Steering Wheel Leather

[Michael Hurn]

Hi all,

Just noticed that the leather on the steering wheel of my 05 RX300 is wearing away quite quickly. Not sure why it's suddenly got so bad. Does anyone know a good way of restoring it from faded black back to a richer colour even maybe putting the grain back in?

Thanks!

[Boxbrownie]

The leather on the steering wheel of our KA suddenly started wearing away after about four years of being perfect, it was changed out of warranty as good will (a costly exercise apparently), and the reason given was most likely somebody using the car had started using or had changed to a different hand cream..........it sounded odd but the leather was wearing though in small patches all over where it was normally held, so maybe something in it?

[rayaans]

Hand cream is a common problem it appears. I mean, sun lotion can even leave permanent fingerprints in paint!

Best thing would be to talk to a leather repairer, see what he makes of it. Hopefully it can be fixed. Once it has, just keep on top of it with leather protector.

[Michael Hurn]

Thanks guys. Being a guitarist I can't use hand cream as it softens the hands! So it can't be that. Very strange as its deteriorated quite quickly. I'll see if I can find a leather specialist locally and start there.

[rayaans]

Thanks guys. Being a guitarist I can't use hand cream as it softens the hands! So it can't be that. Very strange as its deteriorated quite quickly. I'll see if I can find a leather specialist locally and start there.

Does anyone besides you drive the car? Another option would be to look for a steering wheel on eBay or something - might be a better option if the leather repair will cost a fortune. Shouldnt be more than £150-200 though depending on extent of the damage.

[Michael Hurn]

Only me driving the car. It's like it reached a certain age and given up! I'll have a look for a replacement wheel avoiding Lexus at all costs!

[PCM]

How about 'Liquid Leather' or Scuffmaster ( I think it's called ) ?

[rog99]

I have had a similar experience with mine (57 reg).

Went to a Lexus dealer for the timing belt and major service. Wheel was a bit greasy when I collected the vehicle, so when I got home I gave it a wipe with a damp cloth, and the coating disintegrated leaving a rubber wheel from 10-2 o'clock.

When I mentioned this to the dealer (lack of care covering my wheel in grease and leaving it to soak in) they dismissed it as 'wear and tear'. Yes it may be wear and tear, but it wasn't anything like that 24 hours previously!

Lexus Customer care were equally dismissive. Really put me off that dealer, and the Lexus brand (both the customer experience, and what seems to be poor quality materials they use in some areas of the vehicle).