Introduction

Replacing the stock steering wheel in your Tesla Model 3 can give the interior a custom, upgraded look and feel. In this DIY tutorial, we'll be swapping out the cracking OEM steering wheel that came with a 2018 Tesla Model 3 with an aftermarket wheel from Carblux.

This project provides step-by-step instructions to remove the airbag, detach the stock wheel, transfer over components like the scroll wheel controller, and install the new customized wheel. We'll go over the tools required, difficulty level, and features of the new wheel so you can evaluate if this DIY upgrade is right for your Model 3.

The end result is a stunning new steering wheel with options like carbon fiber, leather, and even a flag or racing stripe design. Read on to see how to breathe new life into your interior through this wheel replacement project.

Tools Needed

To replace the Tesla Model 3 steering wheel, you'll need the following tools:

Flathead screwdriver - Used to pop open the airbag housing. You'll need two flathead screwdrivers to open both sides of the housing simultaneously.

Hex tool (about 2.5 inches long) - Also used to open the airbag housing clips.

Torque wrench - Needed to remove the 10mm steering wheel bolt. Set the torque wrench to around 60 ft-lbs for removal.

T10 Torx bit - For removing the 2 screws holding the scroll wheel control module.

T25 Torx bit - For loosening the 4 screws holding the airbag module to the steering wheel.

Having the right tools on hand will make the steering wheel replacement job much easier. The flathead screwdrivers, hex tool, and Torx bits allow you to take apart the factory steering wheel. And the torque wrench prevents overtightening or damage to components when reinstalling the new custom wheel.

Removing the Airbag

It is critical to power off the vehicle before attempting to remove the airbag for safety. With the car in park, go to the touchscreen and select Power Off under Safety and Security. This will power down the displays and airbag system.

Once powered off, use two flathead screwdrivers, inserting them vertically into the clips on the left and right side of the airbag housing. Gently pry open the airbag, wiggling the flatheads to release the clips. You'll need to open both sides simultaneously to remove the airbag.

Carefully pull the airbag housing away, being cautious of any remaining wires. Unplug the yellow airbag clip to completely disconnect the airbag from the vehicle. Set the airbag aside in a safe location while working on the wheel.

Removing the Steering Wheel

Before removing the steering wheel, you'll need to remove the scroll wheel controller clip first. This brown clip connects the scroll wheel controls to the steering wheel. Use a flat head screwdriver to gently pry and disconnect the clip.

Next, you'll use a torque wrench to unbolt the steering wheel bolt. This is usually a 10mm bolt. The best way to loosen this bolt is to stand outside the driver's side door. Use one hand to hold the steering wheel and push it opposite the way that you want to turn the bolt. Use your other hand with the torque wrench to loosen and unbolt the steering wheel bolt. Make sure to turn it counter-clockwise to loosen it.

Once the bolt is fully unbolted, you can now remove the steering wheel completely. Be careful when removing it, as there will still be wires connected on the backside.

Transferring Components

Now that you have removed the airbag and steering wheel, it's time to transfer some components over to the new steering wheel.

First, take the scroll wheel controller from the original steering wheel and transfer it to the new wheel. This scroll wheel and controls can be reused on the Tesla replacement steering wheel. Carefully unclip the scroll wheel controller by removing the three retaining clips. Then position it on the back of the new steering wheel and re-clip it into place. Make sure everything is securely connected.

Next, reuse the airbag mounting clips from the original steering wheel on the back of the new one. Carefully unclip the airbag mount from the OEM wheel using a flathead screwdriver. Position this housing on the back of the replacement wheel and re-attach it with the Torx screws. It is critical to clip this back in place for proper airbag deployment securely.

Lastly, transfer over the steering wheel control computer module. Unscrew it from the original wheel using a T10 Torx screwdriver. Then mount it in the same position on the back of the new wheel and re-attach the screws. Be careful not to tighten the plastic screws too tightly.

With these key components transferred over, the new custom steering wheel is almost ready to be installed!

Installing New Wheel

Before installing the new steering wheel, make sure to transfer over any components from the original wheel, like the scroll wheel controller.

First, with the new wheel ready, bolt it on using the original 10mm bolt. Use a torque wrench set to the proper specification, usually around 50-60 ft-lbs. Hold the wheel with one hand while torquing down the bolt with the other.

Next, reconnect the scroll wheel controller by plugging in the connector to the port on the back of the new wheel.Ensure a secure fit by snapping it firmly into place.

Finally, reinstall the airbag by lining up the clips and pressing firmly until it snaps into position. For safety, make sure the car is powered off before handling the airbag.

With everything reassembled, the new custom steering wheel should be ready to go! Take it for a test drive and enjoy the upgraded look and feel. Just be careful not to get too distracted admiring it while driving!

New Wheel Features

The new aftermarket steering wheel offers some excellent customizable features over the stock Tesla wheel. Some key highlights include:

Customizable Materials and Colors - The new wheel from Carblux allows full customization of materials and colors. You can choose from a range of leather, suede, carbon fiber, and other materials for the various components like the grip area, spokes, and center emblem. Any color can be selected for stitching and accents. This level of personalization is not available from Tesla.

Heated Option - The new wheel can be ordered with a built-in heating element to warm up the grip area in cold weather. This is a great luxury feature that improves comfort. The stock Tesla wheel does not offer heating.

Higher Quality Materials - Carblux uses higher grade materials than Tesla in their wheel construction. For example, real leather and carbon fiber can be specified. The materials feel more luxurious and durable compared to the cracking issues seen with the OEM Tesla wheel over time.

Overall, the new customizable wheel offers styling, comfort, and quality improvements over the original Tesla steering wheel. With so many options to choose from, you can create a unique look and feel that really makes it your own.

Difficulty Level

This steering wheel replacement is a straightforward DIY project that most owners can tackle themselves. The entire process takes about 30-60 minutes with basic hand tools and requires no special mechanical skills.

The most difficult part is removing the airbag, which must be done carefully to avoid damaging it. Fortunately, the airbag is only secured by a few clips that can be pried open with a flathead screwdriver. After disconnecting the airbag, the steering wheel comes off with a single bolt.

Re-installation follows the reverse order, taking care to securely re-connect all clips and plugs. The new wheel simply bolts back on once the airbag and controls are transferred over. Throughout the process, owners should take precautions like disabling the 12V battery and airbag system.

Overall, this mod only requires common tools like screwdrivers, sockets, and wrenches. With patience and care, the average owner can successfully swap out their own Tesla steering wheel following step-by-step video instructions. The job is straightforward enough for an automotive DIY beginner to accomplish in an afternoon. Custom steering wheels allow Model 3 owners to add their own personal flair.

Conclusion

Replacing your Tesla Model 3 steering wheel with a customized aftermarket option from Carblux is an easy upgrade that can give your interior a whole new look and feel. This guide walked through the full process, from removing the airbag and OEM steering wheel to transferring over the necessary components and installing the new wheel.

The main benefits of switching to a custom wheel are the ability to choose your own materials, colors, and styling accents. The Carblux wheels are available in Alcantara, carbon fiber, gloss or matte finish and colored stitching. You can match or contrast the wheel to your existing upholstery for a cohesive look. Beyond aesthetics, an aftermarket wheel may also provide a thicker rim and better grip.

Customizing your Tesla doesn't stop at the steering wheel either. There are many other ways to make the interior your own, like swapping out the center console wrap, adding new door handle inserts, installing wood or carbon fiber dash trim, replacing the shifter, and more. The steering wheel is one of the most noticeable and frequently used parts of the car, so it's a great starting point for personalization.

With simple hand tools, some mechanical aptitude, and an hour or two of time, you can give your Tesla a fresh new look with a custom steering wheel upgrade. The process is straightforward enough for most DIYers to tackle. Take your Model 3 to the next level with small interior mods that make a big visual impact.