Steering Wheel Centre Bolt - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rmt6668 · #1 10-22-2007, 09:56 AM

Do i turn clockwise or anticlockwise to remove the Steering Wheel Centre Bolt?

Richard Wooldridge · #2 10-22-2007, 10:45 AM

Lefty-Loosey, Righty-Tighty... anticlockwise....

crhenkel · #3 10-22-2007, 10:52 AM

It is normal, not reverse, Lefty loosey...
Just get the correct socket and a long breaker bar, say 18" long. It is tight, but not too tight and dont gorilla grip it back down when you reinstall, it doesnt have to be so tight. The splines in the shaft keep it from turning and the nut just keeps it on the shaft. You might mark where the shaft and wheel hub match up if it will be off for a time or if you might move the wheels at all to make sure it is matched back up correctly. You can adjust it by moving the location it was installed at, but then you mess with the alignment, so be careful.

rmt6668 · #4 10-24-2007, 09:46 PM

Thanks. I tried using an Allen Key 10mm & use a level to pry it loose. But a hard case to crack. What do you recommend in terms of socket type? Shall I spray a bit of anti-grip 1st to help.

crhenkel · #5 10-24-2007, 09:59 PM

I have a set of sockets that have the hex key in them.
You can spray it with something to try to get it to break free easier or to lossen the bolt, but a good hex socket and a 18 inch breaker bar works wonders. Slow even pressure, no brute strength needed.

POS · #6 10-24-2007, 11:26 PM

After wrestling with my 1984's steering wheel nut for two days, I finally took it to my mechanic (for other repairs beyond my expertise) and asked him to do it. It took him no time at all and made me feel like an idiot. I have to fix the loose column on my 1998 wagon, so I'm mentally preparing for Round 2.

brewtoo · #7 10-25-2007, 10:29 AM

I wrestled with the steering wheel bolt when I went to replace the evaporator in my 1990 300E.

I never did get it loose.

That bolt defeated me. The evaporator did not.

Richard Wooldridge · #8 10-25-2007, 11:10 AM

The right allen socket and a 1/2" impact wrench make short work of loosening the bolt...

lkchris · #9 10-25-2007, 11:32 AM

As much as I hate to say it, there are some valid uses for impact wrenches. This is one of them.

glenmore · #10 10-25-2007, 12:20 PM

It is not so much that the bolt is torqued on so tight, it is because there is a good slug of blue Loctite on the threads.

glenmore
1991 300CE
2000 C280
1990 LS400

brewtoo · #11 10-25-2007, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard Wooldridge

The right allen socket and a 1/2" impact wrench make short work of loosening the bolt...

Yes, I tried that and the bolt still held firm.

I don't think I need to worry about my steering wheel coming off in my hands while driving one day!

rmt6668 · #12 10-26-2007, 11:31 AM

Does that mean when putting the bolt back, need to apply again the blue loctite on the thread?

Do I need to mark the exact position of the steering wheel & the centre bolt or its not necessary?

glenmore · #13 10-26-2007, 11:46 AM

I would put a little dab of Loctite on the bolt. There will be still be plenty of the original Loctite on the bolt.

Most likely there will already be a pencil mark on the spline and your steering wheel once you get the bolt off.

glenmore
1991 300CE
2000 C280
1990 LS400

rmt6668 · #14 11-04-2007, 11:50 AM

How to access the wirings behind the dash, seems to have a black plastic conduit, wires run down to the near the acceleartor pedal. Do I need to remove any more parts to access /remove some of the wirings?

whunter · #15 11-04-2007, 04:01 PM

This is what allen sockets impact drivers and five pound sledge hammers where made for.

Have a great day.