Does the steering wheel have to come off? W201 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

benhogan · #1 07-25-2011, 09:03 AM

I have to replace the headlight control stalk on the steering column. Does the steering wheel have to come off? is this a diy job considering there is an airbag involved?

Jeremy5848 · #2 07-25-2011, 12:16 PM

Yes, the steering wheel has to come off.
1. Disconnect the battery.
2. Two T30 Torx screws at the back secure the airbag.
3. Unplug the red plug. When you put the airbag back, make sure this red plug audibly clicks as it goes back in place.
4. One big (10 mm) flathead Allen holds the steering wheel.
5. Use the steering lock to hold the wheel from turning. Use a good quality Allen driver and a long breaker bar. The steering wheel then pulls off easily, no puller required.

Under the steering wheel is a plate with contacts for electrical connections (horn and airbag). Remove 3 small Phillips-head screws and the plate will come off. The headlight stalk switch is underneath. You'll have to remove the lower dash panel to get at the plug/socket in the cable from the stalk switch to the rest of the car.

Edit: This is for my '87 W124, which should be similar to your car. YMMV.

Jeremy

jt20 · #3 07-25-2011, 12:17 PM

Yeah, Sorry. It is DIY though.

Unplug the battery and let it sit. Grounding the positive cable might provide piece of mind.

I am pretty sure the recessed bolts in the back of the wheel that hold the airbag on are torx but the size escapes me.

After the airbag is off you have to fight the 10mm allen that holds the wheel on. Good luck.

sixto · #4 07-25-2011, 01:22 PM

The Torx screws holding the airbag don't come out. They're held in the steering wheel. Keep turning until that side of the airbag come off the steering wheel.

Is there a capacitor for the airbag?

Sixto
87 300D

Jeremy5848 · #5 07-25-2011, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sixto

The Torx screws holding the airbag don't come out. They're held in the steering wheel. Keep turning until that side of the airbag come off the steering wheel.

My first picture shows the captive T30 screws.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sixto

Is there a capacitor for the airbag?

Sixto
87 300D

I'm sure there is but I don't know where it's located in the 201. In the 124 it's behind the right side passenger kick panel. Called an "energy accumulator."

When the red plug is removed from the airbag it automatically causes a metal strip in the airbag to connect and short out the pins in the airbag, thus preventing any accidental firing or so they say.

Jeremy

benhogan · #6 07-25-2011, 01:41 PM

thanks guys.

compu_85 · #7 07-25-2011, 02:07 PM

IMHO there is little or no danger of accidental airbag deployment. The system is designed to be serviced. There is a capacitor, but it can only power the system for a moment. When you remove the plug from the airbag fingers short the pins so it can't go off on it's own.

-J

engatwork · #8 07-25-2011, 02:17 PM

It is a good diy'er type job.

winmutt · #9 07-25-2011, 02:49 PM

FWIW that 10mm allen should be taken off with a allen wrench not a socket. I have tried 4x on 4 different cars with the socket and buggered every bolt. With the wrenc it pops right off. Good time for a leather wrapped upgrade, got mine at JY for $50. 1" smaller diameter and leather is nice to touch.