Steering Wheel Wear - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

oldsouth · #1 09-23-2002, 10:59 AM

Does anyone know if there is a way to repair a steering wheel that is worn on the top half. I normally hold the wheel on top and it is like the leather part of the wheel is covered with a black like paint that is wearing off. Anybody else had this problem?

G-Benz · #2 09-23-2002, 02:19 PM

My W124 steering wheel has worn to that point as well.

I have a steering wheel cover as a stop gap measure until I can procure ($$$) for a new leather and wood steering wheel. That is about all you can do.

Unfortunately, I am using one of the $10 simulated burlwood/knobby vinyl covers right now, and it is as cheesy as it gets!

But the priority right now is being able to grasp the wheel without bits of MB material coming off my hands! So I will live with this tasteless solution until I have the means to procure a nice $700 steering wheel...

J.HIDALGO · #3 09-23-2002, 08:29 PM

sells a two tone leader cover for the steering wheel. I have not seen them personally but, they look good in their catalogue.
Worth to try

pmizell · #4 09-23-2002, 08:53 PM

Mine was the same, now it looks like new after refinishing the leather surface, then re-dying with black Leatherique dye.

Order a 16oz bottle of their "prepping agent" and "leatherique standard color" (black) dye. (the dye is kind of pricey at $40 for 16oz, but it's the best dye $$ can buy -- you won't need anywhere close to all that dye so maybe you can speak to the owner about buying an 8 oz bottle -- he's a very nice man) The prep agent is a pink solution, that smells like alcohol. Rub down the steering wheel very well with it, just enough to break down the exisitng dye. Make sure you don't rub it in so hard that it turns to suede. Just enough so that the dye has something to grip on to.

Then take a small foam rubber paint applicator (Walmart 25c) and apply a thin first coat of dye. Let it dry, then apply another. It's dry to the touch in approx 20 minutes but you should't apply hard pressure to it until at least after 24 hours. 2 coats should do it.

The results are amazing. I did mine about 9 months ago and it's holding up rock solid.

Good luck!

400E · #5 09-23-2002, 09:05 PM

I agree with Paul -- a do-it-yourself redye is pretty easy. I did mine a couple years ago for the same problem.

The other source for dye is colorplus.com .. THey have a nice web site and lots of useful info on auto leather upholstery in a free brochure they'll send you. You can also get small lots of their dyes.

The other advantage to colorplus is they have MB official colors (like gray, palamino, etc.) in stock so no custom mixing charges. I redyed my driver's seat and it's a perfect match (gray).

#6 09-23-2002, 11:22 PM

When I grab the top (between 10 o'clock and 2 o' clock) of the steering wheel on my 1988 300e it feels loose and kind of spongy. A friend suggested I squirt some silicone in there to make it feel normal again. I don't know what the actual wheel is made of but would be interested in a nice after market replacement cover or such.

oldsouth · #7 09-24-2002, 12:20 AM

Thanks everyone. I think I will call and talk to the Leatherique people. My steering wheel is a dark gray and not black. I would like to do just the rim and leave the other alone if possible with a correct color match. I guess the tight grip at high speeds is what does it. Again thanks.