Plastic Faceplate Steering Wheel Scratched

cohee3 · 04-30-2007, 09:43 AM

I am male, have short fingernails, but have damaged the steering wheel faceplate (scratched the paint) through repetive operation of the controls. I looked for but did not find a thread on the scratched face plates. The radio control side developed scratches within the first few months. Scratches first, then the paint flakes off. I had it replaced under warranty. The cruise control side developed scratches much later (still within 36,000 mile warranty) but I delayed getting it replaced. Evidently the gray paint over the black plastic is not very durable. However, the replaced radio control side is still holding up - perhaps they figured that out and the replacement part was manufactured differently. I took my Titan into the dealer for some planned maintenance and asked them to replace the cruise control side face plate while it was in the shop - surely it could not cost more than about $15! Fortunately they called me before doing the work because they quoted $213. I said no. Based on another thread, I looked at nissanpartscheap.com. As far as I can tell, they call the steering wheel face plate a "lid cruise control", which is #6 on their drawing. They want $27.54 before shipping. Nissanpartscheap does not offer color choices. Does anyone know if this is this is the right part or if there is another solution? If the part needs to be painted, I could conceivably repaint the one I have. It is an appearance issue only. Thanks in advance for your help.
2004 Sedona Crew Cab/ 4x4 SE with gray interior

xterraintx · 04-30-2007, 10:18 AM

I'd be interested in finding out too. I was told the entire wheel and airbags had to come off to replace it??? I could see that part being a total of $213 with that labor. I was also told that the problem was known and is fixed on newer models. Mine was out of warranty when I decided it should be fixed

If this cruise control cover can be self-replaced at $27 bucks I'd love to do it too.

2004 LE OR 4X4 grey interior too.

**helomech** · 04-30-2007, 10:34 AM

They just changed mine out last week. To take the steering wheel off all you have to do is take a 10 mm socket, there is one bolt on each side of the steering wheel, they are under a little cover. Then there are a couple of wire connectors and the wheel comes right off. The face plates are held in with screws (I think). I watched the tech do it and it took less that 10 minutes and he wasn't rushing by any means.

Carbon · 04-30-2007, 10:48 AM

I also have scratched mine and am out of warranty. I heard that you have to buy the whole assembly on the audio control side, which includes all the switches (Vol. Track etc..) and that’s why it cost’s so much. You can only replace the cover, but you still have to buy the whole thing.

If some one has any updates or ideas?

I’d love to get this fix/replaced at a decent price!

**helomech** · 04-30-2007, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carbon

I also have scratched mine and am out of warranty. I heard that you have to buy the whole assembly on the audio control side, which includes all the switches (Vol. Track etc..) and that’s why it cost’s so much. You can only replace the cover, but you still have to buy the whole thing.

If some one has any updates or ideas?

I’d love to get this fix/replaced at a decent price!

The covers they replace on mine came in a platic bag by themselves. I would say that the dealer could probably get you just the cover. It sure wouldn't hurt to ask.

Carbon · 04-30-2007, 11:08 AM

Your right, just called my local dealer and they order it for me $31.42. Left audio control cover

**helomech** · 04-30-2007, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carbon

Your right, just called my local dealer and they order it for me $31.42. Left audio control cover

Good deal, glad they were able to help you. I just went and looked at my truck and it doesn't look like you can change them without pulling the steering wheel. You may be able to just slide it back far enough to reach the screws without disconnecting the wires.

Carbon · 04-30-2007, 11:26 AM

I'll report back on install when the part comes in.

xterraintx · 04-30-2007, 02:18 PM

Carbon, please keep us informed!!! I will order my cover tomorrow. Want to do it face to face with the parts guy

not over the net.

Carbon · 04-30-2007, 02:25 PM

I ordered over the phone and his first price he gave me was 40 odd bucks, I said no why, I heard it was like 27. He then said 31 and I took that.

I hate that they have room to negotiate price, trying to squeeze every last dollar from ya

rrumaner · 04-30-2007, 07:53 PM

I had mine done a while ago under warranty otherwise it would have cost about $30 for the part (labor extra - usually $75-90/hour).

**RobKar** · 04-30-2007, 07:57 PM

I pointed that out to the service guy, and he said ... its not covered .. looks like Ill take it back and complain ... haha

**helomech** · 04-30-2007, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobKar

I pointed that out to the service guy, and he said ... its not covered .. looks like Ill take it back and complain ... haha

If you are under the 3yr/36k mile than it is covered by the warranty. I actually didn't even ask about it the service guy that I have been dealing with and knows that I am a long time customer pointed it out and said they would change it while it was in. He even asked me if there was anything else that was showing wear.

hooligan · 04-30-2007, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobKar

I pointed that out to the service guy, and he said ... its not covered .. looks like Ill take it back and complain ... haha

had mine replaced under warranty as well, no questions asked from my service advisor. the part looked a bit different but was the same color. i will say the replacement cover has held up much longer than the original one but now the replacement one is scratched as well. at this point, i don't give a rat's arse about it now, but maybe if it bugs me enough and i have the titan in for warranty work again (knock on wood) i'll have them replace that again, since i've got 4 years/40k left on my extendo-warranty. to sum it up, the baking process on the paint sucks!

**helomech** · 04-30-2007, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hooligan

had mine replaced under warranty as well, no questions asked from my service advisor. the part looked a bit different but was the same color. i will say the replacement cover has held up much longer than the original one but now the replacement one is scratched as well. at this point, i don't give a rat's arse about it now, but maybe if it bugs me enough and i have the titan in for warranty work again (knock on wood) i'll have them replace that again, since i've got 4 years/40k left on my extendo-warranty. to sum it up, the baking process on the paint sucks!

Wear and tear is not covered on the extended warranty. That is why the service guy that I deal with asked me if there was anything else. After 36k miles it is on you to pay for.