Installing White steering wheel, 230S - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

blueeagle289 · #1 03-29-2006, 02:43 PM

I received my white steering wheel from Germany (it is an original in mint condition, complete) and wonder exactly how to remove the old one and put the new one on. It appears that only one large nut holds the wheel on the spindle and that loosening that should remove it and putting the new wheel on and tightening the nut well should install the new one. Is it that simple or am I missing something? Anyone with experience or knowledge of this process please advise... thanks, Ben Carter

kpb · #2 03-29-2006, 08:14 PM

it has been my experience (but never with a M-B) that a "puller" is required after you take off that big honkin' nut because the wheel most likely is on a splined shaft. A puller is simply a disc-like plate with a number of holes in it which some of will correspond with some unused, threaded holes on the center flange of the wheel. You figure out the right sizes and locations of bolts to hook onto the wheel flange (2 will do), and then put in a bolt in the center hole and crank it down against the actual steering shaft. This pops the wheel off! I have heard tales of folks who do not wish to fiddle with such items and simply whack the steering wheel with a rubber mallet until it pops off. never tried that method.

#3 03-29-2006, 08:30 PM

All the MB I have pulled steering wheels off of which is mostly pre- 1973 do not require a steering wheel puller. It is truly as simple as removing the big nut in the center and the wheel comes right off no puller required.
Dave S

rg2098 · #4 03-29-2006, 09:10 PM

I have yet to come across one that is stuck enough to need a puller. Just make sure the wheel is straight so you put the new one on straight as well.

sokoloff · #5 03-29-2006, 09:20 PM

I've taken steering wheels off of two pontons and had to beat the hell out of them using a Mercedes specific puller. They eventually came off, but I could not have done it without the puller.

Len
'59 220S cabriolet

milterino · #6 03-29-2006, 11:57 PM

Perhaps try to spray some "PB Blaster" on it. Milt.

blueeagle289 · #7 03-30-2006, 07:46 AM

I got the old wheel off my 68 230S, using my half inch drive and a pipe on the breaking handle... very tight!! After I broke loose the nut, just some strong wiggling of the wheel, with the nut still on a little bit to avoid smashing my face, and the old wheel came off OK.

However, the new wheel does not seem to be going down on the spline well and it seems to be the same diameter hole to fit over the splined shaft. I will investigate further; perhaps will switch the two bottom parts so the original hole is going over the spline. I don't want to have a "stuck" wheel that does not give me clearance to use the big nut to force it down the rest of the way.....

TX76513 · #8 03-30-2006, 11:20 AM

Blueagle - look at this thread
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-benz-cars-sale/149385-project-car-craigslist-tampa.html?posted=1#post1131077

Tristar1959 · #9 03-30-2006, 11:41 PM

I seem to recall seeing at least one (maybe on a 114 or 115) which had a solid thick spline at one location, sorta like one "filled in", as though for alignment/centering, which fits into the corresponding "notched" spline on the shaft, and you'd have to beat on it with a really large sledgehammer to drive it on (forever) if that spline is not aligned...If they're mismatched (one with odd spline and one without), you'll probably have to grind away one spline from the one's without.

That said, the shaft in some older models (prior to the 123's, at least) had a small hole in the lower housing through which a pin could be inserted into a hole in the column shaft, for centering...which was more for getting the tierods adjusted to center the wheels when the wheel was centered. This could, however, also serve to help you pick the one to grind, if you have to do that.

kitchenrat · #10 03-31-2006, 09:20 PM

here's the way i've always done it(as an alignment mechanic, hundreds of times with all kinds of cars) pull the seat close to the wheel get your knees behind the wheel and apply pressure from behind. put a stout brass pin on the steering shaft and strike with hammer. the wheel will now be off the spline.

blueeagle289 · #11 04-01-2006, 12:08 PM

After viewing all responses to this DIY area, I finally put the White Wheel in place, just started down on the spline ... and using a length of 1" pipe about a foot long ... placed the pipe on the lower wheel inner frame with the spline in the center and carefully pounded it down with a plastic headed hammer -- until I could put the lock nut on and tighten it totally. I then removed the nut and put in the washer and nut and retightened it. The horns work fine (originals) I then installed the new seat belts in the front and glued in the new hood pad. Making progress with this 230S list of to do's and expect to have it in tip top shape by the end of April or before. Lots of little jobs, engine bay paint and cleanup, etc. etc. I will also check all the mechanicals like brakes and other major assemblies .... Lots of fun, with enough time to do these things ... also need to perform some minor or intermediate things to my other three cars -- nothing too urgent though. BC