m performance steering wheel - suede replacement

[dinkman]

so the suede on the steering wheel i bought it fairly old and worn. I was hoping it would be simple to replace the suede inserts to get that nice textured feeling again.

i got in touch with suedeit and Coby wheel as well as a few local car interior and furniture upholstery places... no one wants to touch replacing the suede.
they all said replacing just the suede section would be very difficult and likely not come out right.

i was wondering if anyone has run into this before. i cant be the only one with a worn digital display steering wheel

[SAMM3Y]

I would say it's broken in....

[Shiza]

You'd be surprised how many people think that their alcantra is worn when its just matted down and dirty. Have you tried cleaning it with Sonax or any alcantra cleaner?

[tdott]

I would think since the leather and alcantara is stitched together what they are saying is that you should replace the entire skin not just the alcantara.

I agree with Shiza, try cleaning it first.

FYI: don't call it suede

[dinkman]

Originally Posted by Shiza

You'd be surprised how many people think that their alcantra is worn when its just matted down and dirty. Have you tried cleaning it with Sonax or any alcantra cleaner?

hadnt considered that honestly. its so old that i just assumed it was worn out.
i'll buy a bottle and try that first. thanks!

[DRLane]

Check with Royal Steering out of the UK. Sent them my wheel as they were the only one willing to remove the existing leather instead of layering on top and thus adding thickness...

You'll be without a wheel for a couple weeks though. Shipping was reasonable at $80 via USPS.

[M3 Number 86]

i'll text you the process I used since I showed you before/after photos already anyways. lol

[dinkman]

Originally Posted by M3 Number 86

i'll text you the process I used since I showed you before/after photos already anyways. lol

yeah thanks, i bought the bottle you suggested. i also gave it a whirl with the steam cleaner till that arrived and it already looks much better.
hopefully i didnt get any water inside but i did try to tape all the seams (which of course left dirty edges but one step at a time)

[Camnyc]

Just take your time. Try not to use steam or any excess water. Use a soft toothbrush and a washcloth that has been soaked in hot water and rung out. Use the sonax cleaner first as per the directions on the bottle.

A day or two later after its dry, go back at it with the toothbrush and washcloth. Should come back as new. Ive used this process on a few steering wheels and seats with great results.

[dinkman]

Originally Posted by Camnyc

Just take your time. Try not to use steam or any excess water. Use a soft toothbrush and a washcloth that has been soaked in hot water and rung out. Use the sonax cleaner first as per the directions on the bottle.

A day or two later after its dry, go back at it with the toothbrush and washcloth. Should come back as new. Ive used this process on a few steering wheels and seats with great results.

this community is incredible. the amount of info, pms and texts ive gotten with extensive details just on how to clean a steering wheel has been awesome.
i'll give the sonax a whirl when it shows up in a couple days and post back pcs after.
thanks everyone!

[SYT_Shadow]

I use gloves every single time I use any of my 3 alcantara wheels... precisely because I'm concerned they'll get dirty

The M Performance gloves are nice and black so you don't look too douchy

[M3 Number 86]

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

I use gloves every single time I use any of my 3 alcantara wheels... precisely because I'm concerned they'll get dirty

The M Performance gloves are nice and black so you don't look too douchy

Only if you're black though? Lol

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by M3 Number 86

Only if you're black though? Lol

I'm not, I mean that they aren't friggin orange or something!

Still, picking up my gf with gloves on...

[Richbot]

A little dish soap in warm water and gentle use of a microfiber will do the trick. Wife's AMG wheel has alcantara inserts at 9 and 3 and I was worried it would be a pain with the state it was in after only 26k with the previous owner, but it cleaned up nice and it's actually quite awesome and has me reconsidering my non-purchase of the PSW

[dinkman]

i need to post a pic when i get back from overseas but the sonax cleaner definitely did the job and saved my steering wheel!
thanks to everyone for their detailed advice and help, really appreciate it

[M3 Number 86]

Originally Posted by dinkman

i need to post a pic when i get back from overseas but the sonax cleaner definitely did the job and saved my steering wheel!
thanks to everyone for their detailed advice and help, really appreciate it

I'll send you my PayPal. Thanks. Lol