Removing brake fluid from steering wheel?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 211
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From: Midland MI
Removing brake fluid from steering wheel?
I just picked up my car from the dealer and had my master cylinder replaced. Upon driving home I noticed an unusual feeling on the steering wheel and I strongly believe it is brake fluid residue that came off the mechanics hands while servicing the car. How do I safely remove the residue without damaging the leather covering?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 5,529
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From: Austin Texas
Re: Removing brake fluid from steering wheel? (Nekbyter)
I'm taking a chance here------------so give this the grain of salt it deservs.
I don't think brake fluid can be removed from leather. So you better hope its not.
But brake fluid can be "cut" with ethanol, methanol, acetone, lacquer thinner, Trichloroethane and a couple of other things. None of these would do the leather any good, as they all have extensive degreasing effects, and leather retains its supple properties from grease-like compounds. {I once had a car with a leather steering wheel which degraded the first time the window didn't go up (love those motors and switches) and a heavy dew formed. Turned a completely useable wheel into junk overnight. I always wondered if the leather was damaged by some fluid other than water}
"Cut" means breaking down the brake fluid into a less damaging set of chemicals, which still can't be removed.
Trichloroethane was the only thing useful for removing brake fluids from brake pads. Another wonder solvent is gone the way of the dodo.
I don't think brake fluid can be removed from leather. So you better hope its not.
But brake fluid can be "cut" with ethanol, methanol, acetone, lacquer thinner, Trichloroethane and a couple of other things. None of these would do the leather any good, as they all have extensive degreasing effects, and leather retains its supple properties from grease-like compounds. {I once had a car with a leather steering wheel which degraded the first time the window didn't go up (love those motors and switches) and a heavy dew formed. Turned a completely useable wheel into junk overnight. I always wondered if the leather was damaged by some fluid other than water}
"Cut" means breaking down the brake fluid into a less damaging set of chemicals, which still can't be removed.
Trichloroethane was the only thing useful for removing brake fluids from brake pads. Another wonder solvent is gone the way of the dodo.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: Midland MI
Re: Removing brake fluid from steering wheel? (MitchAlsup)
Thanks,
I was afraid you were going to say that. I guess I am just SOL now. Too bad I can't get an OEM replacement cover to lace onto the wheel. I really dont want the shop monkeys touching the car again.
I was afraid you were going to say that. I guess I am just SOL now. Too bad I can't get an OEM replacement cover to lace onto the wheel. I really dont want the shop monkeys touching the car again.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 1
From: Newland US
Re: Removing brake fluid from steering wheel? (Nekbyter)
Nekbyter,
I have no idea if this will work or exactly how to go about doing it, so try at your own risk and improvise on the procedure.
I was wondering if talcum powder might absorb it. I suppose this could get messy so maybe an old sheet could be positioned to catch the powder from going everywhere.
Maybe liberally sprinkle a cloth with the talc and rub the wheel. If you decide to try, let us know if it works.
Good luck.
Mark
I have no idea if this will work or exactly how to go about doing it, so try at your own risk and improvise on the procedure.
I was wondering if talcum powder might absorb it. I suppose this could get messy so maybe an old sheet could be positioned to catch the powder from going everywhere.
Maybe liberally sprinkle a cloth with the talc and rub the wheel. If you decide to try, let us know if it works.
Good luck.
Mark
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,602
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From: Palm City Florida
Re: Removing brake fluid from steering wheel? (Nekbyter)
Dude, don't sweat it.. It is probably only a light coating anyway. You know how the lightest touch of brake fluid feels to the finger tips?
Just get a soft dry cloth and buff it as best you can and then follow it up with a good coat of leather conditioner and buff again... It'll be good as new.
Personally, I HATE that sticky feeling on the wheel when driving in humid weather with the top down.
Just get a soft dry cloth and buff it as best you can and then follow it up with a good coat of leather conditioner and buff again... It'll be good as new.
Personally, I HATE that sticky feeling on the wheel when driving in humid weather with the top down.
