Steering wheel crack repair?

2manyrocks · Nov 30, 2007

The steering wheel on my YM226 has recently cracked leaving about a 1/8 inch gap. Any ideas how to fix it or am I stuck trying to buy a new one?

js5020 · Nov 30, 2007

Don't know the details but I have read on some other sites that body filler works

MrJimi · Nov 30, 2007

Does your steering wheel flex when you pull on it or push on it ? If it does , you may consider putting a flexible crack filler in it like a black silicone or something like that. If you put a hard material like body filler, it will not stick very good and also will crack. Most all steering wheels have a metal rod inside and plastic coating to give it the shape and looks and not much more
Jim

YanmarFever · Nov 30, 2007

Re: Steering wheel repair?

Just buy another one from one of the dealers on this site.

They dont cost very much at all.

ultrarunner · Dec 1, 2007

I'm not a bowler, but, I've heard the compound used to repair bowling balls works well to repair steering wheels.

2manyrocks · Dec 1, 2007

thanks.

mark777 · Dec 1, 2007

2manyrocks,

Body filler alone will not work for a permanent repair.

If youæ±*e budget conscious or just enjoy working and restoring parts for your Yanmar, I have had great success doing the following:

Remove and wash the entire wheel with Acetone (or denatured alcohol), clean the affected area with a wire brush thoroughly, wash again and mix and apply JB Weld or equivalent two part epoxy and let cure. Once cured, use 80 grit abrasive paper to cut, feather and shape the epoxy. Use a thin coat of polyester putty (body filler) skim coating that area (and any other scrapes and deep scratches) and finish sand with 180 and final with 320 grit paper. Prime and paint with a high quality aerosol paint (even rattle cans will work well).

My steering wheels have so far, lasted better than four years regardless of the elements and extreme Texas exposure from the sun.

Mark

LMTC · Dec 1, 2007

JB Weld ROCKS! Key to usage is to allow plenty of cure time, preferably in a warm area. It dresses down pretty well afterwards.

2manyrocks · Dec 2, 2007

I did some searching and saw that two part expoxy has been used to repair steering wheels on cars, but they were recommending a product from Eastwood. But if JB Weld will work, that's good enough for me.