Sticky steering wheel and other plastic interior parts?

[45tt]

I’ve been trying to figure out how to remedy sticky plastic/rubber parts on my truck interior parts (steering wheel, headlight switch knob, etc). I know it’s due to age and chemical breakdown of the polymers. I was wondering if anyone has found a way to clean the sticky off and what cleaning products work? I'm trying to avoid changing all the parts out if I have to.

 

[45tt]

I pulled the headlight knob off and wiped it down thoroughly and it was not sticky but just a day later I can feel a little tackiness to it. I tried simple green and it didn’t work. Next is Trying brake cleaner (Saw a video online about it).

 

[Charlie]

Mine was like that so I used 99% alcohol to rub them down and after a couple of rubbings it was not bad at all. If the alcohol makes them appear whitish color, use vinyl upholstery restorer to make it look better.

 

[Vbb199]

I pulled the headlight knob off and wiped it down thoroughly and it was not sticky but just a day later I can feel a little tackiness to it. I tried simple green and it didn’t work. Next is Trying brake cleaner (Saw a video online about it).

Seems like brake cleaner would be really harsh on that old plastic and rubber?? Lol

 

[78C10BigTen]

Against advice i used armorall and it worked great for about a week then got sticky again. I changed the steering wheel with an aftermarket.

 

[45tt]

Seems like brake cleaner would be really harsh on that old plastic and rubber?? Lol

tried the brake cleaner, it sorta worked with no discoloring. It’s a little tacky but only in certain spots. Maybe with a few more hours of scrubbing, cussing and getting frustrated, I’ll just buy a new steering wheel.

 

[Vbb199]

Likely that's what it'll come to lol.

 

[MisterB]

tried the brake cleaner, it sorta worked with no discoloring. It’s a little tacky but only in certain spots. Maybe with a few more hours of scrubbing, cussing and getting frustrated, I’ll just buy a new steering wheel.

What year is your truck? I've got a nice extra factory steering wheel I might be willing to sell

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[idahovette]

Hey Vince, define "harsh".....LOL

 

[Rickf]

What about trying a clear coat after cleaning?

 

[Vbb199]

Hey Vince, define "harsh".....LOL

Damaging, maybe melting something lol

 

[idahovette]

OK, just thought maybe you were going "snowflake" on us..... LOL

 

[45tt]

1

What year is your truck? I've got a nice extra factory steering wheel I might be willing to sell

Sent from my SM-N975U1 using Tapatalk

1975

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[Backfoot100]

Against advice i used armorall and it worked great for about a week then got sticky again. I changed the steering wheel with an aftermarket.

I have this issue really bad with my Volvo's. The armour all is the only thing I've found that cleans them up. You have to scrub like hell and it actually takes a layer off but it's all that sticky ****. If you don't get it all off it will come back. Both my Volvo's have been great for several years now. Anything else I tried that takes the goo off also takes off any stenciling that might be on it.

 

[PrairieDrifter]

I've had a lot of vehicles do this, different makes. Doesn't matter, it's from the sun and heat. I really like the gmt400 steering wheels, I don't think I've ever had one get that nastiness.