LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006) Discussion topics related to the flagship Lexus LS430

wood steering wheel is cracking

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Old 07-26-15, 03:38 PM
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jwillis123
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Default wood steering wheel is cracking

Does anyone have any experience with the acrylic coating on the top of your wood steering wheel cracking? Mine is starting. Had an 01 ES300 where it really started flaking and splitting.
Has anyone successfully used any kind of product to stop this from getting worse?
Old 07-26-15, 05:21 PM
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SW17LS
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Very common on these cars...I don't think theres really anything you can do. I haven't seem them really flaking and splitting, but those hairline cracks are common.
Old 07-26-15, 07:06 PM
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jwillis123
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Originally Posted by SW15LS
Very common on these cars...I don't think theres really anything you can do. I haven't seem them really flaking and splitting, but those hairline cracks are common.
Too bad there isn't a DIY way to stop it. Guess I'll tell myself it adds to the character of the car.
Old 07-26-15, 08:18 PM
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Arcturus
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Originally Posted by SW15LS
Very common on these cars...I don't think theres really anything you can do. I haven't seem them really flaking and splitting, but those hairline cracks are common.
I have them on my steering wheel. Small hairline cracks in the clearcoat or varnish. They were there when I got the car and haven't gotten any bigger. Not a big issue, just cosmetic.
Old 07-26-15, 09:13 PM
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semar
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Default cracking steering wheel

try some of the better painting companies.
they can strip it, coat it with polyurethene.(multiple layers) Has been done on restorations for classic cars with wooden steering wheels (Nardi)
Must have a good spraygun
Old 07-27-15, 09:54 AM
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jayclapp
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The simple, easy in-place fix is to lightly steel wool (00000) the wood, hand rub with tung oil, let dry,redo this process until you cannot feel the cracks, then lightly steel wool and finish with a good wax. I've done this and it works.
Old 07-27-15, 01:29 PM
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Ordinary car wax has done the trick for me. My car came with the cracks 5 years ago and have not gotten any worse. After the wax is applied and rubbed in very well, I can barely feel them anymore.
Old 07-28-15, 02:37 PM
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Fixman
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Another option is rape the hole stering with leather.
Personally I don't like wood on the stering wheel. It's sleparry and get vary hot in ouer hot summer.
Old 07-28-15, 05:16 PM
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Arcturus
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Originally Posted by Fixman
Another option is rape the hole stering with leather.
Personally I don't like wood on the stering wheel. It's sleparry and get vary hot in ouer hot summer.
I think raping the hole in the steering is a bit extreme - don't you?
Old 07-28-15, 06:54 PM
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bsl888
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here's what I did, It's Wheelskins leather steering wheel cover.

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Old 07-28-15, 08:18 PM
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PRSUIT460
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Originally Posted by arcturus
i think raping the hole in the steering is a bit extreme - don't you?

lol.........
Old 07-29-15, 08:35 AM
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Fixman
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Originally Posted by bsl888
here's what I did, It's Wheelskins leather steering wheel cover.

Ok typo.
Tat was funny.
Next time auto correct off. check spilling.
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Old 07-29-15, 09:59 AM
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My1st
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Originally Posted by Arcturus
I think raping the hole in the steering is a bit extreme - don't you?
lol, awesome.

My '01 has the same issue. Will try car wax without the steel wool/sanding first.
Old 07-29-15, 08:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Fixman
Ok typo.
Tat was funny.
Next time auto correct off. check spilling.
Definitely no spilling on your nice car
Old 07-29-15, 10:10 PM
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jwillis123
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Originally Posted by bsl888
here's what I did, It's Wheelskins leather steering wheel cover.

dang that is really sharp with the black interior. Well done!


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