Need expert in car care

[dhillman]

Hi guys. I have been very impressed with the answers and solutions generated in this site, so I want to shoot this one. I have an S430-2001. In the steering wheel there are 4 switches in one group. The rubber of these switches had become gummy and sticky. I tried to coat them first with silicone milk, then with silicone grease, both used to lubricate rubber of scuba diving equipment. Rubber is still sticky. Do you know of any product or treatment to dry out the rubber? The cost of the switches is around $300.00 because they are all together in one piece. Any advice is welcome. Thank you.

Darrel
S430-2001
350SD-1991

[aqua190]

usually, these become gummy and sticky because of dirt and oil from your hands. i usually try simple green (start with a dilluted solution and work your way up to full strength as needed) to remove the residue. don't use harsh chemical cleaners (409, etc) as they can sometimes remove the lettering.

hope this helps.

[rickjordan]

Try some Vinylex and a used (or new) soft bristle tooth brush. Vinylex not only cleans, but leaves a nice sheen. I did this recently on to me new SL. The door armrests were dirty. I just soaked it w/Vinylex and brushed it with a softh bristled brush and presto, brand new again. For your switches I would spray the tooth brash first and gently clean the switches. Obviously you don't want any liquid getting into the wiring.

[romansek]

I will recommend to use "rubber renue". It makes all the difference on rubbers. I use it for rubber bushings, rubber seals and have had great result. You can order this product on the web.

[dhillman]

Thank you for the answers. I will work with this during the weekend. It was hard to get the Rubber Renue to PR because it is Hazardous, but is on its way by ship from Allied Electronics. Thank you.