Those who follow my youtube channel might have already seen this, but today it occured to me that it might be of benefit to a larger audience here as well.

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The steering wheel wear and peel issues are unfortunately quite common for the Y51, the earlier models at least.
Solutions:

• Purchase a new/used replacement
• Have your current one repaired/rewrapped
• Ignore & live with the cosmetic defect

I'll discuss the 1st option.

Some time back, someone asked me whether I thought a QX60 steering wheel would fit, and if I was willing to test it for him. I said yes to both questions and the result was the 2 videos linked below.

The answer:
Yes, the other steering wheels that look similar to the Y51 steering wheel will bolt right on to the steering column

Off the top of my head, you have the Infiniti JX35, QX60, Nissan Pathfinder, Murano (shiny     lol) as options. Just make sure you have the minimum features on your vehicles matched in the donor.

So, why bother with this option?
- It can be a cheap alternative.
- I can't say whether the M56 steering wheel is better than the other vehicles. However, I'll tell you that I have handled both a QX60 wheel and a Murano one and they felt different. A little more plush than the M for sure.
- I can't guarantee how long they will last either. I would still consider the switch just to buy myself a little more time.

2011 M56 and 2016 QX60 steering wheels beside each other


And here, check out the button arrangement.




Note:
1.
To make it as simple as possible, match the package options on both vehicles. DCA for DCA, heated steering wheel, etc. Even then, the non-M wheels will have a dummy button because the Menu button on the steering wheel will be unresponsive.
2.
You can buy a steering wheel just for the frame, and transfer your switches over. The second video shows this in some detail

Video 1. Replacing the steering wheels & checking functionality


Video 2. Removing the switches to swap them between wheels

I've seen online some "kits" that have pre-cut leather wraps that must be stitched onto your existing wheel. Do you think the wrap will cause issues with the heated steering wheel option?

An example (this is for the Q50 but same concept)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/For-Infiniti-Q ... 26d40ed737

I have been contemplating the stitch-on option myself. I think only issue it may cause is less heat getting through to the hands.

Nice thread Ed!

I saw these videos on your YT channel. Nice job. Very helpful. Thanks for posting it. Sad and shameful that Infiniti steering wheels don't last very long. I dislike my steering wheel, which is still the original one.

If you go on alibaba there’s a place out of China that does phenomenal work. I got 2 from them after realizing full alcantara was a bit slippery IMO. For the second one I sent my original wheel and saved a ton of money. If they provide the core it’s like $500 if you send one it’s like $300. Worth getting a cheap one on eBay if you don’t mind the wait.

Does the heated wheel still function really well?

Thanks guys.

I don't think re-wrapping the wheel should cause any issues with heat transfer. After all, the OEM skin is a wrap as well.
If you somehow just added a wrap on top instead of removing the old one first, then I see that being an issue.

Some people who don't care for the heated steering wheel also go for the more "tuner" options like carbon fiber wheels, so there's that option as well.

hoover86 wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 21, 2020 12:25 pm

If you go on alibaba there’s a place out of China that does phenomenal work. I got 2 from them after realizing full alcantara was a bit slippery IMO. For the second one I sent my original wheel and saved a ton of money. If they provide the core it’s like $500 if you send one it’s like $300. Worth getting a cheap one on eBay if you don’t mind the wait.

do you have a link to the seller or ad?

i'm looking for this wheel