Sticky steering wheel problem solved
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 628
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From: Canada
Sticky steering wheel problem solved
I had a gummy, sticky steering wheel in my 89 vette and it got worse in the summer time. Here's what I did to solve the problem. I cleaned the steering wheel with soap and water, let it completely dry, and then applied KIWI liquid shoe polish. I used KIWI Honor Guard Instant Spit Shine and when that ran out I bought some KIWI Color Shine and it basically worked the same. I applied it to the wheel liberally and then took a cloth and lightly buffed it to get rid of any excess. It colors the wheel black, lasts long, doesn't rub off on your hands, and I have been applying it periodically for several years. Problem solved. No tacky, sticky steering wheel. Hopes this helps.
Last edited by ~ Anno Domini; Sep 4, 2017 at 06:58 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,708
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From: indy indiana
The reason the wheel gets sticky is oil from your hands. Dust settles on the oil, then builds up. Also if you work on it, one might grab the wheel with less than clean hands.. that stuff sticks to the oil lefty behind on your hand. Clean the wheel once in a while and it will prevent this from happening
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,426
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From: Pennsylvania
I had a gummy, sticky steering wheel in my 89 vette and it got worse in the summer time. Here's what I did to solve the problem. I cleaned the steering wheel with soap and water, let it completely dry, and then applied KIWI liquid shoe polish. I used KIWI Honor Guard Instant Spit Shine and when that ran out I bought some KIWI Color Shine and it basically worked the same. I applied it to the wheel liberally and then took a cloth and lightly buffed it to get rid of any excess. It colors the wheel black, lasts long, doesn't rub off on your hands, and I have been applying it periodically for several years. Problem solved. No tacky, sticky steering wheel. Hopes this helps.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 628
Likes: 80
From: Canada
Hi ghoastrider1, thank you for your thoughts and that could be the case in some situations, but in my case the steering wheel had a gooey-sticky surface (more than just dirt and grime as i tried to clean it repeatedly to no avail) and having inspected it, it appeared to be the result of the material aging. The KIWI liquid shoe polish helped coat the steering wheel providing a dry protective layer over it. I did this fix probably 4 years ago (with periodic touch ups) and the wheel has stayed dry. Yes FOURSPEEDVETTE, the KIWI shoe polish is great for the leather seats too. I haven't used the KIWI paste shoe polish, just the liquid polish, but I'm sure it works too. it's a great little tip.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,953
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From: Mission Viejo CA
Would you use that stuff on your leather upholstery, or your motorcycle saddle, or your expensive leather dress shoes?
Last edited by Hot Rod Roy; Mar 22, 2018 at 03:45 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,333
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From: Vermilion OH
I'm surprised that the shoe polish doesn't rub on on your hands when applied to the steering wheel. Anything special that you're doing to it to prevent it from coming off on your hands?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 628
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From: Canada
Sorry mazdaverx7, missed the question, not sure if it is directed at me, but there's no residue. I just apply the KIWI liquid shoe polish on the steering wheel and buff it with a dry cloth and it doesn't rub off on your hands. I was concerned about the same thing, but it dries very well. I let it dry overnight just to be sure, but it does not get on the hands after that. Also, I did some reading about "303 Areospace Protectant" to use on the tires and seats, interior, and bought some and it also works very well too. I have not tried it on the steering wheel yet because the KIWI liquid shoe polish is still holding up. Hope that helps.
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Canada
Same here ghlkal, I have used it to color spots on the leather seats too and it doesn't rub off and I don't see why it wouldn't work on a sticky wheel on your old F150 Silver96ce......hope it does help.....peace.
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From: Cumming Georgia
D.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 34
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From: Westfield Mass
beyond sticky
the steering wheel in my car was super sticky and what ever is under the leather started breaking down , unfortunatley i dont think it could be saved ..........a nice new one was my only option 
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 628
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From: Canada
I'm the Thread Starter, and quick update to say I still endorse my original post as a remedy for a sticky steering wheel, but my steering wheel is 32 years old, (1989 corvette), and over time it developed a tear/hole about the size of a quarter. This happened simply as a result of age, and usage. The link below shows how I repaired that, and I hope this will be of help to others as well. Salute.
DIY Leather Steering Wheel Repair
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...el-repair.html
DIY Leather Steering Wheel Repair
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...el-repair.html
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
From: Outside of Atlanta
The reason the wheel gets sticky is oil from your hands. Dust settles on the oil, then builds up. Also if you work on it, one might grab the wheel with less than clean hands.. that stuff sticks to the oil lefty behind on your hand. Clean the wheel once in a while and it will prevent this from happening
