Leather Cracking ~sigh~

T

Tim L

New member
Leather Cracking ~sigh~



So, our 02 Sienna XLE Limited's leather is cracking [well only on the drivers seat].



How do we correct it? Its hard to notice the cracks unless you observe but we want it to stop and recondition these seats!



We'll probably think of a replacement vehicle since of some problems like clunking and gas conserns...



Thanks in advance,

Tim
 
Well can we at least make the cracking slower?



the cracks are most noticable where the leather folds in a way [Its how the leather was intended to be factory]



I'll try to take a picture for me to support my statement above.



BTW, the leather cracking on the drivers seat is probably from using it alot as this was a used vehicle when we bought it.



We condition the leather every now and then :)
 
You need to address the problem of cracking otherwise it will simply get worse. You cannot deal with cracking by cleaning and 'conditioning' in fact this could actually make it worse. This is the time to have a bit of restoration work done. Lightly recolouring and refinishing will help the leather to continue its life.



Cracking leather finish is usually casued by a build up of dirt together with abrassion from constant use. Leather finishes should be protected and the use of 'conditioning' products can often lead to a build up of residues on the surface which only attract more dirt.



Address the problem now before it becomes a major job.



Hope this helps
 
I agree with Judy at least in part. Conditioning now will probably not slow down the cracking process. If it is merely cracks without losing any color, a rejuvenator such as Leatherique or Leather Master's Leather Vitale or Color Plus Soffener could help. I wouldn't call a Leather Tech yet, if it's mild cracking but the color is not gone. But if the color is starting to go and/or any peeling, then a good Leather Tech is in order. Fibrenew is usually a good bet in Canada. (that's not our affiliation, but their work is on par with ours)
 
Judy makes good points. If you are planning to get rid of it soon, then a good cleaning may be enough for now. Sometimes just cleaning the dirt out of the cracks can prolong the life of the leather before it needs refinishing.
 
Follow everyone elses advice. Leatherique makes some amazing product. I thought I'd touch on this since no one else mentioned it. I'm shooting in the dark here but is the cracking on both sides or just the side facing the exterior? If that's the case, which it normally is, than you need to start changing how you exit the vehicle. A lot of people slide their butt off of the seat instead of picking it up to get out which causes a LOT of damage to leather seats. Just another thing to consider ...
 
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