steering wheel - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

cbohannon · #1 07-24-2008, 12:01 PM

Is there a trick to getting the allen screw out of the steering wheel? I have tried using an impack(air and electric). I can not get it to brake loose.

BDBENZ · #2 07-24-2008, 04:19 PM

The bolt is on very very tight. I had to have a helper hold a board through the wheel to stable it and then I was able to get enough leverage with my breaker bar. You will need to lay into it.

mbboy · #3 07-24-2008, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BDBENZ

The bolt is on very very tight. I had to have a helper hold a board through the wheel to stable it and then I was able to get enough leverage with my breaker bar. You will need to lay into it.

Or you can save yourself a lot of aggravation by having a shop break it loose, as i did. Cost me $50, but i'm glad I did it. Even the mechanic at the local dealer had trouble loosening it with a high power, impact wrench. Once it's loosened for the first time, though, you'll be able to tighten it so that you'll have the easy access to the instrument panel you'll need in the future.

For some reason MB had a tendency to over-tighten a lot of things that didn't need it, and that's just one of them. (Hopefully, you won't ever have to remove the screws that hold the armrest on, or the starter's top bolt.

BTW, before you remove the steering wheel, make sure you mark it in a way that will let you replace it in the same exact position it was originally. If you don't, and it ends up being even a little off, it's going to be crooked when you're driving.

Good luck

dugald · #4 07-24-2008, 06:31 PM

I believe it has some sort of thread-locking compound applied, which heat will soften.

Lexxani · #5 07-24-2008, 06:57 PM

I used a breaker bar and a 27mm socket. In your case, get the correct socket and lay into it. Be sure to keep the bit perpendicular on the allen head otherrwise it will strip. If you use heat, be careful as there is a lot of plastic stuff that can melt/crack/catch fire.

The 18" 1/2" drive breaker bar has so far been the best investment when working on my benz, I highly recommend if you havent picked one up, do so.

cbohannon · #6 07-24-2008, 07:40 PM

Thanks for all the replies to my problem. I was concerned I'd brake something. This is a 1985 380sl and the speedometer has stopped working. and I have to pull the steering wheel to get the instrument cluster out. I have a 97 c280 that I can get the instrument cluster out with out removing the steering wheel.

nobby · #7 07-24-2008, 11:50 PM

Get yourself a plumbers propane torch and put the brazing tip on it. Apply the heat to the bolt head which will soften the "locktite" that was probably applied years ago.
Careful of the windshield with your breaker bar and DO NOT use the steering lock to hold your wheel. Turn the wheel all the way to the left until it hits the stop.