Hello all, So my 2003 Ranger XL automatic with 3.0 has about 236K miles and the steering wheel looks it. My wheel is very basic and whenever it's warm out the steering wheel feels greasy and despite wiping it down and cleaning it multiple times it happens again and again and I hate it.

I am not interested in an aftermarket wheel or a cover however, I would like to know what other Ford Steering Wheels form either another Ranger trim or other models that would be a direct fit and I can just swap my air bag into it. Kind of like the 06+ mirrors as an upgrade type of deal. I have seen some that came wrapped in leather from the factory and those look nice but any feedback or suggestions, first hand experience would be very much appreciated. Thanks for your time. :)

 

Anyone?

 

Try using some Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Cleaner on the wheel. Spray it on and let it foam up, wipe it off. Re-apply and use a small brush, like a tooth brush to scrub it down, and wipe it off.
The foaming will soften and dislodge any dirt embedded in the "grain" of the wheel, and will remove the greasy feel. Wipe it down with a water wet rag and your set.
The Bubbles is also great to use to clean the rubber floor mat covering...the foaming will dislodge dirt embedded and all you have to do is wipe it off and then clean any residue off with a wet rag.
Grumpaw

 

Yes, you can swap steering wheels, from another Ranger and many other Ford models

Read here, has pictures: https://ford-rangers.com/forum46/575.html

There is an airbag involved so be sure to unhook battery and wait at least 15min before starting to work on it
That includes wrecking yards, never ASSUME there is no battery hooked up, LOOK

Also as mentioned in the article, a new steering wheel may not be "centered" after installation, so if you want it to be centered then have front end re-aligned, but make sure they center the wheel and then TIE IT OFF to hold it in place
Many shops just use the closest to center steering wheel Lock(key off) so wheel will still be off center

 

Grumpaw, thanks for the tip, been there done that, I have used degreasers, and I have used clean magic eraser. In fact the wheel no longer has any texture on it, it is a slick wheel reminiscent of the 70's plastic steering wheels, it's that smooth but if parked on a warm day, I get in and it's greasy, I keep a small towel just for that so I wipe it down to get that greasy feeling off before driving but it's getting old having to do that so hence my question. Thanks again!

 

RonD, You came thru for me again! Thank You, Thank You!! That's the information I needed, much appreciated and Happy New Year :)