The 2017 Jeep Wrangler is a vehicle known for its off-road prowess and iconic design. While many drivers focus on the engine, suspension, or tires, the steering wheel plays a crucial role in the overall driving experience.
It's the primary point of contact between the driver and the vehicle, influencing control, comfort, and even the aesthetic of the interior.
For the 2017 Jeep Wrangler, the steering wheel is more than just a functional component; it’s an integral part of the Jeep identity, offering a blend of ruggedness and user-friendliness.
This article will explore the various aspects of the 2017 Jeep Wrangler steering wheel, from its standard features and available upgrades to maintenance tips and common issues. Whether you’re a seasoned off-roader or a daily commuter, understanding your steering wheel can enhance your connection with your Wrangler and ensure a safer, more enjoyable drive.
We will look at the materials used, the ergonomic considerations, and how the steering wheel contributes to the unique character of this beloved SUV.
The Standard 2017 Jeep Wrangler Steering Wheel
The 2017 Jeep Wrangler, available in various trims like Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, typically came equipped with a standard steering wheel designed for durability and basic functionality. This wheel was usually made from durable plastic or a similar composite material, built to withstand the harsh conditions often encountered by Jeep owners. Its design was straightforward, prioritizing a good grip for off-road maneuvering.
Material And Construction
The material choice for the standard steering wheel in the 2017 Wrangler was driven by practicality. Unlike luxury vehicles that might feature soft leather or wood accents, the Wrangler’s standard wheel focused on resilience. This meant it could handle dirt, mud, and frequent use without significant wear and tear. The thickness of the wheel was also designed to provide a solid feel and a secure grip, especially important when navigating uneven terrain or making quick steering adjustments. The overall construction was robust, reflecting the vehicle’s utilitarian nature.
Ergonomics And Grip
While not as sculpted as some modern steering wheels, the 2017 Wrangler’s standard wheel offered a comfortable and functional grip. Its diameter was generally well-suited for the vehicle’s size, providing adequate leverage for steering, particularly at lower speeds or when crawling over obstacles. The textured surface, even on the basic plastic, helped prevent hands from slipping, a critical safety feature during off-road adventures. The simple, no-frills design meant that drivers could easily feel the terrain through the wheel, providing valuable feedback.
Basic Controls
The standard steering wheel on the 2017 Jeep Wrangler typically included basic controls for the audio system. These buttons were usually located on the back of the steering wheel spokes or on the face of the wheel itself, allowing drivers to adjust volume, change tracks, or switch radio stations without taking their hands off the wheel. This was a practical addition, enhancing convenience and safety by minimizing distractions. Higher trims might offer additional button functionalities, but the core audio controls were a common feature.
Available Steering Wheel Options And Upgrades
Jeep understands that owners often want to personalize their vehicles, and the steering wheel is a popular area for upgrades. For the 2017 Wrangler, several options were available from the factory or as aftermarket additions to enhance comfort, aesthetics, and functionality. These upgrades could range from simple steering wheel covers to complete replacement steering wheels with advanced features.
Leather-wrapped Steering Wheels
One of the most common and desirable upgrades for the 2017 Jeep Wrangler steering wheel was a leather-wrapped option. Available on higher trims like the Sahara and Rubicon, or as an optional package, leather provided a significant upgrade in terms of feel and luxury. The soft texture of the leather made the steering wheel more comfortable to hold, especially during longer drives or in extreme temperatures. It also offered a more premium look and feel to the interior. Many aftermarket companies also offer leather-wrap kits for those who wanted to add this feature to a base model.
Heated Steering Wheels
For those living in colder climates, a heated steering wheel was a welcome luxury option. This feature, usually found on top-tier trims or as part of an optional package, integrated heating elements within the steering wheel. With the push of a button, the steering wheel would warm up, making cold-weather driving significantly more comfortable. This was a feature that added a touch of modern convenience to the rugged Wrangler.
Steering Wheels With Enhanced Controls
Beyond basic audio controls, some 2017 Wrangler steering wheels offered enhanced functionality. This could include buttons for cruise control, voice commands, or even controls for the vehicle’s information display. These integrated controls allowed drivers to manage more vehicle functions without moving their hands from the wheel, further improving safety and convenience. The layout of these buttons was generally designed for intuitive use, keeping the driver focused on the road.
Aftermarket Steering Wheels
The aftermarket offers a vast array of custom steering wheels for the 2017 Jeep Wrangler. These range from sporty, smaller diameter wheels designed for quicker steering response to heavy-duty off-road wheels with features like thumb swells and aggressive textures for maximum grip. Materials vary widely, including different types of leather, suede, carbon fiber, and even billet aluminum. Many aftermarket wheels also allow for the integration of aftermarket steering wheel hubs, enabling the installation of non-Jeep steering wheels or quick-release mechanisms for competition use.
Steering Wheel Covers: A Simple Enhancement
For owners who wanted to upgrade their steering wheel without a full replacement, steering wheel covers offered a practical and affordable solution. These covers could transform the look and feel of the standard plastic wheel, adding comfort, grip, and style.
Types Of Steering Wheel Covers
Steering wheel covers come in a variety of materials and designs. Common options include:
- Faux Leather/PU Leather: These offer a feel similar to real leather at a lower cost. They often provide a good grip and can protect the original steering wheel from wear.
- Genuine Leather: For a more premium feel, genuine leather covers can be purchased. These often require a more involved installation process, sometimes involving lacing the cover onto the wheel.
- Fabric/Mesh: Some covers use breathable fabrics or mesh materials, which can be beneficial in hot weather by preventing the wheel from becoming too hot to touch and offering a comfortable grip.
- Neoprene/Silicone: These materials are known for their excellent grip and durability, often used in performance-oriented applications.
Benefits Of Using A Cover
- Improved Grip: Many covers are designed with textured surfaces or ergonomic shapes to enhance grip, which is particularly useful for off-roading.
- Comfort: Leather or padded covers can make the steering wheel more comfortable to hold, reducing hand fatigue on long journeys.
- Protection: A cover can protect the original steering wheel from UV damage, scratches, and wear and tear, preserving its condition.
- Aesthetics: Covers can significantly change the look of the interior, adding a touch of sportiness, luxury, or personalization.
Installation Considerations
When choosing and installing a steering wheel cover, it’s important to ensure a snug fit. A loose cover can be dangerous, potentially slipping during a turn and causing a loss of control. Most slip-on covers are relatively easy to install, but lacing-style leather covers can take some time and effort. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
Steering Wheel Maintenance And Care
Proper maintenance of your 2017 Jeep Wrangler steering wheel is essential for its longevity, appearance, and your driving comfort. Whether it’s a standard plastic wheel or an upgraded leather one, a little care goes a long way.
Cleaning Your Steering Wheel
Regular cleaning will keep your steering wheel looking and feeling its best.
- For Standard Plastic/Composite Wheels: Use a mild all-purpose cleaner or an interior cleaner specifically designed for car interiors. Apply the cleaner to a microfiber cloth, not directly to the steering wheel. Gently wipe down the surface, paying attention to any textured areas. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could damage the material.
- For Leather Steering Wheels: Use a dedicated leather cleaner and conditioner. First, clean the leather with a pH-neutral cleaner designed for automotive leather. This will remove dirt and grime. After cleaning, apply a leather conditioner to keep the material supple and prevent it from drying out or cracking. Again, always apply products to a cloth first.
- For Aftermarket Materials: Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning specific materials like suede, Alcantara, or custom composites.
Protecting Your Steering Wheel
Beyond cleaning, taking steps to protect your steering wheel can prevent damage.
- Sun Protection: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause materials, especially leather and plastic, to fade, dry out, and crack. When parking for extended periods, consider using a windshield sunshade to block direct UV rays from hitting the dashboard and steering wheel.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Never use household cleaners, solvents, or abrasive pads on your steering wheel. These can strip protective coatings, discolor the material, or cause permanent damage.
- Hand Care: If you use hand lotions or sanitizers, ensure your hands are dry before touching the steering wheel, as some products can leave a greasy residue or damage certain materials over time.
Addressing Wear And Tear
Over time, even with proper care, steering wheels can show signs of wear.
- Scratches: Minor scratches on plastic wheels can sometimes be buffed out using a plastic polish. For deeper scratches, a professional repair or replacement might be necessary.
- Fading/Cracking: If a leather wheel begins to fade or crack, prompt conditioning can sometimes help, but significant damage may require professional restoration or replacement.
- Loose Buttons: If any steering wheel buttons become loose or unresponsive, it’s best to have them inspected by a mechanic. This could be a sign of a more significant electrical issue.
Common Steering Wheel Issues In The 2017 Jeep Wrangler
While the 2017 Jeep Wrangler steering wheel is generally robust, like any automotive component, it can experience issues over time. Awareness of these common problems can help owners address them promptly.
Worn Or Slippery Surfaces
One of the most frequent complaints, especially on older or high-mileage vehicles, is a worn or slippery steering wheel surface. This can be due to the natural oils from hands, frequent use, or exposure to the elements. The standard plastic wheels can become smooth and less grippy, while leather wheels can lose their texture and become shiny.
- Solution: As mentioned, a steering wheel cover is the easiest fix. For leather wheels, professional reconditioning or a full re-wrap can restore the original texture and grip.
Steering Wheel Shake Or Vibration
If you notice a shake or vibration in the steering wheel, especially at certain speeds, it’s usually not a problem with the wheel itself but rather with the vehicle’s wheel balance, alignment, or suspension.
- Wheel Balance: Unbalanced tires are a common cause of steering wheel vibration, typically felt between 50-70 mph.
- Wheel Alignment: Misalignment can cause the vehicle to pull to one side and sometimes contribute to a slight shimmy in the wheel.
- Brake Issues: Warped brake rotors can cause a pulsing or shaking sensation in the steering wheel when braking.
- Suspension Components: Worn tie rods, ball joints, or other suspension parts can lead to looseness and vibration in the steering.
Pro Tip: If you experience steering wheel shake, it’s crucial to have it diagnosed by a qualified mechanic. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to uneven tire wear and potential safety hazards.
Steering Wheel Not Returning To Center
A steering wheel that doesn’t smoothly return to the center position after a turn can be indicative of several issues, most commonly related to the power steering system or suspension geometry.
- Low Power Steering Fluid: In systems that use hydraulic power steering, low fluid levels can cause stiffness and a lack of self-centering.
- Steering Gear Issues: Problems within the steering gear or rack and pinion can impede smooth movement.
- Suspension Binding: Binding in suspension components like ball joints or tie rod ends can restrict the wheel’s ability to return to center.
- Tire Issues: Over-inflated tires or tires rubbing against the fender well can also cause resistance.
Loose Steering Wheel
A noticeably loose steering wheel can be a serious safety concern. This often points to worn steering linkage components, such as tie rods, drag links, or the steering box itself.
- Tie Rod Ends: These connect the steering arms to the steering linkage and can wear out over time, leading to play in the wheel.
- Steering Box/Rack: The steering box (in older systems) or rack and pinion (in newer systems) can develop internal wear, causing looseness.
- Ball Joints: Worn ball joints can contribute to a feeling of looseness in the steering.
Warning: Any feeling of looseness or excessive play in the steering wheel should be addressed immediately by a professional mechanic. This is a critical safety system, and a failure can have severe consequences.
Horn Not Working
If the horn on your steering wheel stops working, it could be a simple issue like a blown fuse or a faulty horn relay. However, it could also be a problem with the clock spring (a spiral-wound electrical connector inside the steering column that allows the steering wheel to turn while maintaining electrical connections for the airbag, horn, and controls) or the horn button itself.
- Clock Spring Failure: This is a common culprit for malfunctioning horn buttons, cruise control, or airbag lights. When the clock spring fails, it breaks the electrical connection.
- Horn Button Switch: The switch itself can fail over time.
Steering Wheel Modifications For Off-roading
The Jeep Wrangler is synonymous with off-roading, and many owners modify their vehicles to enhance their capabilities in the dirt, mud, and rocks. The steering wheel, while seemingly a minor component in this context, can be part of these modifications.
Improved Grip For Rough Terrain
When off-roading, especially in wet or muddy conditions, maintaining a firm grip on the steering wheel is paramount.
- Textured Wheels: Some aftermarket steering wheels are designed with aggressive textures, deep grooves, or thumb swells to provide a more secure grip, even with gloves on or when hands are dirty.
- Grip Materials: Materials like high-tack rubber or specialized grip tape can be applied to steering wheels or covers to enhance friction.
- Gloves: Wearing off-road driving gloves is a common practice among serious off-roaders. These gloves provide superior grip, protect the hands from blisters, and can help keep the steering wheel clean.
Steering Wheel Diameter And Feel
The size and feel of the steering wheel can impact control during challenging
