My Steering Wheel is Melting

[Irish Reiver]

Looks like the warm weather is causing the leather on my steering wheel to deteriorate. My hands were covered with the black acrylic stuff and the hole thing is now just sticky. There isn't any wear holes in the leather so I was wondering if it would be possible to just reseal the leather and call it a day. Has anyone tried this or can recommend a product that gives good results?

 

[Overland Tailor]

I'd look for a good mobile repair guy. We have some here in BHM that are really good. Or - Look at a wheel cover if you don't want to have it professionally recovered.

 

[clx16]

Could this work for you?

Amazon product ASIN B00QLYA3XS

 

[Heckraiser]

I thought my wheel was falling apart and was almost ready to pull the trigger on a new (junkard) wheel, only to find it was just dirty and sticky with lord-knows-what. I gave it a thorough cleaning with a leather cleaner/treatment and it's as good as new. Just thought I'd throw it out there.

 

[Tedward]

/\ same here on different old vehicle

 

[Shipwreck]

Yep. Clean it with a gentle degreaser. I use Simple Green periodically. My original leather got dirty and sticky over time, and now I have a Wheelskins leather cover on and it gets dirty and gummy too. Think about it... it has your sweaty, dirty hands touching it continuously.

 

[Irish Reiver]

Thanks guys. I did try the cleaning approach but the leather is just absorbing the cleaner. I'm guessing the black plastic stuff that was coming off in my hands was the remnants of the sealer. The leather is still in decent shape so I don't want to have it reupholstered unless there are no other options.

 

[clx16]

The rubber padding is potentially decaying. That may need replacing. I've had tools with rubber that starts breaking down..some people just tap it or use a powder. Would not work great on the outside of the leather though

 

[Shoredreamer]

I had the same thing happen with mine over time. I just bought a used leather 93-94 wheel that is in better shape than mine. Not sure how I’d recover the leather that is on my original. Seems like the seal/clear coat deteriorates.

 

[Irish Reiver]

After a bit more research I bought some a leather dye and Resolene (I had to google what that was). Should arrive tomorrow so I will keep y'all posted with how it works out...

 

[dr335i]

I'd look for a good mobile repair guy. We have some here in BHM that are really good. Or - Look at a wheel cover if you don't want to have it professionally recovered.

I'm actually in Birmingham and my steering wheel is completely shot. Can you DM me the name of one of those repair guys? I know two great upholstery shops in the area but none want to do steering wheels

 

[Overland Tailor]

I'm actually in Birmingham and my steering wheel is completely shot. Can you DM me the name of one of those repair guys? I know two great upholstery shops in the area but none want to do steering wheels

The guy was Buz The fixer IIRC. I'll see if I can find hsi card.