Replacing W123 Steering Wheel
 

I just made an attempt to replace the old shredded steering wheel on my 1985 300TD (W123) with a nice "new" one using the MB Manual instructions - BUT - I can't seem to get the counter sunk hex nut to give. I really don't wish to over torque it and cause serious problems - so I thought I would seek some advice. This is the second generation steering wheel without the airbag. can anyone shed some light in this? Thanks!

You are talking about the allen head fastener that is holding the steering wheel on arn't you? The hux "nut" thing threw me. Anyway, you will want to get a good allen head socket of the appropriate size with an extension and use a 1/2" drive breaker bar. It turns counter clockwise and will take ALOT of force to break it loose. Make sure the allen head socket is securely inserted.

It's a 10mm allen head . . . screw. The torque on that fastener is legendary. I used a breaker bar and had another guy holding the wheel still to remove it.

Why not try an impact gun, would this not wotk?

Just a thought:)
Jerry

get a good 10mm hex socket. and i mean snap on or craftmens. i used a gm good wrench and broke it. get the longest beefiest breaker bar u can find, and maybe spray on on liquid wrench? but make sure your steering lock is off which means u have to have someone hold it for you or u can do what i did and tie the steering wheel in place (i tied it to the door striker).

it should come loose with some man force applied on it. also rememeber when installing a new steering wheel to put some grease or wd40 back where they contact. i had a creaking steering wheel for a while and had to take it back out. good luck

I just changed dashes on my 126 SE I cut a 2x4 so that it fit between the floor and one of the steering wheel spokes padded the top of the 2x4 and used a breaker bar and a good 10 mm hex scoket
with no give it broke loose where as it would not with some one trying to hold it.take the carpet out so you don't crush the plastic rear heating duct..............

William Rogers.........

Hit the Allen key with a hammer. It generates more force than you can imagine. Don't try to hit it once to loosen, take little hits; it'll come off.

thanks for everyone's help! I was able to get it replaced after beating it (tapping) with a hammer. The "new" steering wheel looks and feels great!:D

Next time apply a little heat to it with a tweaker's torch to melt the locktite.

Peter