Newbie, me,

Just bought a spotless, low mileage, F150XL and, other than the understandably miserable MPG (18.4 tops) and the classic "Clunkeroo" occasionally on braking, I love this puppy.

Howsomever, the truck had about 50% of the textured surface of the steering wheel totally abraded, leaving only the rather porous (and icky) surface below, making it appear to be a 200,000 mile vehicle, rather than the very credible 44,500 mile it is. Either the former owner had flint-covered hands or gloves, or such a phemomenon is endemic with this edition.

Will easily (well, fairly) remedy this cosmetic (and irksome) problem, but am curious if others have had similar complaints?

 

It's a common problem that is increased by the use of hand lotions, etc.
For about $50 (even less on Amazon.com) you can get a cover from Wheelskins (Wheelskins - The World's Finest Genuine Leather Motoring Accessories, Steering Wheel Covers, Driving Gloves and Shift Boots) that just requires your ability to run a stitch around the circumference of the wheel. Wheelskins makes a nice product.

 

Hey, I surely appreciate the very prompt post and explanation.
As indicated in my post, I had a remedy in mind - the same as you suggested, though not familiar with "Wheelskins." Will check out on Amazon.

Thanks again and All the Best (especially while on the road)

Rodger that

 

Another alternative would be a replacement steering wheel off a F-150 that has been in an accident................

 

Agreed on the cover or junkyard steering wheel. This much wear seems odd, but as a guitarist, I know of an old repair guy in Tenessee who said that his bricklayer customers can wear out the frets on a guitar in a year, where it takes a normal player more like 5-10 years... Apparently their hands are like emery cloth with embedded grit.

My son got a replacement wheel for his '97 BMW 318ti for a song (his car had 170k on it, and the replacement wheel had a leather cover--he got it thru a BMW Internet forum). Can be tricky messing with the airbag wiring, but this is a sure cure.

George

 

I'm not so sure that a replacement wheel is all that easy anymore with the airbag gizmos and such. Probably take the dealer or body shop to replace a wheel.

 

My steering wheel has the same type of wear the OP. Thankfully it was only at the 1 o'clock position where my left hand usually sits. I also used the wheelskin remedy. Fits very well and looks about as good a a steering wheel cover can look without being factory.

 

Appreciate all comments and suggestions received. A "Junk Yard Dog" just might fit the bill. Hate thought of setting off that airbag, but will proceed cautiously (never have yet) and pray for the best.

I do believe this puppy was owned by one of those brick layers, one with not emery cloth, but serious 80 grit carborundum instead of skin. My wear is nearly complete across the upper 120 degrees of the wheel - and even a patch inside, lower left and a tad on the lower right, all of which leads me to conclude: though Ford has a pretty weak finish on this particular wheel, I do believe previous owner used a sand blaster to clean the thing!

 

Even if you have to shell out some $$$ to a body shop to install a " junkyard steering wheel " it is still a lot cheaper than buying a new one.

 

Not a bad suggestion....thanks!