I recently purchased a 2006 Navigator with Dove Grey interior. Everything looks good on the Navigator but the steering wheel. The steering wheel looks like someone rubbed it raw.. Is this a defect in the dying of the leather? The reason I ask is because I saw the same issue on another 06 Navigator, same color.. I am attaching two photos of the steering wheel issue I am referring to..

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/m...or-124903.html
(this is my steering wheel)

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/m...or-124904.html
(this is another 06 with similar issue)

Should I dye the leather again to correct or just replace the steering wheel?

 

Replacing the steering wheel is overkill IMHO.......although I cant really tell by the pic, if the leather is sill in good condition, just dye it, next alternative is to an upholstry shop to have then sew up a new cover.

 

The wheel finish acts more like paint than a dye? The first pic (of your wheel?) looks like someone had a cheap wheel cover on it, then removed it prior to trade-in ? The second pic just looks like normal heavy wear from someone that just used their left hand to steer with. My suggestion would be to install a WheelSkin cover and call it good. They're high quality dyed leather covers that cinch up tight and don't move. Just choose a color you like. Lincoln 2006 Navigator Steering Wheel Cover|Wheelskins One Color Genuine Leather Steering Wheel Cover. Most run about $40 or so and take an hour to install. Lots of videos on Youtube on installations.


-Mike

 

I got wear on my 05 Navi's steering wheel too but it hit 175 k It's not that bad but nevertheless it bugs me. I just ordered one from ebay pulled from 05 navi with 42 k miles on it (looks brand new, I don't know maybe a lady drove it?) and will swap this weekend.

 

Are the steering wheels hard to replace? I have never replaced one with a airbag or controls on it.

 

Well I can't tell yet. I saw few tutorials here and there but with different vehicles. I'll let you know if there are any key points after I'm done.

 

Ok just finished swapping steering wheels. Well there is nothing difficult about it. Almost an easy swap. There is a key point to whole this; the standard "steering wheel removal" tool does not work on navi's steering wheel. Removal tool is supposed to attach itself to two holes in the steering wheel reinforcement. But there ain't any holes so what I did was I went to Lowe's and bought couple 5/6 nuts and washers. Slid head of the bolts behind the steering wheel. And then tightened the tool.

To summarize the steps:
1- Disconnect the battery. You'll be playing with airbag...
1- Open two plastic caps on the side of the steering wheel.
2- You'll see a black 5/6" bolt inside the hole. Remove them.
3- Airbag will come right off. Pull it towards yourself a little and remove the two wires connected.
4- At the center of the steering wheel, there is an T50 bolt, holding the steering wheel into it's place. Loosen it but don't completely remove it. You'll need it to be in place for the tool to work properly. and also it's little tight so you might need to apply little force.
5- Place the removal tool. It's pretty basic stuff, tighten until steering wheel comes loose. Take the tool out. Take the T50 bolt out. Pull the steering wheel out.
6- Reverse order for re-install.

P.S. Don't worry about the alignment of the steering wheel. It has some kind of guidance line at center threaded part.

 

Did you change the clock spring? When I had my wheel replaced at the dealer they insisted on it. They change it any time they do a wheel swap.

 

No, I checked the clock spring and it turns nice and freely so I left it there. Whole swaping steering wheel action doesn't make any kind of disturbance or pressure on the spring so if it's good, no need to change it.

 

I am noticing the same issue with the paint on the leather rubbing off on almost every Navigator I have seen. Did Lincoln/Ford just make these steering wheels very cheap will they warranty these? I think it kind of sucks because when you think of Lincoln vehicles you think of top of the line quality and I am not seeing it with the steering wheels.

Any thoughts or ideas?

 

Yep, almost all Lincoln's are suffering from poor steering wheel quality. I think seat leather is somewhat OK, comparing to the ones used in Expys. But, almost all fords also suffer from the seat foam. Never seen any European vehicles with crushed seat cushion foam.