| deanking |
This was mentioned in this post: http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/show...light=stitching
I am hoping that someone can give me some clever ideas on how to deal with this. I am not interested in paying $400 plus install for a new wheel since I am fine with the wheel and I don't believe that the upgrade would solve the problem.
The stitching on my steering wheel is rough to the point that it bothers me and makes me hold the wheel in a different way. Does anyone have any ideas on how I could address this problem? I was thinking of trying to coat it in some wax or perhaps use some leather cleaner to soften it. I wanted to get other ideas before I did anything.
BTW, I am also going to try out another X when I take it in for first service just to make sure it is not just mine. |
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| gmc74 |
| I would think the softener would work, but I would be concerned about discoloration. I would probably get a steering wheel cover that wraps around it |
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| deanking |
Thanks for the idea but I don't like the look of added on covers. I think the current wheel looks and feels nice except for the stitching.
I was hoping that quality leather cleaner would not discolor anything. |
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| Mike_TX |
Well, I didn't comment on your other post because I figured it wold just make you mad, but I really don't understand the problem. :confused:
While it's true that the stitching is rougher than the smooth leather (duh), it's nowhere near rough enough to bother me. And you'll hate this, but I find the stitched area nice to have for grip, since for me the leather is too damn slick. I actually feel for the stitches occasionally when I want a secure grip on the wheel.
I suppose you could use some lanolin or something to soften the threads if it really bothers you, but I frankly find it no rougher than other stitched leather steering wheels. :8:
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| deanking |
Actually your post was excellent.
I have two other vehicles with leather stitched wheels and have had many others. However; the stitching on MY MDX wheel is considerably rougher (3 or 4 times) than any other wheel I have ever seen. I am now starting to hope that perhaps it is defective and can be fixed. It really makes me want to take a trip to the dealer and try out another one.
If that is not the case, then Lanolin is a good idea. I will try it in an inconspicuous spot first. |
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| acuramdxkc |
It was my post you linked to about the stitching. In the interval when I was at the dealer, I looked at three or four MDXs and they all had the same issue, and I pointed this out to the salesmen by scraping their finger over the stitching. They never noticed it before (nor would probably admit it was an issue).
I looked at the wheel upgrade (for about $500), and unlike the Lexus-type "wood" wheel (which is a joy to touch and hold), they still have leather (and stitching) on the bottom, so the only "wood" is on top.
Haven't tried anything yet, but my son suggested a clear silicon caulk over the stitching so at least it would be smooth and color consistent (and probably could be peeled off???). Right now duck tape on the left bottom seems the easiest. |
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| m500 |
Hmmm, I havn't notice it yet. I guess I been playing too much Golf lately that my hand were a big rougher then usual.
Or maybe its just an inconstancy of cheap sewing machine they used.
A cheaper solution would be to get a pair of Driving Glove. Look cool while driving and avoid tan on your hand. That's how all my female friend drive like. |
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| Goodgirl |
| Well as a woman who enjoys soft hands and well manicured nails etc...The steering wheel has a nice feel to me. I don't consider it rough just sturdy. |
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| Activator |
I have to say that it IS rough, especially right in the nook below the bulges at 9 and 3 o'clock. The stitching looks like the 1st attempt of a novice seamstress... it surely could have been done better. It's like they tried to fill in the gap with thread...
That said, I've been using the mild discomfort of the seam to keep me AWAKE on those late night drives!!! Couldn't get to sleep with that finger irritation, no way.
:p |
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| gmc74 |
quote:
Originally posted by Goodgirl
Well as a woman who enjoys soft hands and well manicured nails etc...The steering wheel has a nice feel to me. I don't consider it rough just sturdy.
I think she just called you a wus :2:
sorry, couldn't resist |
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| Brad Moody |
I had the same complaint, but with time the wheel is softening up with use. I have 9k on the clock and it is much better now. Think of it like your baseball glove, with use, it got broken in.
Hang in there it will improve with time. In the meantime, play a lot of golf and build up those calluses and you won't notice the stitching as much! |
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| deanking |
| I agree. Just this morning (before I read this post) I thought of the baseball glove analogy. I started poking the stitches in the corner with my fingernail and they seemed to soften a bit. |
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| seang |
I have had a few vehicles where the stiching was nice and soft and started fraying and wearing out. Maybe it is made with a more durable material and will last much longer. That may be what they had in mind.
After all, if it started wearing, then everyone would be complaining that the stiching is not up to par for an Acura.
I think it is rough but not enough of an issue I care to complain about. The majority of 07' MDX complaints are of a fit and finish issue not mechanical in nature. I think that if all we have to complain about is some rough stiching and door panels that are not matched up right, then they succeded in building a great vehicle.
Peace:) |
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| deanking |
| I think it is a great vehicle. The stitching bothers me. Not because it is durable but because it is not sewn well compared to every other leather wheel I have owned. I made the post not to complain but to find out if others had the same issue and to see if anyone had any suggestions on how to address it. I don't know how to ask for solutions to a problem without pointing out the problem. Thanks to all who provided good suggestions. That being said, I do agree with your general statement with a variation. I think a lot of people find fault with the X for not being the best at a particular thing. It isn't powerful enough, or utility enough, or luxurious enough, or cool enough looking, or uses too much gas, or whatever. The reason that I chose an MDX is because I found it to be a great compromise of the many factors I was looking for. No vehicle is perfect at everything. I have to stop ranting now so that I can go massage the stitching on my steering wheel. |
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| G. COLTON |
quote:
Originally posted by deanking
Thanks for the idea but I don't like the look of added on covers. I think the current wheel looks and feels nice except for the stitching.
I was hoping that quality leather cleaner would not discolor anything.
A good quality leather cleaner will/should not have an effect on the leather if properly used. However, I do not believe that this will solve your problem. I suspect that the real problem is just like what happens if you get a small crack/chip on a tooth. Your tongue keeps going to that location because it is different.
Regardless of how soft you get the stitched area it is still going to be different.
G |
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| MSBEAR |
| are you pleased with the Dark Cherry ?What other colors did you consider |
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| Mike_TX |
Heh. I think we've slapped you around enough for this, so ... have you ever taken it to the dealer to see if your steering wheel maybe got past quality control with bad stitching or something?
Seriously.
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| deanking |
| As strange as this may sound, I am not as happy with the color in full sunlight. It almost looks brown. With a little bit of shade it is really nice: a dark, glistening deep red color. |
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| deanking |
| The stitching isn't serious enough to warrant a special trip to the dealer. I don't put too many miles on it so I would imagine a 6 month oil change would be my first trip. I will check it at that point. |
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| xgman |
quote:
Originally posted by seang
I have had a few vehicles where the stiching was nice and soft and started fraying and wearing out. Maybe it is made with a more durable material and will last much longer. That may be what they had in mind.
Peace:)
My stiching started unraveling at only 2000 miles. :rolleyes: |
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| seang |
quote:
Originally posted by xgman
My stiching started unraveling at only 2000 miles. :rolleyes:
WOW!! That does not sound good. I think you are the only one I have heard of with that problem. I would surely have that looked at.
By the way, my comment was to a possible theory to the rough stiching, not in reference to a manufacture malconformance part. Saying the shocks on my new X are quite durable, does not mean that someone out there did not have to have theirs replaced for a faulty part.:D |
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