I have a very unusual problem. For some reason my steering wheel rim is always kinda sticky and greasy (also very shiney). I first noticed it in the spring and thought well perhaps cause it was closed all winter moisture built up in the cabin. However, I have had the top down for weeks now and even on dry days it feels that way. What could cause this? Is the rubber (or whatever material it is) be breaking down after 41 years?

 

It's a common problem! I just wash it regularly with soap and water, occaisionally I use tuff stuff, or other cleaners. There are multiple sites below under similar threads!

Good luck!

 

Fair amount of previous discussion. We all understand and can relate to your question. For your consideration:

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...ing-wheel.html

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...im-sticky.html

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...cky-wheel.html

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...ing-wheel.html

 

Wow.....I had no idea it was that common a problem. Well, it doesn't sound like cleaning with any product is a long term solution. After reading some of the posts my thought was can it be sealed somehow.....and in the very last post in the last thread one person did ask that.

It seems to me that some sort of flexible sealant would be best. I have no idea if such a product exists, but I guess I will investigate and let you all know if I find anything. I wonder if some sort of leather or fabric stain sealant would work???

 

You just got me thinking

What if you got a product that is labeled to seal or water proof shoes? Hmm...

I just clean mine off every few months like the rest of us.

 

Most of those products are silicone based!

 

Is that bad?

 

I would caution against any coating. That's a non-reversible process and if it doesn't turn out the way you intended, you're screwed. I just wipe mine down with pre-cleaner (aka, Goo Gone) whenever it needs it. I've got a similar problem with the (real) wood wheel I put in the 62. Your skin has oil in it and it will transfer to the wheel. Just consider this a routine maintenance item.

 

When I first read this, I was thinking 'Goof Off' cleaner which would dissolve the rubber. Then I read it more carefully and researched some articles on the Goo Gone product. Almost all the new cleaners are going citrus base, and the MSDS sheets I read show no concerns. Clean your wheel and end up with a car that smells like an orange! Beats the heck out of beating farts out of the seat

One of the other things I posted a while back was using driving gloves to help reduce the problem of transfering skin oil to the rubber. They feel nice, look great, but face it - they're not going to make you into a Parnelli Jones.

 

The pre-cleaner I am talking about is not citrus-based. It is the solvent pre-cleaner solution designed for removing wax and grease from a car before you paint it. The original GooGone was the same stuff in a smaller (and more expensive) consumer package. I can't speak to any newer versions.

I've been doing this for 35 years and I can assure you that pre-cleaner does NOT damage the wheel in any way. It is designed as a wax and grease remover and will also remove adhesive residue from paint and plastics with no damage. Great stuff.