After a week of waiting for Speed Services (not my choice) I finally got my steering wheel...

When I opened it I immediately realised the previous owner had VERY dirty hands as it was all oily/sticky and it actually smelled bad... Sis!

I steam cleaned the wheel and most of the 'protective coating' came of to reveal the true condition of the wheel. There is also some stitching coming loose. The photos that was sent to me were deceiving and hid the actual condition of the wheel. Discussing a recourse with the seller today.

Where can I get the leather and stitching restored in Pretoria?

As it was when I got it. Note the colour difference:


The stitching problem (before cleaning):


Ready to steam. No chemicals or soap used, just steam:


The clean and bad condition wheel:

I think that the steam may have done more harm than you intended.

You should have rather started off using a mild APC solution. Think you damaged the actual bonding of the leather

Some mixed opinions:
http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/s ... p?t=143539

I read a whole bunch of steering wheel cleaning threads, and most said steam is safe? I didn't pressure it against the leather or anything, and the 'dirt' wiped away surprisingly easy with a mf towel. Surely a steering wheel should be able to handle this?

The leather is still firm and doesn't twist on he wheel...

amstel18 wrote:Some mixed opinions:
http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/s ... p?t=143539

Interesting read... I still believe that the wheel was damaged and covered up with some dressing. I can see in the pictures how the colour was already different than the parts that 'survived' the steaming.

TRY proleather, they might be able to recoat/dye for you

That is classic steering wheel wear. I hate buying steering wheels sight unseen as they can be easily made to look decentish :/

iLy wrote:That is classic steering wheel wear. I hate buying steering wheels sight unseen as they can be easily made to look decentish :/

It is also amazing how people allow a s/wheel to get to such a state. Some people are just filthy Redye or recover completely.

I forgot I had the wheel and rediscovered it over the weekend!

Wheel is sent in to repair the stitching and to redye the wheel @ colorglo. They have branches all over Gauteng.

My Quote came down to R627,00 incl. Will post the result here when they are done.

Not in Pta, but Speedline manufacturing in Jhb is good 011 618 2356.

MrMazda wrote:Not in Pta, but Speedline manufacturing in Jhb is good 011 618 2356.

Thanks dude! Good to have another source. Hopefully I won't need to do this again soon.

This is the reason I'm so nervous when it comes to cleaning customer's steering wheels, you never know what's underneath all the grime.

I have the same issue. Steering wheel worn on the bottom right. Any places places in cape town that you guys would recommend?

Stonerdude7 wrote:I have the same issue. Steering wheel worn on the bottom right. Any places places in cape town that you guys would recommend?

Seems this Colorglo also has branches in Western Cape.

http://colorglo.co.za/?page_id=401

Awesome thanks. Will give them a shout

To me it appears as if the top coating of the leather has come off. In the pics the shiny section are where there is still some of the top coating of the leather in place, and where it is dull, it is no longer there....

It could have been due to simple wear and tear through friction over time, uv degradation, or, the steam could have killed it.

Personally I would rather clean it a couple of times with either a dedicated leather cleaner or some mild apc, than hit it with a steamer. But I am risk averse and prefer being safe instead of sorry.

Having a filthy steering wheel with body oils and dirt on it will only accelerate wear, both through increased friction (the dirt acts as the abrasive) or through acidic environment from body oils and sweat, so maintaining a new one, will definitely extends its life.

The only true fix I suspect will be to re-apply some new leather to it.

Thanks for the post lawrence. I still feel the steam did not cause the problem. The discolouration and difference in texture before steaming it tells me that the damage was 'hidden'. Steam might have took off more than would've come off with a mild apc.

The repair company sprayed something on now and fixed the stitching... I have a year warranty on their work. Will see if I am happy with the feel of the wheel and get it re-wrapped if necessary. Will post pictures tomorrow. Hopefully get to fit it somewhere over the weekend.

Post pics of how it looks after being fixed


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Very keen to see the after pics. Please do post them when you get a chance.

Will post some pics in the morning. Came out looking brand new... Unfortunately I need the airbag as well. The one in my 2007 model does not fit the GTI wheel. The size is wrong and the clips on the back of the wheel is different.

The after pics: I will have to postpone installation until I can find a golf 5 gti airbag and the little gti clip. The ones on my steering wheel does not clip out.

herco wrote:The after pics: I will have to postpone installation until I can find a golf 5 gti airbag and the little gti clip. The ones on my steering wheel does not clip out.

Even though it may look better, it is still way to shiny for my liking. To me leather should have a matt look to it.

Good thing you don't have to use it then.

I agree somewhat to the "leather should be matt" thing. But the photos are super shiny, since they are taken in direct sunlight, its more matt in the shadows or car. Will see how it wears when I finally get a chance to install it.

Looks like a decent job though.