do you have this problem? help! (hairline cracks on wooden steering wheel)
04-23-09, 11:08 PM
#1
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do you have this problem? help! (hairline cracks on wooden steering wheel)
I've got a 2004 LS430 and I've got quite a few hairline cracks at the top of my steering wheel on the woodgrain section. Do any of you guys have this issue with your steering wheel? I went to Lexus to get some maintenance done and was inquiring about a new steering wheel in which I was quoted around $3k. I'm very **** about having my car as immaculate as possible and this is an eyesore to me. My other question is do any of you know where I could also purchase another new steering wheel that won't set me back that much? Thanks in advance for any and all help.
04-23-09, 11:30 PM
#3
Texas heat took a toll on your steering wheel huh... you remedy would have been to use one of those keep your car cool things on your windshield .... which prevents the sun from baking the hell out of your steering wheel!!
I would say go to a junk yard and you will find a dozen of these things! they will be like 200... maybe!! (at least in NY)
I would say go to a junk yard and you will find a dozen of these things! they will be like 200... maybe!! (at least in NY)
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04-24-09, 10:56 AM
#9
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OEM parts-nationwide junkyard search at fingertips
use this site, http://www.car-part.com/
I did a quick search and found 4 wood/leather steering wheels none more than $275
I bought my steering wheel from this site and it is fine.
Remeber they are junk/used cars so the steering wheel may have hairline cracks in it as well.......
I did a quick search and found 4 wood/leather steering wheels none more than $275
I bought my steering wheel from this site and it is fine.
Remeber they are junk/used cars so the steering wheel may have hairline cracks in it as well.......
04-24-09, 03:16 PM
#10
Lexus Champion
Repair of wood steering wheel
Lexus told me that the wood in the LS430 is finished like any similar fine wood product. It has been stained and varnished and told me to wax it occasionally.
I am assuming that the fine cracks you are describing are in the varnish and do not penetrate completely to the wood. If so, I suggest that you prep the crack area by rubbing with very fine steel wool. Just as you compound fine scratches in the exterior paint, be careful and not go thru the varnish into the stained wood. I would then rub the area with tung oil, using your bare hand. Let it dry and buff with the finest steel wool. The fine cracks should begin to show that they are being filled. You might have to apply several coats to get a smooth finish. You could do this without removing the wheel, just tape off with blue tape and drape the surrounding area. Vacuum after steel wooling.
I have used this procedure to repair a wood table that had water damage which caused the varnish to severely crack and peel.
I will definitely try this on my 2004 LS430 UL if it ever happens to it (which I don't except to happen because it keep it garaged and use a front windshield sun shield when parking outside).
I am assuming that the fine cracks you are describing are in the varnish and do not penetrate completely to the wood. If so, I suggest that you prep the crack area by rubbing with very fine steel wool. Just as you compound fine scratches in the exterior paint, be careful and not go thru the varnish into the stained wood. I would then rub the area with tung oil, using your bare hand. Let it dry and buff with the finest steel wool. The fine cracks should begin to show that they are being filled. You might have to apply several coats to get a smooth finish. You could do this without removing the wheel, just tape off with blue tape and drape the surrounding area. Vacuum after steel wooling.
I have used this procedure to repair a wood table that had water damage which caused the varnish to severely crack and peel.
I will definitely try this on my 2004 LS430 UL if it ever happens to it (which I don't except to happen because it keep it garaged and use a front windshield sun shield when parking outside).
04-24-09, 06:39 PM
#11
Lexus Test Driver
I am in south Florida and the sun is pretty intense here. I used 800 and 1000 and then 1500 grit sandpaper, followed by a liquid polish. It smoothes out the cracks, but they eventually come back after several months, although not as bad. I've done this at least twice, maybe three times over the past year and a half on my 2002 LS. Taking the wheel off and having the polyurethane redone is probably the most permanent solution. However I will try using that tung oil and see if that works better.
04-25-09, 04:20 AM
#14
04-25-09, 05:00 AM
#15
Pole Position
nothing on my 05 yet but when I park in any sun I make sure the window protector is in place and that the steering wheel is turned so no wood is at the top when the wheel elevates,, if really hot will lay a thick towel folded a few times at the top of the wheel to protect the leather from possible heat damage,,
Derry
Derry