2013 TL: Rattle in Steering Wheel - Fixed
 

I noticed a rattle/plastic vibration in my steering wheel. I assumed it was the plastic panels shrouding the buttons on the wheel, but when I went to tighten to torx bolts, they were already tight.

Then I noticed a small access panel in rear of the wheel, around the 6 o'clock position.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...129d1c89e4.jpg

The panel is behind the fat bottom "spoke" of the steering wheel.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...225beef864.jpg

Loose, rattling.

This was loose and rattling when driving. Looks like someone may have opened it up and broken some of the plastic tabs in the past. I had a roll of Velcro, and spent a little time making an attachment mechanism that stopped the rattle, and also allowed the panel to close flush.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...6fe35a3572.jpg

I shaved the "hooks" from this Velcro portion and put some glue on one end, so it could be glued to an existing tab and sit flush with the removable panel.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...cecd2e5fe6.jpg

The other Velcro strip "loops" was stuck to the panel.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...59238aa4a8.jpg

After letting the glue dry, I closed the panel and pushed hard so the plastic flexed a bit to fasten the Velcro. It then was sitting flush and looked right.

No more rattles or vibrations, the panel looks factory new from the outside, and can still be removed and put back in place if needed.

The dealer probably broke that when they did the airbag recall.