Sticky Steering Wheel

[FranksPlace2]

I had this problem on a '73 911 I owned back in the eighties and on my current '91 Infinity M-30 convertible. I think it is a leather problem.

When the steering wheel gets wet, it becomes sticky and all this black stuff comes off on my hands. I don't know if its dirt or leather.

I have tried saddle soap, mink oil and lanolin. None of these fixed it.

Suggestions?


Frank

'91 Infiniti M-30 Convertible
'77 Porsche 911 S Targa

[jjboncik1]

hi frank,
i'm adetailer and have come across many sticky steering wheels. i found that most of them were just very dirty from the years. i use a strong degreaser such as super clean, orange 409, simple green, etc. spray it on a terry cloth and rub the steering pretty hard. you will see all the dirt come off on the rag. the residue from these cleaners might be a little sticky at first, but if you want you can use a softer cleaner afterward such as windex or even a little bit of leather conditioner. hope it works out for you, john

if the dirt is very stubborn, spray the wheel good and use an apolstry brush on it

[FranksPlace2]

Thanks, John. I was reluctant to treat it tough. But based on your experince, I'll give it a try.

I see you are in Bethlehem;I used to live in Murrysville, east of Pittsburgh. We really liked the people there.

I don't recognize the flag & SK. But might I guess you are central European

[jjboncik1]

hi frank,
your guess was close, slovak. my dad was born there and so were my mom's parents. i have been all over the east coast and havent found a place i like as much as pennsylvania, even spending the last 4 years of my life in virginia. about the steering again, if you really think it might be the color coming off, try a small section in a corner first. i have had one steering during my detail years actually loose color, but every other one was just VERY dirty from the years. take it easy frank, j