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05-13-2014, 08:20 AM | #1 |
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Steering Wheel Leather Coating GONE
I believe the steering wheel leather coating is gone!
I tried cleaning my steering wheel today and the black ink/dye started to transfer onto my towel. (The area between 9-12 o'clock) If I clean the other parts of my steering wheel, it doesn't transfer any ink. I don't think there's a way to get the coating back, right?
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05-22-2014, 12:54 PM | #2 | |
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Last edited by W Cole; 05-22-2014 at 01:35 PM.. |
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05-22-2014, 03:27 PM | #3 | |
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05-23-2014, 09:35 PM | #5 |
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Crazy as it sounds, I used a product called "Chap Wax" to refinish a steering wheel area that had been over zealously cleaned (Griot's Interior Cleaner took the finish off). Ordered it online from a company called Ray Holes. It waterproofs the area and makes the leather more shiny and smooth (may need several coats over time).
In general, don't clean a leather steering wheel with anything, even water. They can be lightly buffed with a soft cloth and treated with certain leather conditioners, but any kind of aggressive cleaning seems to be a bad idea. |
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05-26-2014, 10:04 AM | #7 |
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Have you found out anything on this? I picked up a 2009 m3 a few weeks back, and I tried a little Griots conditioner, and the microfiber went black. I tried water, thinking perhaps it was dirt, and that pulled off slight bits of leather shavings, so I quickly halted.
Very interested to hear what you learn... |
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05-27-2014, 07:54 AM | #8 |
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I like this, but keeping alcantara clean is a whole different nightmare.
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05-28-2014, 05:24 AM | #9 | |
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05-28-2014, 05:25 AM | #10 | |
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Why did you use Chap Wax?
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05-28-2014, 10:07 AM | #11 | |
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Yes, that is precisely the same issue (including the shavings). Any ideas? It is hard to believe that is just caked in dirt. Worried to put anything at all on the wheel at this point... |
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05-28-2014, 01:31 PM | #13 |
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You won't really see a difference because it is black. However, the feel is more stickier than smooth
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05-28-2014, 08:17 PM | #14 | |
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So the chap wax is one possible approach which I used to restore the smooth feel and waterproofing of the wheel, and protect it from further damage by constant handling. It will not make the leather very shiny, but it will be less dull than before-- after several coats. Heat will cause the wax to soak in and allow further application of the product. After a few coats and a few days time I got this particular steering wheel to a point where it looked/felt good enough to not be noticeable without a close inspection in good light. Originally the wheel felt "dry" whenever I touched the over-cleaned part of it... cured that as well. Repeated contact with hands can actually improve the finish over time on a steering wheel, if the leather is not too porous and the color die is intact. Another product worth considering is Leatherique Rejuvinator Oil, which also requires heat to perform correctly. It claims to contain "collagens" which may or may not be something similar to what is in the chap wax. In the long run you may never perfectly match the factory finish with these home remedies, IMO, but you can make the wheel look and feel good enough to keep you from running out and buying a new one. |
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06-02-2014, 09:38 AM | #16 | ||
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06-02-2014, 11:12 AM | #17 |
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Nah, as long as your hands are decently clean, alcantara is actually a durable alternative to leather. To clean it, I soak a microfiber in water and let the rim soak for a few seconds, then I very gently scrub with a soft bristled brush and then I dry it with a separate towel. I did this once a year for 4 years on my Z's alcantara wheel and it looked brand new when I traded it in a few months ago.
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06-03-2014, 09:33 PM | #18 |
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I agree with the above about alcantara, I got this wheel as soon as it came out and I daily drive my M, it's holding up great.
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06-03-2014, 09:45 PM | #19 |
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06-03-2014, 10:31 PM | #20 |
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Yep! Me too. I like the flat base as well. I have yet to test out the 1/4 mile timer tho haha
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06-13-2014, 09:41 PM | #21 |
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http://www.leatherique.com/steering-wheels.html
An excellent article and DIY on repairing your leather wear issue. The example is even on a M3 wheel. Steering wheel repair kit is $25. |
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06-15-2014, 01:00 PM | #22 | |
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