How to Fix a Leather Steering Wheel

Fixing the leather on a steering wheel is a straightforward process.

A leather steering wheel is a luxury item added to expensive cars. Leather steering wheels are also often used in older vehicles as well. Fixing the leather on a steering wheel is a straightforward process, but many materials are necessary to complete the job in a professional manner. If done right, this project should take several days to complete.

Things You'll Need

• Spray bottle
• Rubbing alcohol
• Acetone
• Ammonia
• Old bed sheet
• Green scrubbing pad
• Sandpaper, 400 grit
• Super Glue
• Sandpaper, 240 grit
• Leather crack filler
• Water sealer
• Adhesion promoter
• Leather dye
• Satin clear coat
• Leather conditioner

Instructions

1. Mix equal parts of water, rubbing alcohol, ammonia and acetone together in a spray bottle. Cover the dash board with a sheet to protect the interior of the car. Spray the steering wheel with the mixture in the spray bottle. Use the green scrubbing pad to scrape any dirt, grease and grime from the surface of the steering wheel.

2. Sand the steering wheel with 400-grit sandpaper once the steering wheel is dry again. Fill any holes on the steering wheel with Super Glue. Place Super Glue on any rough areas of the leather as well. While the glue is still wet, sand the area with 240-grit sandpaper. The sanded leather with mix with the glue to create an effective and smooth patch for both holes and rough areas.

3. Apply leather crack filler over the entire surface of the steering wheel. Work the filler into the steering wheel with your fingers. Allow the filler to dry for at least an hour between coats. Continue to add filler until the surface of the steering wheel is completely smooth.

4. Apply a layer of water sealer over the entire steering wheel. Allow the sealer to dry. Follow with an application of adhesion promoter to help the dye soak into the leather more effectively.

5. Spread the dye over the entire steering wheel, both in the front and the back to cover the surface of the steering wheel with the dye. Allow the dye to dry for about an hour, then apply a second coat of dye if you want the steering wheel slightly darker. When this is dry, spread a satin clear coat over the dye to make the leather shine and to protect the dye from getting onto the driver's hands.

6. Work some leather conditioner into the surface of the steering wheel once it is dry. This will help condition the leather and make it last longer without drying or cracking again.

References

• The Interior Guy LLC: Worn Leather Steering Wheel Repair