Hayk

iTrader: (1)

So right when I got the car, I cleaned up the interior and used a leather cleaner/conditioner (Leatherique) on the steering wheel and other leather surfaces. After the treatment, I noticed that my steering wheel felt tacky to the touch, which was a lot more prominent in humid weather or when my hands were sweaty. I did not drive the car prior to the treatment, so I can't confirm if that's what caused this condition.

Ever since then, I've tried cleaning the steering wheel to get rid of the tackiness. I've used a damp towel to wipe off the residue. Used a sanitizing wipe. I also tried cleaning the wheel again with Lexol without the conditioner, and yet the stickiness was still there.

Just the other day, I bought the Magic Eraser and used it on the wheel. I noticed that the color of the leather was transferring onto the sponge, and when I did a final wipe with a damp paper towel, I could see the leather color on the paper. It still felt sticky.

I then tried using some rubbing alcohol, which took even more color off and made the wheel felt really bad. So I went back to the Magic Eraser and the damp towel method.

I've tried searching for solutions and this is the only thread I found so far.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es3...ing-wheel.html

Do you think I messed up my leather coating and will need to replace it? It's so annoying that I'm considering buying the WheelSkin steering wheel cover.

EDIT: I should add that there is some visible wear on the top of the rim. So maybe the material is just breaking down?

mitmaks

You sure someone didn't paint the steering wheel prior to selling it

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

I hope not, but I have no proof to confirm or deny this. I'll try the good old Soap and Water method tomorrow, and see how that goes. If that does nothing, I'm getting a wheel cover.

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

Megiuars (sp?) leather cleaner, comes in a black bottle it will make it not sticky anymore. I ued it and i may have taken some dye off, but it was absolutely filthy especially since i wasn't able to clean my car for a year while i was at school

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

So the stickiness never went away and it kept driving me up the wall, every time I drove the car.

I went on the wheelskins' website and ordered a few color samples - Sand, Tan, Oak, Brown, and Charcoal.
Oak and Brown were the only ones that looked close enough. Oak was a shade brighter and Brown was a shade darker. I decided to go with brown.

They say the installation takes about an hour, but in reality it took me a good 3-4 hours to get it right. This project requires lots of patience. The first third of the wheel proved to be the hardest, just because I was still getting the hang of it, and I was trying out different techniques. The biggest game changer was getting a pair of workout gloves with my finger tips exposed. They really helped in pulling the threads nice and tight. Here are the results.












I've only driven a short distance with it on, but it already feel much better. The wheel is much thicker, but I consider that a good thing. I paid $40 for it on Ebay, and I think it was well worth it. I might replace it with a wooden steering wheel, if I ever find one, but this works well for the time being.