2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Tired of leather covered sticky steering wheel!

[RHulette]

I've about had enough with my perpetually sticky/gummy steering wheel. I keep it as clean as I can and it still gets nasty. Has anyone cut it off to see what's behind it? I'm guessing it would be a stock plastic one, but before I jump in and cut it off, I thought it would be best to ask around. I think I'd prefer the smooth plastic to the sticky... .



Thanks!

Randy

 

[JDiehl]

Just throw a cover over it! Mine was the same way and after a long trip I really had to wash my hands.

 

[Regcabguy]

Mine was the same on my '99. I covered it with a Genos leather one.

 

[chazj]

I use leather conditioner on mine. After 6 years... still looks and feels like new.

 

[DavidC]

I use leather conditioner on mine. After 6 years... still looks and feels like new.

I have done the same but usually on long trips the wheel still feels as though it is deteriorating and gets sticky in the spot I usually hold. If I do not drive the truck for a while everything seems ok again.



Dave

 

[DPrew]

When I buy a truck the first thing I do is buy a steering wheel cover. Most OEM wheel covers don't handle the salt from my sweaty hands very well. I once checked on what a new wheel would cost for my last 1/2 ton (with remote stereo controls) and it was around $400.

 

[fest3er]

I just clean mine from time to time. I use lots of Tuff Stuff cleaner and a moderate scrubbing brush. It takes elbow grease to remove all the oils and grease from the steering wheel. Once clean, I clean it again with Leather cleaner, rinse well, then apply Lexol leather conditioner a few times while wet, let it set over night then polish it up. 250K miles on my leather steering wheel and it's still in decent shape. And I've only cleaned it 5-6 times.

 

[LBARTLETT]

don't cut it off, without the factory cover you will find it is very thin, I saw the wheel on a repo we had once, it's way to small to cover the base w/o the factory leather cover and stuffing, just buy an aftermarket cover for the whole wheel

 

[C. Harlan]

use some 3M high power brake cleaner, spray it onto a paper towel, and wipe the steering wheel... it will take all the oils out of the leather, eliminating the 'sticky' feel you are describing... After that, you can put leather conditioner on, however I never do. .



Just my $. 02 worth.



-Chris-

 

[AKaiser]

Lexol pH and elbow grease. I use that on the vinyl and plastic too. It leaves a clean, greasless surface that looks brand new.

 

[courierdog]

I use good old fashioned Saddle Soap on not only the Steering Wheel but also on the Seat as well. I leave the can in the consul and any time I feel the icky steering wheel or the clingy seat out comes the sponge and I apply a coat of Saddle Soap. One can costs $8. 00 and lasts at least 5 years. Just my $0. 02