Steering Wheel Peel - Toyota GR86, 86, FR-S and Subaru BRZ Forum & Owners Community

Capt Spaulding · 03-15-2021, 05:55 PM

The 'leather" on my '15's steering wheel is peeling. It's acting like cheap "bonded" leather furniture in that a thin outer layer of material peels off leaving a substrate of [something] behind.

I'm not really interested in repairing (probably throwing time away) or replacing with OEM (throwing money away). So, among the substantial array of replacement wheels out there, does one rise to the top in terms of quality? I have no issue with the overall feel of the OEM wheel other than its diseased skin.

alex87f · 03-16-2021, 06:47 AM

Cheapest solution is likely to have it re-upholstered by someone. Probably how you'll get the best quality leather, too.

wolffbite · 03-16-2021, 12:48 PM

I have a REAL (brand name) Leather steering wheel for my 2017. It is fantastic in terms of fit & finish and doesn't look too aftermarket except for the D-shape. This is what I have: https://www.86worx.com/real-original...eel-kouki.html.

It appears they have a zenki version too which isn't a D-shape but from the same company: https://www.86worx.com/real-gun-grip...ing-wheel.html

Very unlikely you will find a "real" leather steering wheel that isn't an exorbitant cost. Re-upholstery will be your most economical option.

They are all generally synthetic, bonded, or PVC leathers at this vehicle price point. They are fine until they get a tiny little scratch/tear and then they peel as you describe.

I see you live in Texas... does the car sit out in the sun a lot? Regular UV treatment (I like 303 leather conditioner) and a sunshade will help your new one last a lot longer for future.

norcalpb · 03-16-2021, 02:22 PM

Getting it wrapped by Sweidit will cost about $300.

I've had a Cusco steering wheel for the last 4 years and it's the best mod I've done to the car IMO. These cars deserve a smaller, thicker steering wheel.

humfrz · 03-18-2021, 12:15 AM

Here ya go -

Decep · 03-18-2021, 12:58 AM

I get this a bit when the weather is cold. When it's warm, no peeling. Keeping my wheel as long as possible, all the aftermarket wheels are just too thick and chunky.

Capt Spaulding · 03-18-2021, 03:57 PM

Thanks, folks. I may shoot Sweidit a massage. I had not heard of them. If they can do the work they say they can - I may well bite. The big downside is the lead time.

soundman98 · 03-18-2021, 10:02 PM

i just pick at it until there's nothing under my hands to bother me

Capt Spaulding · 03-19-2021, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soundman98

i just pick at it until there's nothing under my hands to bother me

nextcar · 03-19-2021, 07:20 PM

Or....

You can buy a factory wheel in perfect condition (albeit from a wrecked car) for about $35. Don't want to go to a yard? They are on ebay for under $50.

Then again, I am "a guilt free parts vulture".

Decep · 03-19-2021, 08:06 PM

I was looking at ebay and mostly everything was 150-200. Guess I gotta keep looking.

Capt Spaulding · 03-19-2021, 08:39 PM

Not worth more than probably 50 to me. If I can find one it'll be either as a donor to ship out for a rework or to fill in for mine while it goes to the hospital.

Edit: Just took a quick look at ebay - there are a couple in the 70-90 range. That said, 90 + 300 gets real close to new decent wheel money.

immortal_suby · 03-20-2021, 05:40 PM

My 2015 steering wheel is also peeling. It even is peeling where I rarely have my hands. Looks like crap.

JD001 · 03-20-2021, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soundman98

i just pick at it until there's nothing under my hands to bother me

I don't think that would stop the habit, hands have a habit of wondering.. you will find new things to unpick!!!

03-15-2021, 05:55 PM	#1
Capt Spaulding Persona Non Grata Join Date: Nov 2015 Drives: '15 BRZ (WRB) Location: On the Border Posts: 1,882 Thanks: 2,016 Thanked 2,780 Times in 1,200 Posts Mentioned: 10 Post(s) Tagged: 1 Thread(s)	Steering Wheel Peel The 'leather" on my '15's steering wheel is peeling. It's acting like cheap "bonded" leather furniture in that a thin outer layer of material peels off leaving a substrate of [something] behind. I'm not really interested in repairing (probably throwing time away) or replacing with OEM (throwing money away). So, among the substantial array of replacement wheels out there, does one rise to the top in terms of quality? I have no issue with the overall feel of the OEM wheel other than its diseased skin. __________________ Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast

03-18-2021, 12:15 AM	#5
humfrz Senior Member Join Date: May 2013 Drives: 2013 FR-S, white, MT Location: Puyallup, WA Posts: 29,870 Thanks: 28,791 Thanked 31,818 Times in 16,426 Posts Mentioned: 708 Post(s) Tagged: 2 Thread(s)	Here ya go - Attached Images

03-18-2021, 12:58 AM	#6
Decep Senior Member Join Date: May 2017 Drives: 2013 FR-S Series 10 Location: CA Posts: 1,073 Thanks: 172 Thanked 497 Times in 326 Posts Mentioned: 6 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	I get this a bit when the weather is cold. When it's warm, no peeling. Keeping my wheel as long as possible, all the aftermarket wheels are just too thick and chunky. __________________ 2013 FR-S 10 Series ~75k (SOLD) RCE SS-1 Coilovers Corsa Catback Edelbrock Supercharger installed @ 50k

03-18-2021, 03:57 PM	#7
Capt Spaulding Persona Non Grata Join Date: Nov 2015 Drives: '15 BRZ (WRB) Location: On the Border Posts: 1,882 Thanks: 2,016 Thanked 2,780 Times in 1,200 Posts Mentioned: 10 Post(s) Tagged: 1 Thread(s)	Thanks, folks. I may shoot Sweidit a massage. I had not heard of them. If they can do the work they say they can - I may well bite. The big downside is the lead time. __________________ Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast

03-18-2021, 10:02 PM	#8
soundman98 ProCrastinationConsultant Join Date: Sep 2013 Drives: '14 Ranger, '18 Tacoma 4Dr LB Location: chicago-ish Posts: 11,330 Thanks: 35,240 Thanked 13,673 Times in 6,781 Posts Mentioned: 98 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	i just pick at it until there's nothing under my hands to bother me __________________ "The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time"

03-16-2021, 06:47 AM	#2
alex87f Meow Join Date: Aug 2017 Drives: GT86, Volvo 996 Location: France Posts: 532 Thanks: 314 Thanked 444 Times in 236 Posts Mentioned: 1 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Cheapest solution is likely to have it re-upholstered by someone. Probably how you'll get the best quality leather, too.

03-16-2021, 12:48 PM	#3
wolffbite Just the tip Join Date: Mar 2017 Drives: 2017 DGM BRZ Location: BC, CANADA Posts: 630 Thanks: 912 Thanked 875 Times in 376 Posts Mentioned: 3 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	I have a REAL (brand name) Leather steering wheel for my 2017. It is fantastic in terms of fit & finish and doesn't look too aftermarket except for the D-shape. This is what I have: https://www.86worx.com/real-original...eel-kouki.html. It appears they have a zenki version too which isn't a D-shape but from the same company: https://www.86worx.com/real-gun-grip...ing-wheel.html Very unlikely you will find a "real" leather steering wheel that isn't an exorbitant cost. Re-upholstery will be your most economical option. They are all generally synthetic, bonded, or PVC leathers at this vehicle price point. They are fine until they get a tiny little scratch/tear and then they peel as you describe. I see you live in Texas... does the car sit out in the sun a lot? Regular UV treatment (I like 303 leather conditioner) and a sunshade will help your new one last a lot longer for future.

03-16-2021, 02:22 PM	#4
norcalpb Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Drives: 2013 BRZ, 2023 Model 3 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 2,296 Thanks: 1,212 Thanked 863 Times in 570 Posts Mentioned: 15 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Getting it wrapped by Sweidit will cost about $300. I've had a Cusco steering wheel for the last 4 years and it's the best mod I've done to the car IMO. These cars deserve a smaller, thicker steering wheel.

03-19-2021, 08:06 PM	#11
Decep Senior Member Join Date: May 2017 Drives: 2013 FR-S Series 10 Location: CA Posts: 1,073 Thanks: 172 Thanked 497 Times in 326 Posts Mentioned: 6 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	I was looking at ebay and mostly everything was 150-200. Guess I gotta keep looking. __________________ 2013 FR-S 10 Series ~75k (SOLD) RCE SS-1 Coilovers Corsa Catback Edelbrock Supercharger installed @ 50k

03-19-2021, 08:39 PM	#12
Capt Spaulding Persona Non Grata Join Date: Nov 2015 Drives: '15 BRZ (WRB) Location: On the Border Posts: 1,882 Thanks: 2,016 Thanked 2,780 Times in 1,200 Posts Mentioned: 10 Post(s) Tagged: 1 Thread(s)	Not worth more than probably 50 to me. If I can find one it'll be either as a donor to ship out for a rework or to fill in for mine while it goes to the hospital. Edit: Just took a quick look at ebay - there are a couple in the 70-90 range. That said, 90 + 300 gets real close to new decent wheel money. __________________ Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast

03-20-2021, 05:40 PM	#13
immortal_suby Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Drives: 2015 BRZ Limited 6MT Location: SC Posts: 113 Thanks: 74 Thanked 31 Times in 22 Posts Mentioned: 1 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	My 2015 steering wheel is also peeling. It even is peeling where I rarely have my hands. Looks like crap. __________________ 2015 BRZ , 1992 SVX LSL, 2019 ASCENT

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