Hi,

I have a 97 XJR and the steering wheel is in excellent shape, however a gap between the leather and wood at the 10 & 2 positions has developed over the years. My theory is that this is probably from how the previous owner held the wheel and "pulled down" on the leather over time.

The gap is greatest on the left, maybe about 1/16 to 1/8 inch, and about half that gap on the right.

The leather is undamaged, and again simply looks like it has been pulled down the rim. I have attached two photos of the gap.

So here is my question: Does anyone have a recommended approach to repair this gap?

I've been pushing it up and it has moved, but my thoughts are that it will simply slide back down. So I'm thinking that the leather needs to be stretched or relaxed then glued. But again, I'm not sure what the best method would be, and I don't want to damage an otherwise pristine wheel.

Thanks in advance!

 

i had the same problem,i filled the gap with black gasket maker...looks good.

 

Ah OK

... I worked mine mostly closed manually by twisting the leather, and used a black marker to darken the wood underneath. It closed up substantially, but slipped open again over time. I think the leather just shrunk and was pulled down over the years.

I have another all leather XJR wheel from and X308 that I plan to install, as I don't really like the wood wheel's feel, and the rosewood/mahogany doesn't really match the dark birds eye maple of the XJR anyway. I just haven't gotten around to swapping them out as I don't even really notice this gap anymore.

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