In the summer, my steering wheel gets real stick, like I spilled some Coke on it. Someone said it's the dye or whatever on the leather, and that I can have it redone. I wonder if it's better to have it done now that it's winter (very low humidity), or if it even makes a difference. What kind of place would you take it to? A leather tanner?

Jeff 1991 300d, 101k

I don't really believe the dye angle. What I do know is that body oils that have rubbed off will get hydrated during humid weather and will show up as a gooey grey substance. I suggest you simply take a slightly damp towel and rub the wheel clean once a week. Don't scrub it to death -- just lightly clean it. I suspect your "dye problem" will disappear.

I have 2 old 70's chevy trucks with rubber coated steering wheels that do exactly the same thing, so I too don't think it would be a dye issue so much as body oils and dirt, usually when a dye leeches it also stains whatever it contacts. I find an old rag wet down with some windex takes the goo right off, but I don't think I would do that on a leather wheel, maybe some leather conditioner and a rag would do the trick.

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Chris
64 190D R.I.P.
80 240D W/617 engine -for sale
82 240D -for sale

The leather steering wheel on my 95 E320 acts the same. I tried treating it with Leatherique rejuvenator and cleaner. After a few applications, the stickiness went away but much of the dye came off as well. I was planning to buy dye from them and re-spray the wheel but then I found a like new wheel at a wrecker for $10!

I've washed the steering wheel off many times in the summer. Always has that sticky feel to it no matter what. Windex or other cleaners did not help, maybe for a minute or 2, then it was back to being sticky. During winter, it feels perfect. Nice and smooth.

jeff 1991 300d, 101k

Get a wooden steering wheel.

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1984 300SD Turbo Diesel 150,000 miles

OBK member #23

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I wonder if the wheel is sticky because the original glue is spreading through the material? My most sticky steering wheel is also the one that has come loose a bit from the metal ring inside the wheel.

Ken300D

Carfax reports vs. Autocheck - Who do you prefer?

Have a nice day.

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1982 300D at 351K miles
1984 300SD at 217K miles
1987 300D at 370K miles

I think a lace-up leather or synthetic material cover is a better solution for wheels that won't clean up. It takes a little effort and patience, but then you're done messing with it, and it looks good IMHO. I've also used the stretchy slip- on covers which make winter driving more comfortable because it insulates your hand from the cold wheel.

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'83 300D Turrrbo 295K miles

Maybe I'm not explaining this correctly...

In the cooler temps, the steering wheel is as it should be, nice and smooth. In warmer weather, especially during more humid days, the steering wheel has a very sticky feel to it. Cleaning it makes it un-sticky for about 2 minutes, then it goes back to being sticky. Someone told me before, you have to have the steering wheel redone or something, I forget what they said. Maybe some conditioner might help.

Thanks,

jeff

Mine did this for awhile.

I used Murphys oil soap to clean it and then kept a white towel over the wheel in the summer to keep it cooler.

Stopped the issue.

Bty, This was in a Silverado