Steering Wheel Decomposing Gen 2 '08 Prius

Never seen that before. Usually they just go really shiny with age. I imagine in a desert they'll corrode due to UV but that seems early on a 2008.

You been using some weird oil on your hands or used some weird cleaner? Is it due to a medical condition maybe?

 

Time to try a Wheelskins leather steering wheel cover. They have an excellent fit.

 

I noticed exactly the same thing happen to the steering-wheel of my 1993 Toyota Corolla DX Wagon (failed inspection (rotten sills/rocker panels)) last Dec, which is the reason I bought my 2009 Gen II Prius, and one of the reasons I purchased a WheelSkins real leather cover (see my other threads on that saga, and don't forget to ask for Irene) - I guess I should have got a WheelSkins for my old Corolla!

 

Unlike metals, plastics behave much different with age.

They deteriorate with internal chemical reactions and age.

If you've heard of the Kinetic Molecular Theory, all molecules and compounds are in constant vibrational motion, Heat speeds up and accelerates this motion and speeds up the reaction.

You would think that a premium car like a Porsche uses the best materials,

It's not the case in their plastic radio knobs.

Gooey volume knob and other bits?? - Pelican Parts Technical BBS

It seems like almost all of them become gooey.

Adding insult to injury, instead of the $2.50 that Toyota charges retail for two knobs, Porsche wants over $60 for a NEW set.

 

With older Toyotas like from 90s steering wheel would break down pretty fast if you did get oil into it (like motor or gearbox oil). Might it be happening here?

 

First thing I buy for a car is a new Wheelskin.

I found the steering wheel very rough on my new Prius. Couple that with rough hands and its like a cheese grater. White skin dust everywhere on the dash. Wheelskin makes it feel like a new car.

 

Well, I've always been into fixing autos since I was very young, my family used to say I was "…car mad!", so perhaps I have 4 qrts of Castrol GT-X coursing through my veins, and as we all "…sweat blood" with some car problems, so perhaps that was it!

 

The wheel in your pictures looks exactly like that on my old Corolla!

 

Could it be from a solvent that was used to clean it or non tinted windows or dry rot.

 

Looks like someone got hungry!!!

 

Hand lotion maybe? I have to clean it off my steering wheel periodically (wife). But I have not seen it rot out the wheel.

 

If it makes you feel any better, many people have the paint issue with the spoiler and haven't gotten any goodwill in replacement. Steering wheel replacement is fairly cheap on ebay, used maybe $60 or you can buy a cover.