Prado steering wheel

My June '03 had the steering wheel go a bit daggy on the top (in the sun all the time) after about 12 months. The dealers swapped it over at a service without me even having to ask. The new one shows no signs of the old issue.

Cheers
Viv

If the covering on the wheel is loose and you can move it around by grabbing it and twisting, then its unroadworthy, and they must replace it.

Danman,
the company I work for supplies original equipment steering wheels (both leather and urethane) to the Australian market (Commodore, 380 and Camry) so I hope to be able to lend you some industry advice.

If your vehicle is still under warranty take it in to your dealer soon as any wear is visible on your steering wheel . Steering wheels and related materials are tested to very high wear and exposure standards due to their role and position within the vehicle. If your wheel is wearing abnormally within the specified warranty period then it is very likely that there something wrong with the surface finish coating.

There are some arguments however from leather manufacturers:-
1) cleaning your leather wheel with anything other than warm soapy water may also contribute to increased wear. Never admit to using solvents etc on your steering wheel.
2)that diabetic people on certain medication have sweat with an abnormally high acidity that may contribute to the leather wear.

Don't take no from your dealer as an answer. Their costs are 100% covered as part of the warranty agreement with TMC / TMCA and the wheel manufacturer.

However for those of you who have worn Holden, 380 or Camry wheels... sorry I can't help you! Only joking - same rules apply.

Good luck.

Dan

Thanks for the responce, Toyota will be changing the steering wheel next Wednesday although they won't admit it's a fault. they couldn't answer why my 2002 Camry with the same K'ms dose'nt have this problem. Seems a bit dodgy, anyway we'll see how long this one lasts.
Cheers
Danman