What to do about a sticky leather steering wheel?

M

Matth3w

New member
I bought an aftermarket leather steering wheel: KenStyle Steering Wheel For Miata MX-5 ND 2016+ | REV9

I`ve used it for maybe 3-4 months, and already, especially around the perforations, it`s getting sticky. I ran across an old thread from here saying use soapy water, but it was turning the rag black, so I assume that`s not dirt - it`s me removed the dye or something. Also there are small spots that seem to be worn. Pretty ridiculous. Me complaining to the manufacturer aside, is there any hope for this steering wheel or is it gone?
 
Wait for some other suggestions but I`ll give mine.

I`ve had success using Kiwi Saddle Soap on a few of my cars. My F150 got very tacky and that cured it like nothing else.
 
APC can kill some leather in short order (leather shouldn`t be exposed to very alkaline stuff for long and should be left slightly acidic) so be careful with that approach. Leather that`s already compromised will probably be even more fragile than normal.

I`d use stuff from The Leather Doctor/Roger Koh. IIRC he`s addressed this *exact* issue, and others related to steering wheels, in the past.

Last time I had a nasty leather steering wheel to deal with I used Leather Masters Strong Cleaner and *then* followed up with Roger`s stuff (cleaner, rinse, protectant).

Sometimes the only real answer is to replace the steering wheel, which can get pricey on some cars (the pal who bought my late father`s Audi had to replace the steering wheel after a few months of ownership, not sure what she did wrong to it, but it was an expensive mistake).
 
Accumulator said:
APC can kill some leather in short order (leather shouldn`t be exposed to very alkaline stuff for long and should be left slightly acidic) so be careful with that approach. Leather that`s already compromised will probably be even more fragile than normal.

I`d use stuff from The Leather Doctor/Roger Koh. IIRC he`s addressed this *exact* issue, and others related to steering wheels, in the past.

Last time I had a nasty leather steering wheel to deal with I used Leather Masters Strong Cleaner and *then* followed up with Roger`s stuff (cleaner, rinse, protectant).

Sometimes the only real answer is to replace the steering wheel, which can get pricey on some cars (the pal who bought my late father`s Audi had to replace the steering wheel after a few months of ownership, not sure what she did wrong to it, but it was an expensive mistake).
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Frankly the manufacturer needs to make this right. After such a short time, it shouldn`t be turning rags black. The saddle soap definitely didn`t work. Just turned the rag black...still sticky, etc

https://s15.postimg.org/rau9k7a9n/IMG_1228.jpg

https://s17.postimg.org/b439u4ikv/IMG_1230.jpg

https://s13.postimg.org/48lvtwr53/IMG_1231.jpg

https://s17.postimg.org/5s429mxlb/IMG_1232.jpg

https://s17.postimg.org/iovi1woa7/IMG_1233.jpg
 
I suspect the black stuff is adhesive seeping out through the perforations, and then holding on to dirt. You definitely don`t want to tackle that with aggressive cleaners or mechanical scrubbing, either would damage the leather.

I would try Wolfgang`s Leather Cleaner (which is citrus-based), although I don`t know if it will be able to dissolve the adhesive residue. Dry steam may be your best option.
 
I`ve successfully used Meg`s APC 10:1 followed up with a water wipe down then 303 Protectant. This was on a sticky BMW leather steering wheel. Before I did this the wheel felt like there was tar on it. Now it is nice and back to normal.
 
Hmm, I never would think that APC would kill the leather, I never really had that issue, and I`ve been using APC on leather for a while... I need to look into this more.
 
do you use lotion on your hands? I would get into a habit of washing my hands before driving anywhere. Also, Blackfire interior cleaner is expensive but mild enough you could use it to clean your hands. I would suggest cleaning with it, conditioning with optimum protectant plus, then once it is dry to the touch sealing it with opti-seal or d156. ive used this combo with success many times. Wolgang cockpit trim sealant is another product you may look into. especially for a steering wheel
 
A liberal dosing of Ultima Interior Shampoo Gel, and a scrub with a nail brush. Then, wipe clean with a rag saturated with glass cleaner, or a quick interior detailer. This has NEVER let me down.
 
I would not do anything to a practacy new wheel without guidance from the manufacturer. It should be under warranty n
 
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