looks like you need gas.....:gluging:.uh thats good question kinda been having the same problem...ive used leather conditioner and wiped the steering wheel with a rag. seems to have slowed it down to a point but its not a ''fix''

 

I have used "Bucket O'Towels" for cleaning dirt off ; it has a lot of natural cleaning solvents/ingredients (?) but one of it's best features is it also has lanolin for moisturizing hands but we know that leather benefit from it, as well. I will inform you that I after I got the '11 , I initially cleaned the crap out of the leather wheel ;cleaned it first w/ a Magic Eraser Mr.Clean thingy &t hen - as w/ any leather product I own - I totally salved-it down with high grade MinkOil ( just like ya do a baseball glove or hunting boots) for the initial coat of protection. I have a few nics and nail-clench-"dig-ins"( I am not joking)but none of the drying out, fading/peeling which you've now encountered. The best you can do now that the surface is broken is try to re-press the surface and then refinish the leather*. there are you tube videos on that.

<edit: when I say ,"to re-press the surface and then refinish the leather" , it is obvious that I am a utterly useless resource for leather wheel restoration processes as that may be backwards sggted way. I simply meant you will have to clean, finding a way to resmooth that broken part of the smoothed hide and then seal it. I would have to look that up if I were doing it-j3ff3ry>

 

Ok thanks for the input! I now realize I probably should have been treating the leather of the wheel with something the last few years, although I don't know what.

I also don't know what is the best way to try and save it I'll have to do some more googling I guess. I don't want to just get a cover and slap it on I would like to try and salvage it as best I can...

 

Wear gloves......its from the oils and perspiration of your hands. Buddy of mine could rot out a leather wrapped wheel in a year.

Maybe a good leather conditioner may help. Something used on saddles.

 

Maybe a good leather conditioner may help. Something used on saddles.

^^^This. I have used the King Ranch conditioner on all my leather since it was recommended to me after wife bought a King Ranch truck. It works great.

I'm sure there is other good stuff out there as well.

 

Good auto upholstery shop can replace it.

 

I've wondered if that wasn't the case. My wheel is in OK shape for the moment, but I can tell some spots that eventually will wear through.

 

If worse comes to worst replacing the wheel is very simple. Costly, but simple. Check with Steve White motors for the best pricing on factory wheels.

 

If it's not worn through the leather then you can refinish it easily. SEM Color Coat will work, even the Duplicolor Leather and Vinyl will work but I'd spring for the SEM. Sand it really smooth in that spot, down to 400 or 600 grit sandpaper, then mask and spray with SEM. Easier if the wheel is not in the vehicle so you can get to both sides ... mount it with a bolt so it's vertical and you can walk around it spraying.

After it dries all the way you might have to sand a little more if there's a blemish where the rough spot was, and spray a little more. Repeat until it looks right.

 

I always thought it was my wedding ring, happened on my JK and on my old TJ too. :gluging:

 

Another suggestion for cleaning and a conditioning is Lexol - the orange bottle and the brown bottle. I have been using it for years. Works well and is widely available, probably even at your closest 24hr grocery store.

 

X2. This is the best stuff out there for leather. In a pinch, you can also use Pledge furniture polish. It really nourishes the leather well. And it has that nice lemon smell too.

 

Steering wheel cover can a a good solution. Try wheelskins.

 

can also try Redlinegoods.com
They have a 25% refund for sending pics of a 2011-2015 installed wheel wrap

 

I just put a cool circle steering wheel cover on my 2015 JKU. I bought it on amazon for $25. It is really good quality. It fits tight and is a bit of a challenge to work it over the factory wheel. But that just makes it look better when you do get it on. Had great reviews on amazon, I bought the orange and black, but comes in lots of colors. Such good quality I am going to get one for my pickup too. Personally I like the fill and grip of the thicker wheel when you put the cover on.

 

You should post the Amazon link.

 

i have a cool circle steering wheel cover on the Prius. Stupid thing came with awful plastic steering wheels. The cool circle steering cover is a nice piece.

 

Ive always used mink oil. Worksgreat