Refinish/replace steering wheel?
 

The steering wheel on my 1999 LX is starting to show abrasion wear.

Unfortunately it's not in areas that would be hidden by a steering wheel cover. The wear is happening mostly where the spokes meet the wheel itself, and is rubbed by the thumb as the wheel turns.

Is there a product for refinishing the wheel surface? Something that can stand up to the wear obviously.

Alternatively, does anyone know if just the wheel itself can be bought (i.e. without the airbag assembly)?

oem.... I'd suggest calling Ken @ Protegegarage and asking him for a price on a new wheel. You may be surprised.

i have stock on the protege, ES, p5, mp3 and mazdaspeed steering wheels and all of them can be bought sans airbag