Steering Wheel Restoration ? Help...

This forum is designated for Detailing discussion...
Forum rules
Please take a look at the rules for posting in the Technical section as all posts will be moderated accordingly...

Technical Section Rules
User avatar
herco
Cadet
Posts: 97
Registered for: 10 years 1 month
Car Make: Audi
Car Model: B8.5 S4
Location: Pretoria

Steering Wheel Restoration ? Help...

Post by herco »

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:
Image

The stitching problem (before cleaning):
Image

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

The clean and bad condition wheel:
Image

Image

Image
Current: Audi B8.5 S4 :cool: + V4 Multistrada + KTM 300 tpi

Memorable Ex's:
'16 BMW S1000R -> One of the best bikes out there.
'17 Ducati 1299. An actual beast!
Molten Orange Fiesta ST
E90 320d MSPORT I should've kept this one ///M
'95 Opel Astra tS
'99 Opel 200IS Euro :'(
User avatar
amstel18
Lieutenant-Colonel
Posts: 4834
Registered for: 16 years 3 months
Car Make: VW
Car Model: Tiguan Allspace
Membership No: missing
Location: Brackenfell, Cape Town

Re: Steering Wheel Restoration ? Help...

Post by amstel18 »

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
Current:
2022 GWM P-Series LT 4x4
Ex:
2018 VW Tiguan Allspace
2013 Audi A3 Sportback 1.8 TFSI S-Tronic
2015 Pure White 1.2tsi Comfortline
2011 2L BiTdi ROK D/C Highline
2006 Seat Ibiza Cupra TDI
91 Caddy, ADY motor on mp9, wildcat 4-1 branch and 50mm Evolution s/s exhaust
96 1600 Chico (sold)
User avatar
amstel18
Lieutenant-Colonel
Posts: 4834
Registered for: 16 years 3 months
Car Make: VW
Car Model: Tiguan Allspace
Membership No: missing
Location: Brackenfell, Cape Town

Re: Steering Wheel Restoration ? Help...

Post by amstel18 »

Current:
2022 GWM P-Series LT 4x4
Ex:
2018 VW Tiguan Allspace
2013 Audi A3 Sportback 1.8 TFSI S-Tronic
2015 Pure White 1.2tsi Comfortline
2011 2L BiTdi ROK D/C Highline
2006 Seat Ibiza Cupra TDI
91 Caddy, ADY motor on mp9, wildcat 4-1 branch and 50mm Evolution s/s exhaust
96 1600 Chico (sold)
User avatar
herco
Cadet
Posts: 97
Registered for: 10 years 1 month
Car Make: Audi
Car Model: B8.5 S4
Location: Pretoria

Re: Steering Wheel Restoration ? Help...

Post by herco »

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...
Current: Audi B8.5 S4 :cool: + V4 Multistrada + KTM 300 tpi

Memorable Ex's:
'16 BMW S1000R -> One of the best bikes out there.
'17 Ducati 1299. An actual beast!
Molten Orange Fiesta ST
E90 320d MSPORT I should've kept this one ///M
'95 Opel Astra tS
'99 Opel 200IS Euro :'(
User avatar
herco
Cadet
Posts: 97
Registered for: 10 years 1 month
Car Make: Audi
Car Model: B8.5 S4
Location: Pretoria

Re: Steering Wheel Restoration ? Help...

Post by herco »

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.
Current: Audi B8.5 S4 :cool: + V4 Multistrada + KTM 300 tpi

Memorable Ex's:
'16 BMW S1000R -> One of the best bikes out there.
'17 Ducati 1299. An actual beast!
Molten Orange Fiesta ST
E90 320d MSPORT I should've kept this one ///M
'95 Opel Astra tS
'99 Opel 200IS Euro :'(
oettingerA4
Cadet
Posts: 892
Registered for: 14 years 6 months
Car Make: VW
Car Model: GOLF 4 CABRIOLET
Membership No: 1841
Location: JHB
Contact:

Re: Steering Wheel Restoration ? Help...

Post by oettingerA4 »

TRY proleather, they might be able to recoat/dye for you
"on the 8th day God created a HONDA, on the 9th day he traded it in on a VW"
User avatar
iLy
Cadet
Posts: 950
Registered for: 16 years 10 months
Location: Sandton

Re: Steering Wheel Restoration ? Help...

Post by iLy »

That is classic steering wheel wear. I hate buying steering wheels sight unseen as they can be easily made to look decentish :/
Howie-WP
VWCSA Member
Posts: 14200
Registered for: 21 years 7 months
Membership No: 2033
Location: Cape Town, SA

Re: Steering Wheel Restoration ? Help...

Post by Howie-WP »

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 :puke: Redye or recover completely.
User avatar
herco
Cadet
Posts: 97
Registered for: 10 years 1 month
Car Make: Audi
Car Model: B8.5 S4
Location: Pretoria

Re: Steering Wheel Restoration ? Help...

Post by herco »

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

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.
Current: Audi B8.5 S4 :cool: + V4 Multistrada + KTM 300 tpi

Memorable Ex's:
'16 BMW S1000R -> One of the best bikes out there.
'17 Ducati 1299. An actual beast!
Molten Orange Fiesta ST
E90 320d MSPORT I should've kept this one ///M
'95 Opel Astra tS
'99 Opel 200IS Euro :'(
MrMazda
Cadet
Posts: 579
Registered for: 8 years 7 months
Location: East Rand

Re: Steering Wheel Restoration ? Help...

Post by MrMazda »

Not in Pta, but Speedline manufacturing in Jhb is good 011 618 2356.
User avatar
herco
Cadet
Posts: 97
Registered for: 10 years 1 month
Car Make: Audi
Car Model: B8.5 S4
Location: Pretoria

Re: Steering Wheel Restoration ? Help...

Post by herco »

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. :P
Current: Audi B8.5 S4 :cool: + V4 Multistrada + KTM 300 tpi

Memorable Ex's:
'16 BMW S1000R -> One of the best bikes out there.
'17 Ducati 1299. An actual beast!
Molten Orange Fiesta ST
E90 320d MSPORT I should've kept this one ///M
'95 Opel Astra tS
'99 Opel 200IS Euro :'(
User avatar
Kyle
General
Posts: 9429
Registered for: 11 years
Car Make: Porsche
Car Model: Adidas TYP 64
Membership No: 1922
Location: Durban

Re: Steering Wheel Restoration ? Help...

Post by Kyle »

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.
Image
Current:
'03 BMW E46 330i Individual

Ex:
'06 Impreza 2.0R Wagon
'03 S3 8L
'11 A3 1.6TDi
'70 VW Beetle 1600 Twin Port
'00 A4 2.4 V6,
'09 Ibiza Cupra 1.8T,
2013 Vivo Gran Turismo,
E36 M3 Coupe,
E46 320i Individual MSport,
'98 Civic V Tec,
E36 318is Msport,
E30 318i Coupe,
GOLF MK1 GT


Why make things easy for yourself when you can make them incredibly difficult and complicated.
Stonerdude7
Enlisted
Posts: 35
Registered for: 6 years 10 months
Car Make: Toyota
Car Model: Tazz
Location: Cape town

Re: Steering Wheel Restoration ? Help...

Post by Stonerdude7 »

I have the same issue. Steering wheel worn on the bottom right. Any places places in cape town that you guys would recommend?
User avatar
herco
Cadet
Posts: 97
Registered for: 10 years 1 month
Car Make: Audi
Car Model: B8.5 S4
Location: Pretoria

Re: Steering Wheel Restoration ? Help...

Post by herco »

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
Current: Audi B8.5 S4 :cool: + V4 Multistrada + KTM 300 tpi

Memorable Ex's:
'16 BMW S1000R -> One of the best bikes out there.
'17 Ducati 1299. An actual beast!
Molten Orange Fiesta ST
E90 320d MSPORT I should've kept this one ///M
'95 Opel Astra tS
'99 Opel 200IS Euro :'(
Stonerdude7
Enlisted
Posts: 35
Registered for: 6 years 10 months
Car Make: Toyota
Car Model: Tazz
Location: Cape town

Re: Steering Wheel Restoration ? Help...

Post by Stonerdude7 »

Awesome thanks. Will give them a shout
lawrence
Lord of the Sponge
Posts: 10704
Registered for: 13 years 7 months
Car Make: VW
Car Model: Sea Blue Polo Vivo
Membership No: 1676
Location: Durban

Re: Steering Wheel Restoration ? Help...

Post by lawrence »

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.
User avatar
herco
Cadet
Posts: 97
Registered for: 10 years 1 month
Car Make: Audi
Car Model: B8.5 S4
Location: Pretoria

Re: Steering Wheel Restoration ? Help...

Post by herco »

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.
Current: Audi B8.5 S4 :cool: + V4 Multistrada + KTM 300 tpi

Memorable Ex's:
'16 BMW S1000R -> One of the best bikes out there.
'17 Ducati 1299. An actual beast!
Molten Orange Fiesta ST
E90 320d MSPORT I should've kept this one ///M
'95 Opel Astra tS
'99 Opel 200IS Euro :'(
User avatar
NHB_R
Captain
Posts: 2664
Registered for: 11 years 10 months
Membership No: missing

Re: Steering Wheel Restoration ? Help...

Post by NHB_R »

Post pics of how it looks after being fixed


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
User avatar
Reegz
VWCSA Member
Posts: 5066
Registered for: 18 years 5 months
Membership No: 1400

Re: Steering Wheel Restoration ? Help...

Post by Reegz »

Very keen to see the after pics. Please do post them when you get a chance.
2016 Golf 7 Tyre Devourer
2012 Touran 2.0 TDI Comfortline
---- Ex ----
2012 Golf 6 GTi Edition 35 - RIP :-(
2012 Jetta 6 1.4 Comfortline - SOLD
2004 Ducati Monster 400 - SOLD
[2002 Polo Playa 1.6 2.0l - Sold
2008 Honda CBR 600RR - SOLD
2006 Honda CBR 600RR Movistar - Gone to Heaven
1996 Citi Golf CTi - SOLD
User avatar
herco
Cadet
Posts: 97
Registered for: 10 years 1 month
Car Make: Audi
Car Model: B8.5 S4
Location: Pretoria

Re: Steering Wheel Restoration ? Help...

Post by herco »

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.
Current: Audi B8.5 S4 :cool: + V4 Multistrada + KTM 300 tpi

Memorable Ex's:
'16 BMW S1000R -> One of the best bikes out there.
'17 Ducati 1299. An actual beast!
Molten Orange Fiesta ST
E90 320d MSPORT I should've kept this one ///M
'95 Opel Astra tS
'99 Opel 200IS Euro :'(
User avatar
herco
Cadet
Posts: 97
Registered for: 10 years 1 month
Car Make: Audi
Car Model: B8.5 S4
Location: Pretoria

Re: Steering Wheel Restoration ? Help...

Post by herco »

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.

Image

Image

Image

Image
Current: Audi B8.5 S4 :cool: + V4 Multistrada + KTM 300 tpi

Memorable Ex's:
'16 BMW S1000R -> One of the best bikes out there.
'17 Ducati 1299. An actual beast!
Molten Orange Fiesta ST
E90 320d MSPORT I should've kept this one ///M
'95 Opel Astra tS
'99 Opel 200IS Euro :'(
User avatar
amstel18
Lieutenant-Colonel
Posts: 4834
Registered for: 16 years 3 months
Car Make: VW
Car Model: Tiguan Allspace
Membership No: missing
Location: Brackenfell, Cape Town

Re: Steering Wheel Restoration ? Help...

Post by amstel18 »

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.

Image

Image

Image

Image

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.
Current:
2022 GWM P-Series LT 4x4
Ex:
2018 VW Tiguan Allspace
2013 Audi A3 Sportback 1.8 TFSI S-Tronic
2015 Pure White 1.2tsi Comfortline
2011 2L BiTdi ROK D/C Highline
2006 Seat Ibiza Cupra TDI
91 Caddy, ADY motor on mp9, wildcat 4-1 branch and 50mm Evolution s/s exhaust
96 1600 Chico (sold)
User avatar
THANAS
Forum Advertiser
Posts: 4660
Registered for: 10 years 8 months
Car Make: VW
Car Model: AW Polo GTi
Membership No: 2035
Location: Cape Town

Re: Steering Wheel Restoration ? Help...

Post by THANAS »

Good thing you don't have to use it then.
User avatar
herco
Cadet
Posts: 97
Registered for: 10 years 1 month
Car Make: Audi
Car Model: B8.5 S4
Location: Pretoria

Re: Steering Wheel Restoration ? Help...

Post by herco »

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.
Current: Audi B8.5 S4 :cool: + V4 Multistrada + KTM 300 tpi

Memorable Ex's:
'16 BMW S1000R -> One of the best bikes out there.
'17 Ducati 1299. An actual beast!
Molten Orange Fiesta ST
E90 320d MSPORT I should've kept this one ///M
'95 Opel Astra tS
'99 Opel 200IS Euro :'(
User avatar
Reegz
VWCSA Member
Posts: 5066
Registered for: 18 years 5 months
Membership No: 1400

Re: Steering Wheel Restoration ? Help...

Post by Reegz »

Looks like a decent job though.
2016 Golf 7 Tyre Devourer
2012 Touran 2.0 TDI Comfortline
---- Ex ----
2012 Golf 6 GTi Edition 35 - RIP :-(
2012 Jetta 6 1.4 Comfortline - SOLD
2004 Ducati Monster 400 - SOLD
[2002 Polo Playa 1.6 2.0l - Sold
2008 Honda CBR 600RR - SOLD
2006 Honda CBR 600RR Movistar - Gone to Heaven
1996 Citi Golf CTi - SOLD
Post Reply