The Sticky Steering Wheel

[ForgedCrank]

Alright, so as some of you may already know, sometime in the later 70's or early 80s, they started putting this pliable rubber on the steering wheels, my '94 Ranger is one of those. I've had plenty of cars like this, and something that has always really (and I mean really) bugged the crap out of me is when that rubber gets old and sticky, and there is nothing that will clean off that stuff. I tried so many things over the years and none of it worked. It has to do with the rubber breaking down in the sun or something. I've also heard that Armor-All (or similar) can accelerate this problem.
Anyway, I had this nasty condition in my Ranger, and I just can't tolerate it. Another thing I really don't like are steering wheel wraps and covers, but with this thing it was so bad, the choices were new steering wheel or one of those covers.
In a last ditch effort since I was going to cover it anyway, I decided to try what some guy online suggested. I was skeptical about using this on that rubber, but I decided to go for it and see what happens. Mineral spirits and a rough/cloth shop rag. I wet the rag and scrubbed this thing with it. Then I took a clean huck towel and windex and scrubbed off all of the mineral spirits. I left the windows down all day until just now to let the mineral spirits smell air out a little, but ti's not too bad, I'm sure it'll air out completely after a few days.
I'm telling you, I can't believe it, but it worked. The steering wheel is slick again, even in the 90 degree 90% humidity conditions right now. What happens to the rubber 2 months or a year from now? No idea, but I can't deal with that stickiness so I don't care. I also don't think I would try this on the wheels that are actually spongy, that might end badly.
Thought I would share just in case someone else is hating this.

 

[RobbieD]

Mine have gotten that stickiness; thanks for the tip. Never heard of that one.

I like the nicer leather wraps, and the grip on the slightly larger diameter feels better, to me. My pink fur one finally wore out.

 

[ForgedCrank]

Mine have gotten that stickiness; thanks for the tip. Never heard of that one.

I like the nicer leather wraps, and the grip on the slightly larger diameter feels better, to me. My pink fur one finally wore out.

View attachment 114369

That's one of the better one's I've seen, actually. Just in case and for future reference, where did you get that one?

 

[RobbieD]

That's one of the better one's I've seen, actually. Just in case and for future reference, where did you get that one?

OReillys; it was around $22. Can't remember the brand, but I've still got the receipt somewhere.

Found it: it's a SuperSkin by Superior Automotive. Finicky install; it has to be stitched on, but I love the fit.

 

[ForgedCrank]

OReillys; it was around $22. Can't remember the brand, but I've still got the receipt somewhere.

Found it: it's a SuperSkin by Superior Automotive. Finicky install; it has to be stitched on, but I love the fit.

yea that's why I like about it, looks like when installed properly, it's on there good-n-tite.

 

[Shran]

The factory leather wrapped ones are even worse, they will melt inside and leak crap out onto your seat and floor.

I remove the entire wheel and clean it with a brush, really hot water and dish soap. Works about as well as mineral spirits - I've tried that too.

It'll start getting gross again quickly... keep a can of Clorox Wipes in the truck with you, that seems to work well to remove the nastiness occasionally.

 

[scotts90ranger]

I agree on the steering wheel covers, I STRONGLY dislike the slip ons, every time I've bought a car with one that is the first thing to be removed... usually as I get in to drive off with my purchase...

I have one of those stitch on leather ones on my F350 as the factory leather wrapping deteriorated on the top and I couldn't take it anymore, the electrical tape was really annoying I put over the hole . I should have gotten a slightly smaller one as there's some wrinkling at the spokes...

It must be more of a heat thing, over here it's pretty mild and both my '90 and '97 just get a bit gross when they sit for longer periods but some dawn and water on a rag usually do the trick. On the Explorers with the leather wrapped wheels they're a bit more annoying but still the same does fine most of the time...

 

[SenorNoob]

Will one of those wraps fit the giant steering wheel on the 1st gen?

 

[scotts90ranger]

There's a bunch of different options for diameter cross section if I remember right. I think I looked on their website to get the right one then ordered from amazon possibly. The kit comes with two needles and enough thread to do it and I think some guides on what stitches to use...