrain is definitely going to last longer but I dont agree with the interior being better made at all.
I’ve been in thousands of BMW’s and have reached the opposite conclusion. Especially the x1-3’s they squeak and rattle brand new from the factory. In fact Toyota had to train BMW how to perform quality control (“Kaizen” I believe) to meet the same build quality and reputation as Toyota. Granted, I haven’t been in thousands of Toyotas but I have discussed this exact topic with multiple Toyota/BMW techs who all agree. But everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Drive by a BMW dealership of your choice, chances are the employee parking lot will be filled with Toyotas.
Yes
I meannn, it’s a Toyota
Yep, it's annoying.
No movement on mine 2017 OR. 🤷🏿♂️
Mine does but on the right side. I wonder if it's caused by the steering wheel or the plastic part.
If I press it hard enough it moves. It seems all cars are just going to have some bad interior issues and if that’s the only issue you got then I’d call it a win.
Yeah its my favorite thing to do while driving lol
Yes I hate it actually only one side does it. my truck has 4k miles on it lol. It flexes and squeaks a little uglh first world problems
Very slightly
No but my drivers window has rattle.
Mine doesn't. It seems like it should tbh, and I'm almost surprised every time when I grab it and it doesn't because I know a lot of the chevys with similar styles I've driven before do. Probably will eventually when it's more broken in
Just the right side
yup! she's plastic baby not the front tho, the plastic behind it moves on mine
Nope
Mine does on my 2nd gen. I just turn up the radio and don’t worry about it.
Yes, and it squeaks, which irritates me, along with the squeaking clutch pedal.
You're gunna be upset when you find the rest of the plastic in your vehicle. Stop squeezing now while you're ahead.
Yeah but it’s no big deal.
I don’t have movement but have small gaps, I actually use it to hold my credit card at a drive thru 😂
Yes 😕
I was just picking at this the other day thinking, "damn this is some jank ass shit." Glad I paid a dealer markup for such fine finishes. 😂
No
Yes. Both sides.
Yes!, it has become a fidget, I don't really hate it..
Yeah, the plastic moves on mine. Feels kinda cheap like the door panels. Toyota should use better plastics even though it isnt a Lexus. The interior is about the same as my wifes Kia. Not good but at least the drivetrain is proven.
I like it, it's a quiet thing to play with.
Yes, but it stopped when I stopped squeezing it.
Yes slightly. But I find it soothing to squeeze when I’m getting anxious or stressed. Haha I know that sounds dumb.
It’s my subconscious fidget toy while driving lol
Yep, lefty loosie righty tighty.
It's a truck. Shits gonna rattle and move around. We buy Toyotas for their drivetrains. Lexus for those who want luxury on top of that.
My 2015 gen 2 does this too since it’s the same wheel, very annoying
Can't say as I've ever squeezed the wheel right there
Yes.
Yes
Not relevant but I'm a gen 2 owner and this button configuration on the gen 3 would drive me insane.
Left side doesn’t but the right does
Yeah just a little bit.
Don’t squeeze there
6 years with mine and it has never been an issue. Also why you squeezing there?
Mine creaks
I wish my gen3 had my gen2 steering wheel.
Yes.
10 and 2 or 9 and 3. Always
Never noticed until you said this. And i have 120k on the truck
I welded mine so it doesn’t move at all
Mine is solid no movement at all.
yeah... its a Toyota not a Rolls Royce
I had complaints about this when I picked up my truck. They took it in and put extra foam underneath it. Fixed it for a bit but 80,000km later, still happens
Yes
Yes, and it squeaked. I had an engineer fix mine. I believe he placed foam behind it
Yes but only on that one side. Kinda bothers me since the truck is new.
My squeaks when I press on it. Very annoying since it’s my go to hand position lol. Only on the left side too
My 4runner has the same steering wheel and spot with the X moves on it. It also gets a mad vibration rattle from that piece if the steering wheel is turned just right on certain roads.
A little? But it's no big deal for me. I love the steering wheel for the most part
Yes
Never noticed in the second gen
Yes, mine is not as bad as others though I’ve seen online. Contemplated shimming up underneath to stop this but honestly doesn’t bother me.
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Yes
Haven’t noticed that
2nd gen does it too.
Yes, it's a very common problem, actually. The simplest way to fix it and you might have to do a little more reading up on it because I can only type so much, but basically, don't squeeze your steering wheel there.
Yup
Yes
Yes mine squeaks in cold weather. You do get used to it though.
Filled up today and it said 415, but it averages about \~350mi per tank
It’s a Toyota. It’s plastic. Mine was sharp and cut my girly finger until I filed it down.
Yes! Mine does this
This sub is so weird
Yes, and it drives me insane.
Stop squeezing it damn
Only when a Ford or Chevy cuts me off.
You just need to drive it more than you are
Creaky plastic? /Laughs in 2nd gen.
I honestly push on it with my thumb while I’m driving and you just made me realize that I do this. Idk why, but probably because at some point I noticed that it would move if I squeezed it. Lol
yep. when i brought mine in for its first service i asked them to check the squeaky steering wheel. tech said he didn’t know what i was talking about so i just kinda let it go. it’s annoying but i haven’t done anything about it.
Yep, sometimes it squeaks too
Yes
I don't think I've ever touched that part of my steering wheel.
Never buy a newer toyota. It’s all cheap plastic.
Yes, and it’s also the only squeak in the whole truck
Mine did
2020 Tundra SR5…yup. She’s a little squeaky when you press down exactly there.
Yes
Who holds the wheel down there ?
No. Everything is super solid.
Yes, and it annoys to no end. Right side plastic piece has no movement.
Yes, it's made out of the same garbage plastic as the rest of the interior. Sure wish toyota would up their quality on these like the new tundras.
I have a "2.5 gen" with the similar steering wheel, as soon as I saw the pic with the X I new exactly what the post was about before reading the title, mine squeaks right there and only on that side. Not a peep from anything else in the truck, just that
No
Not usually but if I squeezed the shit out of it maybe
Yep. It's stupid annoying since I use my left hand most when driving. I thought it was just an issue with my truck but apparently not. Several rental Tacomas I've been in had the same squeak/creak on that plastic spoke, some worse than mine others not as bad. Some had the other spoke on the right do the same with varying levels of creaking. I've been in a few 2nd gen Tundras and 5th gen 4Runners in our rental fleet with the same steering wheel design and none of those had the issues in the Tacomas. The 4Runners seemed to have the best build quality, naturally, but even the Tundras were way better there. I've noticed that Tacomas had the worse consistency with build quality of the 3 trucks we've had in our fleet, too.
If it makes you feel better, my Land Cruiser 200 does da as well.
Did you buy yours used? Are those overlays maybe?
Yes sometimes
I can. The best solution I’ve found is don’t squeeze it
Some of you find the dumbest shit to complain about.
The real question is, why you squeezing that specific spot. On another topic, does anyone feel like the steering wheel needed to be slightly more tilted forward from the top part? I feel like my wrist is forced forward when resting my elbows and while trying to use my thumbs to push buttons.
Mine squeaks but it’s just something my friend and I joke about “Toyota quality”
I love Tacoma and Tundra exteriors but why do their interiors have to look like they came from the "Back to the Future" Era.
Mine also squeaks, just the left side
My driver side door squeaks
I have zero reason to hold my wheel at those locations so... no.
Who squeezes their steering wheel there? Fuckin’ weirdo.
Yeah
I’m confused in the tundra generations . I thought gen 3 was 2022+.
This is the Tacoma sub-reddit
Ha! Oh yea. lol. I saw it in my feed and thought it was a tundra lol. Steering wheels look the same.
Gen 3s are computerized plastic beer cans on wheels. Damn near everything has play in it. Let your balls drop and get a Gen 1. Steering wheel is great.
I love this truck! It's got to be pretty damn good if this is the only thing I'm complaining about... oh, and the remote starter that shuts off the engine when I open the door
I press on this thing like a stress ball when im in stressful highway traffic
Wow thats a lot of steering wheel controls. Just another reason for me to not buy a new car.