If you’ve ever wondered how hard it is to swap the steering wheel on a Range Rover L405, the answer is that it’s well within reach if you take your time. This one started life with a full-leather wheel, but we fancied the half-wood version instead. Below is how we did it, and there’s a video at the bottom if you prefer watching to reading.
Step 1: Disconnect the Battery
As you’ll be handling the airbag, disconnect the battery first. It lives under the spare wheel in the boot. A 10mm socket removes the negative terminal. Move the cable aside and put something non-conductive between it and the post so it can’t spring back on.
Step 2: Release the Airbag
Under the steering wheel is a small access slot. Push a Torx driver or similar tool into it to release the spring clip inside. That frees the airbag enough to reach the two small clips at the top. Push those in and the airbag lifts off.
Step 3: Disconnect the Airbag Wiring
Two plugs hold the airbag on. The orange connector lifts up to release. The second one comes off with the help of a small flat-blade screwdriver. Set the airbag somewhere safe.
Step 4: Unplug the Remaining Connectors
Behind the airbag you’ll see a couple more plugs. The small pink one can be stubborn, so don’t force it. The larger one below simply pulls out. With those out of the way, the centre bolt is exposed.
Step 5: Remove the Steering Wheel Bolt
Use a T50 Torx socket on the central bolt. Once it’s out, the steering wheel will pull forward. Keep an eye on alignment marks so it goes back on straight.
Step 6: Strip the Old Wheel
Put the old wheel on a clean bench next to the new one. Pop off the trims with a flat-blade screwdriver wrapped in a cloth. Remove the paddles and switch packs with a T20 driver. If you need a replacement switch pack, you’ll find plenty on eBay >>here<<.
Step 7: Remove the Wiring Loom
Unplug the loom from the switch packs. Taking a quick photo helps you remember how it routes. One of the clips looks like a cable tie but is actually a two-fin retaining clip. Lift it gently with a screwdriver.
Step 8: Fit the Loom into the New Wheel
Refit the loom into the new wheel, following the channels in the casting. Any modules, such as the heated wheel module, go back where they were.
Step 9: Refit the Paddles, Switch Packs and Trims
Reinstall the switch packs and paddles using the original screws. Check the alignment so you don’t damage any locating tabs. The trims snap back on with a firm push.
Step 10: Refit the Steering Wheel
Offer the wheel back up to the column. Line up the two locating pegs, reconnect the plugs and reinstall the T50 bolt. Make sure it’s properly tight, as this is a steering component.
Step 11: Reconnect the Airbag
Plug the airbag back in, ensuring the orange clip locks fully. Push the airbag into place until the three retaining clips click.
Step 12: Reconnect the Battery and Test
Reconnect the negative terminal in the boot. The car should fire up as normal without losing any settings. Check that there are no warning lights and make sure the switches and paddles work as they should.
Watch the Video
If you prefer a step-by-step visual run-through, here is a full video (not ours) showing you how.
Once you’ve fitted your new steering wheel, you might fancy finishing the look with a set of our alloy wheel centre caps or a genuine dealer keyring.