Steering Wheel Replacement - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Happy · #1 12-23-2002, 05:48 PM

I have tried a search on the subject to no avail, so here's my question. How do replace a steering wheel on a 1993 300TE? I'm sure some of the steps are obvious, but any detail will be appreciated. Are there any special tools necessary? What are the precautions for the airbag R&R? I'm a technical guy that has performed many automotive projects, so I'm willing to give it a shot if it's not too risky.

Thanks, Larry

pmizell · #2 12-23-2002, 06:43 PM

Why are you replacing your steering wheel? If you're doing so because the black leather dye is peeling, then this is an easy repair ... as opposed to replacing the wheel altogether.

leatherique.com sells a great black standard dye that works incredibly well for this purpose. Simply apply 2 light coats and the wheel will look like new. Allow 20 minutes between coats, and 24 hours after that to apply full pressure.

Prep leather surface beforehand with rubbing alcohol to remove any flaking dye and to smooth out the surface. Rub it in well, but not too rough that it turns to suede.

There is another source for a good dye, but I forgot the name, so if you do a search you may be able to find it.

G'luck

Happy · #3 12-23-2002, 06:53 PM

Thanks for the input. That would save me about 900 bucks. If I go the dye route, I would want to spray it on for the best results. I would still want to remove it for this procedure.

pmizell · #4 12-23-2002, 07:04 PM

I see.

I've never removed the steering wheel so I personally don't know. Do you have the 124 CD manuals? If so I think the procedure can be found on the CD.

If you don't, let me know and I'll try to locate it and summarize the procedure for you.

Happy Holidays

peterhardie · #5 12-23-2002, 09:34 PM

Steering wheel removal is on this site somewhere. It is easy. There are a couple screws on the forward side of the wheel (facing the cluster) that hold the airbag in. Remove those (I think they are allen head, if I recall) and the pad and airbag come out. Unplug the airbag (disconnect the battery if you are safety conscious), the wheel comes off with the big nut in the center. I replaced mine in my tech's shop, and we didn't touch the battery; he cautioned me to be careful not to f*** up the airbag electrical connector, to pull it straight off. Other than that, nothing to worry about. Center the wheel before you remove, and center when you install.

This is what I did with my 124, can't guarantee it is the same for you, but many of the newer wheels come out this way.

Good luck.

peterhardie · #6 12-23-2002, 09:37 PM

there are a few wires you will have to disconnect (horn, airbag, etc.) to get the wheel completely off. It will be obviuous when you get in there.

Happy · #7 12-27-2002, 03:49 PM

Thanks for the replies.

The screws holding the airbag in place are T30 torx. A screwdriver style tool works well to reach the screws, when the column is extended all the way. You can also use a tool (p/n 126 589 00 10 00) that Mercedes sells for about four dollars.

The main steering wheel screw is a 10mm hex. This is where the fun starts for me. I cannot get it off. I tried a two foot breaker bar. I brought it to the dealer and they tried with air guns and a breaker bar. I'm afraid that something will snap and I'll have to mortgage the house to fix it.

Has anyone come across this before? I'm thinking heat may soften the loctite.

I'll probably redye it in place, but it still bothers me that it's stuck, for future repairs...

Happy · #8 12-27-2002, 03:57 PM

Oh yeah,

The procedure is on the CD, disk two. Procedure 46-8240.

Thanks, Larry

Early Bird · #9 02-24-2003, 06:27 PM

Hey Happy, about to replace my steering wheel in 90 124, what ever happen with your situation? Did you ever get that bolt out? Was thinking maybe heat was the next move for you.........

Happy · #10 02-24-2003, 06:55 PM

Hi Early Bird,

No, I did not get it off. I heated it with a variable temp heat gun. I was afraid I would melt wires if I did it too long, so I chickened out after a couple tries. I returned the beautiful brand new MBZ wheel. I have thought of another scary method, but I'm just going to live with it the way it is unless I have a column repair in the future. Here it is: Grind off the outer flange of the bolt, releasing the pressure of the steering wheel against the bolt. Then remove the bolt, frame it, and hang it in the garage.

Don't let my misfortune discourage you, it is really a simple task, as long as Conan did not get to it before you.

Larry

Early Bird · #11 02-25-2003, 09:50 AM

OK Happy, sounds like you tryed it all. I hope I don't end up with that problem, and because of you, I will try to take my wheel off before I go buy my wood will. Your last suggestion to grind that bolt down is about all thats left. Oh, I would for sure chrome that bolt when you get it off...........Good luck

Regards

#12 02-25-2003, 03:29 PM

Happy,
I replaced the wheel in my 87 wagon following the help offered by this site. When it came to the 10 mm hex bolt, someone had mentioned using an impact driver, the kind that you strike with a sledge. This tool puts far more torque on the bolt than an air impact wrench does. I too had no luck with a breaker bar. Three or four hard taps and the bolt was ready. It was still hard to remove it, but it came out. Should you try this method, use a very good quality hex wrench and also don't use the steer-lock to hold the wheel in place. Get someone to hold the wheel after you turn the key to position 1; you will not have to replace the steer-lock if you follow this procedure. Also, disconnect the battery first.

Early Bird · #13 02-25-2003, 06:07 PM

Excellent TIP Steve.......

gsxr · #14 05-14-2003, 06:00 PM

More details are here:

W124 steering wheel upgrade - details & photos

Also note that to SAFELY remove the airbag, you are to disconnect the battery and then unplug the red connector under the passenger side carpet.