Resurected: Leather on the steering wheel

[Solorange]

The leather on my steering wheel is wearing away pretty badly. The problem is that its starting to get sticky and everytime i touch it my hands get sticky. I was wondering if you guys have this problem with your steering wheel. Have you guys ever gotten it rewraped and if so how much does it cost. Or do you have to replace the whole wheel. And how much does that cost. The cost without the airbag. That part of my wheel is still ok. Thanks

[StockSolara]

Just try using some leather cleaner/conditioner

[OKANG]

I have the same problem. Cleaner/conditioner isn't going to cut it. Rewrap or replace is in order. I would also like to know how much either of these would cost and how difficult it was.

[SERGIOELSOL]

BRO, I GOT THE SAME PROBLEM. I BOUGHT MY SOLARA IN SO. CAL (HOME) WITH THE STEERING WHEEL IN GOOD CONDITION. SINCE THEN I MOVED TO HUMID-A$$ FLORIDA, AND THE WHEEL INSTANTLY STARTED PEELING (THE ENVIRONMENT JUST ATE IT UP). IT WENT FROM A REALLY SMALL "WORN AWAY" AREA AT FIRST, TO A GAPING HOLE EXPOSING THE RUBBER UNDERNEATH IN LIKE TWO MONTHS. FROM WHAT I IUNDERSTAND, YOU'LL EITHER HAVE TO BUY A NEW STEERING WHEEL, OR HAVE SOME MOM-AND-POP-SHOP MATCH UP THE COLOR AND DO THE JOB ON THE AFFECTED AREA.

[quikz]

OR HAVE SOME MOM-AND-POP-SHOP MATCH UP THE COLOR AND DO THE JOB ON THE AFFECTED AREA.[/quote]

i think thats your best bet.

[dominoSLEV6]

The problem is slowly starting on me too, a lot because of my location.

I've been trying to use a sunshield and with the tinted windows it's not so bad, but it's still going you know? I'm thinkin I'll end up rewraping caus eI don't want a wheel cover.

-chris

[ICrazyChrisI]

A replacement costs a fuckton of money..trust me on that. And thats with OUT the airbag.

[Solorange]

yeah its definatly something that cant be fix by leather conditioner. I cleaned it and conditioned it but its still wearing out. I think i have all you beat as far as humidity. Ohio sucks cause of the high humidity. And i can imagine how expensive it would cost to get a new wheel without the airbag. I was just wondering if any of you guys replaced your wheel. The weird thing is that my leather wrap shift knob is perfectly fine. That gets handled just and much as the steering wheel too. I guess ill have to call toyota and find out what they can do.

[trioptimum]

You can have the leather taken off and the wheel painted in matching color with a thick rubber stuff (the Avalon I believe has a similar wheel covering), for around $100. It doesn't look as nice as leather but it won't peel ever again . It feels about the same.

My mother had this done in her car by a bodyshop, lasted 5+ years without a problem. I prefer the non leather wheels... luckily my 99 hasn't had this problem yet (but Ohio does suck... moldy smelling everywhere I am all day, including the car).

Another alternative... take the wheel and leather off yourself, go buy a can of Plasticoat (a rubbery thick spraypaint stuff) in dark grey or black, and do it yourself. Worst case scenario if it doesn't work out, sand it down, and get it recovered, or find a wheel off a wreck or on eBay.

[Solorange]

Thats kindof funny, the avalon doesnt have leather wrapped steering wheels. Arent they suppose to be the premium car model toyota makes? I like the ebay idea i guess ill have to start watching that. But with my luck every one on ebay will be black instead of ivory.

[NVDIS1]

had tha same problem but got it replaced under "goodwill warr" but that's because i work @ dealer
http://members.cardomain.com/rgztoy

[Dutch Master]

Go to pep boys or autozone...hell even Walmart and buy a steering wheel cover....Easy huh!

or a bike shop for handle bar wrap get hot pink...the ladys adore it...

[Solorange]

Go to pep boys or autozone...hell even Walmart and buy a steering wheel cover....Easy huh!

or a bike shop for handle bar wrap get hot pink...the ladys adore it...

Dont like steering wheel covers, so that makes it hard. And i wouldnt want to cramp your style with the pink handle bar wrap, but thanks for the offer.

[Solorange]

I gave up on this problem back then but with the humidity coming back the stickyness of the steering wheel is starting again. Has anyone tried those leather covers they advertise in the back of car magazines. I want to fix this as cheap as possible.