Dragoncoach

Regarding the disintegrating rubber radio knobs, I've been giving this some thought on and off (mostly off) for a few months. This may not be a perfect solution, but it may work....I thought about getting some heat shrink tubing and just shrinking it around the knob, but not the front part with the lumination. It would only be a small piece, less than an inch and cover only the part of the knob used for turning. I'm not sure how it will look but the heat shrink is easily removed if it's not attractive. I'm thinking only cover the rounded surface as the material will not shrink perfectly around the front of the knob. We will see how this turns out when I find the time to do it.

Auraraptor

I am waiting for someone to CNC proper brushed Al replacement knobs. I would buy two sets just to support the effort.

Dragoncoach

The problem is the removal of the entire system to gain access to REMOVE the knobs. I just don't want to get that involved to replace knobs. Extremely poor design if you ask me.

mdotpoker

Which knobs are turning into JellY?

glennbaz

How about some "clear coat" on them? Are they soft and sticky or just too soft?

Dragoncoach

There are only 2 navi/radio knobs . The rubber is starting to breakdown so much, you can use your fingernail and scratch the rubber off. I don't think clearcoat will stop the rubber from breaking down and would only be a temporary fix.

mkirincic

Does anyone know if we can purchase replacement knobs?

mdotpoker

How long before this breaks down? I haven't had this issueyet.

Dragoncoach

Replacement knobs aren't the issue. According to other threads, the knobs aren't easily removed. You must remove the ENTIRE unit and disassemble in order to free up the knobs.

mf1

Have you tried cleaning them with Isoprophyl alcohol ?

BlackonBlack

For the longest time I lived with it and finally couldn't take it any longer. I took a clean rag, and buffed out all the 'melting" rubbber. All that gunk ended up on the rag, and I realized that under all that rubber, was a nice smooth plastic knob including the white areas where the light comes through. It took some time, and some patience, but the more I rubbed, the more easily the gunk came off untill it was all gone. I was so proud of myself...Go ahead, try it but do post your results...

Dragoncoach

Thanks for the great info! I was toying with idea of doing the same thing. I started to use my fingernail on the rubber but didn't have the guts to continue. Now that I know exactly what is under the rubber, I will probably go your route and just remove the disintegrating rubber and enjoy the smooth plastic knob! My goal was to get rid of the rubber finish without having to remove the entire navi/radio unit.

five337

Once you get all the rubber off, how about something like this?

http://www.plastidip.com/home_solutions/Plasti_Dip

it would still require removal of the radio - but last I heard you could not order the knobs separately.

Dragoncoach

I thought of going that route but removal of the unit to dip the knobs doesn't seem worth it unless the knobs really look bad with the rubber removed. Then I might consider that or try the brush on type. I'll see.

Dragoncoach

OMG! You are the man! I did what you said this morning and it only took 15 minutes. I didn't realize the rubber was so thin. The knobs now look like the rest of the buttons on the navi. Matte black and smooth as a baby's butt! I will do some fine tuning on the removal of the rest of the rubber closest to the unit but that should be easy. I can't believe it was such a simple proceedure that I didn't do 2 years ago! Thanks again for the tip!

rocker4488

so you used just a standard rag and rubbed it off? no chemical or compound to help remove it? since the knobs obviously rotate, howd you manage to apply the pressure needed for removal? mine are all 'melty' as well for lack of a better description and would love to hear a little more about the fix. a pic would be nice also

Dragoncoach

A simple terry towel will do it. No need for anany solvents. The rubber comes off with firm wiping pressure. The knob will rotate but if your wipe from back to front, the rubber will slowly begin loosen and rub off. The rubber will then move to the front of the knob where it is easily removed with the cloth. The coating is very thin so you won't see a lot of residue on the cloth. Take your time and marvel at the feel and look of your "new" knobs.

BlackonBlack

Hi Dragoncoach, glad it worked out well for you. I'm surprised this is the case even in the US, I thought the humidity where I'm at was the cause of it. Anyway, I've only seen this phenomena on MB cars, wonder why they don't something about it. As a start, they needn't have put the rubber coating to begin with. BTW, my hazzard buttons were the same way, cleaned them out, and beneath that rubber gunk was a smooth plastic button.

Dragoncoach

The reason for the rubber on the knobs is the good feel it gives. I don't think they realized it would begin to deteriorate that badly over time. Oh well, the fix is easy and FREE! All that's involved is some patience and a cloth. It sure beats spending $600 at the dealer for new knobs that will probably do the same thing in a couple of years. Thanks again to you for all the help and information!

jayvee

I'm wondering how the knob will look like without that rubber coat. Can you post a picture of the knob after you "buffed" off the coating? Thanks.

WWIIAV8OR

Hi All,

Just bought a used 2003 SL500 and it was in fantastic condition except for the gummy control knobs. Was wondering if anyone could post a photo of the knobs after the sticky rubber is cleaned off. Thx

AV8OR

docraider

Thats why I love these forums. I had the same problem with the knobs all sticky and rubbed em down real quick and now they match the rest of the Command!!

Great Post guys!!

benzml350

I've seen it on other brands including aftermarket. I blame the nitwit auto magazines who praised the soft-touch interior trend as "quality".

Dragoncoach

The knobs will have the exact same finish as the buttons on the radio...matte black. Looks and feels great. Don't be afraid to do this. I was at first. It comes out clean and you wonder why you didn't do it earlier. I'm not going to post a pix because, as I said, it looks the same as the rest of the radio buttons without the icky gummy feel!

busaboy

Using an old sock or a textured cloth and silicone tire gel, rub the knobs and dash buttons until the goo gets transferred to the sock. Don't use too much silicone. Buff until all the silicone is removed. The knobs/buttons look perfect. Why the clear plastic coating was used is unknown. It was never needed.