The steering wheel is the heart of the car. It’s the direction giver. That’s why it’s very important to keep it clean. Your steering wheel can get damaged, and worn out. You can easily fix this issue with some home tools.
During the restoration of the steering wheel, you will also learn how to remove the airbag from the steering wheel.
So when it comes to restoring the steering wheel, there are actually a couple of options that you can try.
For a starter, you can buy the exact same steering wheel from a market. If your steering wheel is in too much bad condition then this is the quick fix.
Secondly, you can use a cover on top of your steering wheel which will give it a fresh look.
Thirdly, you can clean and sew new leather in your existing steering wheel and make it look just new.
When you’re trying to remove the steering wheel, make sure it’s locked and not moving. How do you do that? Just pull out the car keys and turn the steering wheel in any 1 direction. You will hear a sound now it’s locked.
Now comes the question. How do you remove the steering wheel from your car?
If you look closely, you’ll see screws beside the steering wheel. Just unscrew them.
Another thing you need to keep in mind is that you have to remove the battery line and wait for 10 minutes before doing any of these.
While you’re removing the airbag section, make sure you do the process slowly. Because the airbag is connected with another wire and by pulling it out too fast you may tear it.
If you have cruise controls in your steering wheel then you have to disconnect another wire also for that.
There’s usually a center screw that you need to remove also. You can use a T50 Torx for removing that.
Now you can pull off the steering wheel. A lot of steering wheels have a puller section. Just attach 2 puller screws and remove the steering wheels easily.
First, you need to remove the old leather wrap. This is the easy part, as you can use a blade or sharp object to cut the ties and the wrap will then come off easily.
Use some soapy water to remove the rest of the residue stuck with the wheel.
Now you have a clean steering wheel with no wrap. Just grab some good-quality leather or vinyl cover. We have the previous wrap as a template. So you can just place that previous wrap on top of the new leather and use a marker to mark lines.
One thing to keep in mind is that the wrap needs to be stretched and not rigid. If it’s rigid then you’ll have a hard time making the wrap and it won’t be worth it.
So in leather one side will be rigid, so no matter how hard you pull two ends it won’t stretch much. And the other side will be the opposite. So you want to place the previous wrap on top of it diagonally so that it has both rigid & stretching qualities.
While cutting the leather you can have some extra room and cut more. You can always trim down but if you cut too much in the first place then there’s no going back.
Now you can make some dotted lines where you’ll sew the leather. It may take some time, but if done correctly it will save you a lot of hassle in the long run.
After completing the wrap, gently place it in your steering wheel and connect both cruise control and airbag wires. Then screw the steering wheel. Don’t forget the side screws. Make sure the car battery is also connected. Now you have a completely new-looking fresh steering wheel in your car.
Related FAQs
To restore an old steering wheel, you will typically need sandpaper, a cleaning solution, a soft cloth, epoxy or adhesive, leather or vinyl repair kits, and a suitable finish such as paint or sealant.
Yes, cracks and peeling can be repaired using specialized leather or vinyl repair kits that fill in the damage and can be painted over for a seamless finish.
Start by removing dirt and grime using a gentle cleaning solution and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage the material. Rinse and dry thoroughly before proceeding with restoration.
While not mandatory, removing the steering wheel makes the restoration process easier and allows for thorough cleaning and repairs without damaging other components.
The time required varies depending on the extent of the damage and your experience level, but most restoration projects can be completed within a few hours to a couple of days, including drying time for adhesives and finishes.
It is advisable to use specialty automotive paint designed for plastics or leathers to ensure durability and a professional appearance, rather than regular paint which may not adhere properly.
Yes, risks include damaging the steering wheel further, improper installation leading to safety hazards while driving, and potentially voiding warranties if applicable. Proceed with caution and follow guidelines carefully.
If the steering wheel has significant structural damage, advanced wear beyond basic repairs, or if you lack the tools and experience needed for a successful restoration, seeking professional services is recommended.
Conclusions
To sum up, the process of restoring an old steering wheel requires careful planning and execution but can yield impressive results that elevate your driving experience. By utilizing appropriate tools and materials, you can effectively rejuvenate the wheel, making it both aesthetically pleasing and functional. It’s essential to take your time and follow the proper techniques to ensure longevity and durability in your restoration efforts.
This project not only adds value to your vehicle but also allows you to engage in a fulfilling hands-on experience. Take the first step today and start transforming that old steering wheel into a centerpiece of your car’s interior.