does anyone else hate the Alcantara steering wheel

[Yankee Traveler]

So I love my 2016 SHO with the performance package but I hate the Alcantara steering wheel cover. It just feels icky. I am just not sure I really want to hold it firmly like you should hold a steering wheel. I don't know what the designers where thinking when they made Alcantara an upgrade! Give me real leather any day.

I love mine.
All leather is great too. I hate the half wood/half leather that my Lincoln had.

 

[MHW100]

I'm wondering how the material holds up over time. Mine is a 18 and is showing some wear after zero abuse, dirt etc.

 

[diego d]

I'm with ya completely on this one man. Doesn't seem to be a lot of people with this opinion, but it was actually a big factor as to why I chose a non-pp car. Something about the feeling of alcantara or suede makes me uncomfortable and I can't stand it.

I'm sorry but to not get the PP just because of the alcantra steering wheel is absurd in my opinion.

 

[Eric Morris]

I'm sorry but to not get the PP just because of the alcantra steering wheel is absurd in my opinion.

It wasn't the only reason for me (I wanted ACC, lane keeping, etc) but it was definitely a factor. You touch the wheel 100% of the time you are driving- so what it's made of and the longevity of the material is not an insignificant thing. Same goes for the seats.

 

[Angrymongoose]

See I hate the alcantra wheel a ton myself, but that's about the only thing about the PP I don't like. For me it would have been nicer to have all leather seats simply because they are easier to clean, but the inserts do look good and are comfy so they have grown on me.

 

[Chris Gatland]

I want everyone to know this thread has a happy ending ; I bought a used all leather steering wheel on ebay for $125 and swapped in out in 10 minutes and it is like having a new car all over again. If anyone wants a 2016 performance package alcantara wheel I'll sell it for .... $125 inc shipping.

 

[MHW100]

PM sent.

 

[andynumbers]

Is there a guide on how to swap steering wheels? I'm always paranoid about dealing with the airbag and clockspring.

 

[luigisho]

you'll be fine. I've had to pull them alot with clockspring issues located behind the airbag. Usually they are just a few screws and a wiring plug and they all come right off. Just don't bang on it like a gorilla and it wont go off

 

[Chris Gatland]

Is there a guide on how to swap steering wheels? I'm always paranoid about dealing with the airbag and clockspring.

Its a piece of cake, it took me 5 min. There are videos on youtube for how to remove the airbag. You just need two tools ,a 3mm rod like a blunt screw driver shaft to push the 2 clips to release the airbag, and a tork socket piece to remove the center nut on the steering . 2 mins to remove the air bag and 2 mins to remove the steering wheel. Remember to disconnect the battery first.

 

[FiveLeeter918]

Sounds like it's dirty..

https://www.amazon.com/Sonax-206141-Upholstery-Alcantara-Cleaner/dp/B00BBWJ16U

 

[OmaHahn]

This is my 1st car with this type of steering wheel - I love it!! Especially in the winter when my fingers are numb from the cold and I turn on the heated steering wheel!

 

[skyshadow07]

Has anyone looked into swapping something like a Focus RS wheel in our cars?

 

[luigisho]

As long as it physically fits, clockspring might be an issue if you are keeping the air bag system.

No idea what if any differences there are.

I know back in the 90's (my old 93 for ex.) one model year could have 2-3 different clockspring part numbers, which were not interchangeable, depending on where the car was built. It was a huge PITA just finding a replacement for the vehicle without changing anything.

 

[skyshadow07]

I wonder, and hope, if to stay standardized for easy assembly.

 

[SM105K]

I like mine.

 

[luigisho]

I wonder, and hope, if to stay standardized for easy assembly.

It's Ford. Flip a coin.

 

[Angrymongoose]

I know the explorer wheel fits, but the controls get all messed up. A few guys on one of the fb groups have given it a go. I don't think anyone has a fully functional wheel swap out there. I imagine it would be a similar story for a wheel from any other model.

There is a company that makes replacements that are slightly different, and all the buttons work as intended, but you lose the heated part.

For the interested.
https://beyondlegallimits.com/produ...t1y5K0C8H3QYR0SY-zvCan46oynSfwCwDritdUrjAh-SE

 

[Christian]

Is the Alcantara SW the same thickness as the regular one? I always wished that mine had a more aggressive wheel as far as thickness goes. It's almost as though they designed it for girl hands. I want one like my son's Focus RS has.

 

[FiveLeeter918]

Is the Alcantara SW the same thickness as the regular one? I always wished that mine had a more aggressive wheel as far as thickness goes. It's almost as though they designed it for girl hands. I want one like my son's Focus RS has.

AFAIK it's the same.