Steering Wheel Peeling

[andrew20195]

Originally Posted by Mister

My steering wheel has started to peel at about the 9 o'clock position. At first it just started to bubble a bit, but it has slowly been growing, and is now about the size of a U.S. quarter.

Do you use lotion on your hands, or have you used leather cleaner on the steering wheel in the past? In my experience the cheap bonded leather they use in most cars doesn't like being exposed to certain chemicals.

[Turbo95eg6]

In for pics

[CircuitJerk]

Originally Posted by andrew20195

Do you use lotion on your hands, or have you used leather cleaner on the steering wheel in the past? In my experience the cheap bonded leather they use in most cars doesn't like being exposed to certain chemicals.

^^This.

In my case, I was working in the shop of a printed circuit board manufacturer for a few months to cover a personnel shortage, and the one constant thing I was in contact with daily was copper dust. I had a wheel replaced under warranty as it was only 5 months old.
It finally became apparent when I saw the steering wheels of some of the other workers that performed the same operations as I did at the facility with the same issue.

[charged86]

Originally Posted by Mister

My steering wheel has started to peel at about the 9 o'clock position. At first it just started to bubble a bit, but it has slowly been growing, and is now about the size of a U.S. quarter.

Over the weekend I brought the car in for the 10k miles maintenance (oil change/tire rotation) and had them look at that along with a few other warranty related items.

The dealer said that the steering wheel was a "wear item" so it was not covered under the comprehensive warranty, but that they would replace it this time out of good will. A little annoyed by this, but other then that they have treated me with only respect and have taken very good care of my car, I have been in there many times:
1. Chirping pump
2. New transmission
3. Drivers side window seals
4. Passenger window switches
5. Chirping (again)
6. Steering wheel


I am wondering if anyone else has ran into this? Usually I am overly cautious to make sure my hands are clean before I drive so I do not muck up the interior, and am a bit concerned they are saying it is a wear item. I've had cars with a 100k-200k on them without a damaged steering wheel.

what was the fix for the driver side window seal? mine window pinches the dang seal every time

[Mister]

Originally Posted by andrew20195

Do you use lotion on your hands, or have you used leather cleaner on the steering wheel in the past? In my experience the cheap bonded leather they use in most cars doesn't like being exposed to certain chemicals.

I used a very diluted Simple Green solution on it (<40:1). The dealer got it covered in grease and oil during my last oil change, which they knew about and gave me a professional detailing when I complained, but I used this until I could bring it in for the cleaning, it tends to work very well as a degreaser. I have used Simple Green on cheap leather before like this without issues, but you are may be correct. Although in terms of cleaners it is extremely mild, especially when diluted. I've used it on my couch at home after parties and to clean up after my fiancé's senile cat, and it is an extremely cheap bonded leather.

Originally Posted by charged86

what was the fix for the driver side window seal? mine window pinches the dang seal every time

They are replacing the seal, I am not sure if they are making adjustments to the window itself to prevent it from happening again though. Fingers crossed?

Originally Posted by sirsol66

Call corporate, I know for a fact that a few people have gotten theirs replaced under warranty. The latest one I saw pop up had 18,000 miles on it, so you should be covered.

They are replacing it, they just said they were not doing it under warranty? . I will be a little MORE OCD with the new one I guess haha. But I already tend to keep my car excessively clean, and usually try to avoid eating in the car so I don't get grease or stickies on the wheel and shift knob.


Sorry that I have not posted picks yet. I went straight from work to grad school, and then was doing homework the rest of the night so it slipped my mind.

[sirsol66]

Not under warranty, as in the dealer is good-willing the replacement? Or as in you're paying for it out of pocket?

[ShaunNeutron]

My steering wheel started bubbling and peeling as well, but in the 12 o'clock position. I asked about a replacement and was given the wear and tear line. Even with turning, my hands barely ever hit that spot so I do not believe it to be my fault.

[Bonburner]

pics? O.o

[Braces]

Yeah, makes sense ..... wear and tear items. Tires, brake pads, windshield wipers, batteries .... and add to that list: steering wheel. What a croc. Toyota must be pretty hard up to nickel and dime everyone. Congrats that you got it replaced .... for free ... as it should be.

[frslee]

I just noticed that outer bottom of the steering is starting to peel a bit. I barely put my hands underneath but recently noticed while turning the wheel.

[gzpermadi]

Mine also started to fade a bit at somewhere around 08:00, also because my jeans keep rubbing it when I go in/out from the car.

A bit of first world problem since I don't want to change the seating/steering position.

[Ocala FR-S]

Originally Posted by CircuitJerk

^^This.

In my case, I was working in the shop of a printed circuit board manufacturer for a few months to cover a personnel shortage, and the one constant thing I was in contact with daily was copper dust.

That does not seem healthy my friend. Was the personnel shortage due to the mysterious deaths of employees?

[CircuitJerk]

Originally Posted by Ocala FR-S

That does not seem healthy my friend. Was the personnel shortage due to the mysterious deaths of employees?

LOL No, vacation coverage... Engineering would often fill in since we all knew how to run the CNC machines, and we wrote the programming...
After drilling the copper clad laminates they would have to be deburred.
Didn't always wear gloves. Really, exposure was nominal.

[Wes]

Sucks to hear about the steering wheel, good thing it is getting fixed.
Chirping isn't an issue, so no matter how many times you fix it, it'll come back since it is normal.