i noticed the clear on my steering wheel is cracked :/

is this something that can be fixed with some elbow grease? or am I looking at taking this in to a shop?

..or worse..no choice but to replace..
thx

 

mine too =(
replacement is not an option. new wheel is over 1k

 

its a very nice steering wheel..but ouch 1K :/

crossing my fingers for another option

 

They offer refinishing services here.
http://www.craftcustoms.com/pages/Lexus_restore.htm

IIRC it is like $180-$200. They will restain it to remove the fading, and re-clear it.

 

Unfortunately, the removal the airbag, steering wheel, and replacement of the airbag is mucho dollars compared to the actual clearcoat repair.

 

thanks!

I think I will remove the steering wheel myself


Posted from ClubLexus.com App for Android

 

It is very simple to do. Even if you paid someone to do it, it should not cost more than 1hr labor.

 

So you don't drive the car for more than a week? It would be nice if they had nice core units already done and they send you a refreshed wheel then you return yours for the next person.

 

Or buy a cheap wheel on ebay and use it for a week.

This is really not that difficult.

 

Wondering, as It's $200 for the service and my car is getting to be older. Has anyone attempted to do this? what is the process that you used ?

It just seems $200 is a lot, nevermind losing my car (no steering wheel) for a week or 2....

If it's just the crack in the clear, it could be taken down and hand sanded.....just wondering

 

Has anyone actually had their steering wheel refinished? I've noticed a few cracks pop up over the last 6 months and would like to restore it, but would like to hear from someone that actually went through with using a refinishing service.
I'm not so sure I want to dive into refinishing the wheel myself. It probably would look like I did it....

 

I noticed it too, but I think it gives it character, like on a vintage guitar. After all, it's still smooth.... my .02

 

. Mine has been cracked when purchased 7 years ago but I periodically polish it with car polish to keep it smooth and shinny. Refinishing is very expensive. Save your money for real repairs which you'll have and is necessary.

 

Agreed....if it were chipped and rough, that would be different, but it's smooth....I actually think it looks better that way, like distressed furniture, a 1950's Gibson guitar, etc......

 

Do it yourself without removing the wheel. Start by using the finest steel wool possible and polish the wheel to remove dirt, etc. Purchase a can of Tung Oil. Apply a light coat with a brush or fine gauze. You can tape the leather at the wood joint if you feel more comfortable to keep the tung oil off the leather (I didn't find that to be necessary). Let it dry for a few hours or overnight. Then polish the wheel with the steel wool lightly just to smooth any slight inperfections, which you can feel by just rubbing your hand over the wheel. Continue this process for a few time or until you are happy with the results. You can still see the slight cracks, but the wheel will be smooth and the cracks filled.

I've suggested this before, but it seems that it always gets ignored. Wood workers should agree with me. Try it, it won't hurt anything and will look good again.