steering wheel bolt

[Keith Volkerts]

I need to remove and repair speedo head on a 1984 380SL. I gave it to a shop as I had not the time or experience. Shop is telling me that they cannot loosen 10MM steering wheel bolt to remove steering wheel to proceed with repair. They, of course, tried long breaker bar for leverage. Mechanic is concerned because allen head bolt is not that deep and is afraid it will soon strip. Any ideas short of drilling it out. Thanks

[5280BENZ]

Apply any of the following penetrating solvents :
Wurth-"Rost Off", Kano-"Sili Kroil",or PB-"Blaster". Let the solvent penetrate for a few minutes or longer (your determination). A sharp blow with a hammer applied to the extension bar may loosen the bolt. Good luck.

[Keith Volkerts]

Thanks for your reply. Mechanic said he used a penetrant, I cannot remember what the brand was but it was not any of those you mentioned. On Friday afternoon when I spoke with him I suggested that soaking it good and leaving over the weekend might help. I also agree that it needs to be rattled off with some hammer blows either to the breaker bar or to the ninety degree elbow in the allen wrench. Thanks again.

[raymond~]

waiiit, are you describing a 10mm hex bolt? i've not removed a steeering wheel
so do not know the fastener(s) used. there are hex and Torx bit sockets and
if that is the fastener you have, it would be best to use the proper bit. if you
are unable to remove the fitting using 90º hex wrench, then that is the wrong
tool to use right off. replace with hex socket.

[Strife]

Originally Posted by raymond~

...if you
are unable to remove the fitting using 90º hex wrench, then that is the wrong
tool to use right off. replace with hex socket.

Agree. Also, use whatever number of hands, knees, etc that it takes to counter the force on the steering wheel. Do NOT use the antitheft lock.

[MTI]

Is it really necessary to remove the steering wheel on an SL? On the W124 and W201 of that vintage, the instrument cluster can be removed (pushed from the rear via the under dash panel) without removing the steering wheel.

The 10mm bolt is a tough one. It's best done with a helper holding the wheel while using a breaker bar and extension to free it. You will never forget the sound that the bolt makes when it initially loosen.

[myanoch]

The problem is that the bolt has loctite on it
It makes it hard to break loose , plus you need an extension
to get away from the wheel plus the wheel wants to move
You must hold the wheel still and hold the ratchet against the bolt so it cannot strip the allen
If I did it with the wife
I sure the shop of mechanics can
The bolt spray is not going to work with the loctite
Heat is the only thing that loosens it up , which is a no no with the wheel
It's looks like #240 loctite on mine which is not permanent and the bolt will come off