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steering wheel defect

Discussion in 'Prius v Main Forum' started by slippers, Jul 10, 2017.

  1. slippers

    slippers New Member

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    ive had a replacement steering wheel fitted after around 6000 miles from new, after the leather completely wore away. My replacement has now done 7000 miles and is again showing signs of wear. Anyone else having these issues? i had an avensis before this and had no problems with wear on the wheel. Dealer says this is normal wear and is not covered under warranty
     
  2. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    I doubt you will get many answers since the leather steering wheel is not available in the US.
     
  3. slippers

    slippers New Member

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    thanks for replying. I didnt realise the options were different in other countries.
     
  4. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    In what country are you located? I believe the UK has the leather steering wheel on some trim models.
     
  5. slippers

    slippers New Member

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    yes in uk, but i think it is soft tex not leather.
     
  6. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    You have what we call a Prius v.
    I know there is a thread in the Generation 4 Liftback section on steering wheel issues.

    Steering Wheel peeling | PriusChat
     
  7. slippers

    slippers New Member

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  8. kithmo

    kithmo Couch Potato

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    I had the 2012 Prius+ T-Spirit which had softex seats but the steering wheel was leather and it showed no signs of wear at all when I traded it in with 28K miles on it. Does your steering wheel have a stitched cover or is it the moulded type ?
     
  9. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    Gotta relax that 'death grip' on the wheel...
     
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  10. slippers

    slippers New Member

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    Yes it is stitched. Had 3 avensis before this, usually trade in around 30000 miles and never had a problem with any. This is on wheel 2 already

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  11. slippers

    slippers New Member

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    if only. Scared to touch this one after the first one wore out!

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  12. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    Just curious, but do you work with any chemicals that might be corrosive to leather?

    I put a Wheelskins leather wrap on my Prius, and I've owned several vehicles with leather wrapped steering wheels and always the durability was pretty good. I've never had to replace a leather steering wheel because the leather was "completely worn away".

    Completely worn away, in such a short time, makes me think the steering wheel is coming in contact with something that is prematurely and aggressively wearing the leather away.

    What do you use to clean it?

    PS.
    My experience with Wheelskins was very good.
    Installation is challenging, and time consuming. With information available here, and on youtube.
    But once you get the cover stitched on? The leather quality is excellent.
    If you could wear through that cover in 6000-7000 miles? I'd bring in scientists to try to figure out what is happening.
     
    #12 The Electric Me, Jul 11, 2017
    Last edited: Jul 11, 2017
  13. kithmo

    kithmo Couch Potato

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  14. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    I agree.
    But since the OP said they have had leather steering wheel before?
    And since they seem to be wearing COMPLETELY away?
    They'ed have to be sweating like a Ridley Scott Alien.

    I'm curious but I have feeling we may never know.
     
  15. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    Read post 5. They have a Softex wheel not leather. If it is the same material as the Gen 4 there are several users with peeling issues.
     
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  16. kithmo

    kithmo Couch Potato

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    In one of the other Gen 4 posts it looks as if the softex is blistering, could it be excess exposure to the sun maybe ?
     
  17. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    Sorry, I missed that post.
    But I had thought about that, if only because I've never had that level of problem with leather.

    Since the OP already evidently had it in to the dealer and replaced once...I'm surprised nobody said anything like..."You realize this isn't leather it's Softex.".
     
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  18. slippers

    slippers New Member

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    I don't work with any chemicals at all and have no sweat issues. After the wheel was replaced, on dealer advise, I haven't cleaned/ put anything whatsoever on either the wheel or my hands. Don't think it's the sun either as I live in England- we only get 5 sunny days per year!

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
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  19. mikefocke

    mikefocke Prius v Three 2012, Avalon 2011

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    Do you wear a ring on your hand?

    Is the wear consistently at the same point on the wheel?
     
  20. EZW1

    EZW1 Active Member

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    I have Prius V step 4 which comes with soft-tex seats, and leather wheel and shifter. I'm up to 15000 miles and no problems with the wheel. My previous V also had leather and I put on one of those steering wheel covers to protect it. Wife doesn't like it (her hands are much smaller than mine) so on current V I don't use one.