Please take a look at the photo below. You'll see a rip or tear in the leather part of the wheel on the lower left of this steering wheel.

This is extremely bothersome to me. The wheel is on a 2005 S-Type 4.2 that I'm considering buying. The rest of the car is quite good, but I'm having a tough time getting past this "in your face" flaw.

Can this be fixed or repaired to look as close to "original" or new as possible? The idea of going to AutoZone or some other parts store and buying a cover (and thereby covering the wood grain) of the wheel doesn't appeal to me at all.

Can anyone recommend fixes, "how-to's" and/or approximate pricing to make this good again?... or better than it is now?

<img src="http://horseplayusa.com/images/jag-s-type-steering-wheel.jpg">

 

I would assume that an upholsterer would be able to do something with it. If you don't have the vehicle in your possession, take the picture to the upholsterer.

my 3 cent.

 

Agreed. A good automotive upholstery shop can replace just about any damaged leather panel you show them. To get the best possible match, you'll need to get both leather panels on the sides of the steering wheel replaced, not just the damaged side....

 

I'm aware of a kit that retails for $100 or so that will repair SEATS, but this would not work for the wheel, since a patch is installed underneath the rip, and after chemicals and dye are added, gets heated in place. Doubt it'd work on a round surface. Looks like a professional is your only option - other than finding a mint replacement wheel - which poses it's own challenges - and costs.

 

There are companies such as Dr Vlnyl that can repair that. I would guess for less than $75.
You should expect the repaired area to look like a minor flaw in the original leather. It will not be perfect but most would not notice.

 

I've re-dyed seats and the kits work fine, but this thing needs a replacement from a good shop.

 

just buy another wheel from a car reacking yard or ebay and have it fitted. admittedly there is a bit going on in the back of these wheels i.e. clock spring cable / and ARS air bag. but thay just bolt on not rocket science.

 

BTW, the later STs' steering wheel, because of the shape of the airbag, looks much like XJ8 as opposed to the early ST ones. I wonder if the XJ8 ones are interchangeable? It would increase your chances of getting a real nice one from a donor.

 

I would get another one from EBay as was suggested above.

Kind of surprised it looked like that too? I have been very pleased with how durable the interior has been on my STR. The seats are still perfect with only very small wrinkles. The steering wheel is perfect but it is black so maybe that's why it's still good?
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That ripped leather is a bit of a mystery. I took the car for a test drive about 10 days ago and it wasn't there at that time. It's definitely not in character with the rest of the car which is pretty close to immaculate.

 

Go on Ebay, you might find a used steering wheel, cheap.

 

I repair leather seats and steering wheels pretty often, but never like yours. I am pretty sure wood trim pieces can be removed, leather replaced and then trim reinstalled. I usually use covers, which are installed with thread and needle. They look like original leather wheels.