Steering Wheel Rubber Grip is NASTY- How to Clean?

R

rwilhite

Member
Joined
Feb 19, 2001
RO Number
3478
Messages
155
My 1996 Excel 26SE has a Momo Stainless steering wheel with a black hard rubber coating molded all the way around the outside rim of the wheel. That rubber leaves my hands filthy after 20 minutes or so. I have tried washing it with soap and water and also tried Formula 409. Neither of these seem to get all the nastiness off. Even though the scrub brush comes away black, after everything dries, I am right back to the beginning. I realize this is probably sun-induced rubber deterioration, but is there any way I can clean and coat this stuff so it doesn't come off on my hands?
 
I realize this is probably sun-induced rubber deterioration, but is there any way I can clean and coat this stuff so it doesn't come off on my hands?

Sounds like deterioration. No way of stopping it. You could wrap the wheel in 3/8" to 1/4" double braided line from the local homedepotlowes cheaply.
 
On our little Sportfish, it has a white "leather like" grip, it too was filthy, took the wheel off and let it soak for a couple of hours in the sink with Dawn DW liquid then used a scrub pad, and it cleaned up pretty good...

Still thinking of swapping out with a stainless though...what about using a cheap automotive cover over the top of it?
 
The line wrap is a good classic work-around, but you might try using a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser moistened with 303 Aerospace Protectant instead of the usual water. I use this combo all the time on the boat vinyl upholstery as it cleans faster than when moistened with water and adds protective sealant in the same step. In your case I would let dry after and finish with another coat or 2 of 303 wiped on. (303 lists one of it's uses is as as a protectorant for EPDM rubber roofs.) It seems to have much better UV resistance than , for instance, ArmorAll. Worth a shot, but still a temp. fix. Downside is you may find it a little slippery,but dry not slimy.

A third option of course is just purchase a new wheel w/o rubber. Or wear gloves.
 
I've used the cheap automotive cover on my old bowrider wheel.....works fine.
 
Or do a neat bias wrapping with duct tape all the way around. Duct tape comes in several different colors now.......
 
not sure if u can still get it. But I have used tennis racket handle wrap . I did a car wheel with it a few years back and it turned out real nice. real soft leather.
 
It it is anything like mine there was no hope. first I cut off the rubber and tried that but unfortunately underneath it wasn’t polished so I just bought a new SS wheel
 
Well, thanks everyone for a couple of options. I appreciate your input very much!
 
Another solution is to spray paint the rubber portion of the wheel with black automotive bumper coating available at any automobile supply store. I used this technique to restore the deteriorated door handles on my son's car and it worked well--it has also held up well; 4 years and counting
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top