w124 steering wheel removal - impact?
 

Has anyone used an impact wrench to remove the 10mm hex bolt that secures the steering wheel?
On my older 124 the hex indent in the bolt head is rather shallow and using a breaker bar almost requires three people. One to hold the wheel from turning, one to bear down on the breaker and another to hold the breaker bar straight so the hex socket doesn't slip out and strip.

Impact is fine. Whatever you do, don't use the steering lock.

AND replace the bolt, one use only.

Don't think I fully agree with Paulwho. The bolt has a countersunk tapered head that offers a very large bearing area and it's only function is to keep the splines intimate. MB has also seen fit to add a threadlocker compound to the bolt. In my opinion the threadlocker compound is typical MB overdesign paranoia.

Older Benz used a conventional hex head bolt and in that case a threadlocker can be justified. I think the only reason to replace the bolt is if the Allen recess is buggered. I have had my wheel off a number of times and never replaced the bolt. The notion of the steering wheel coming off while underway is absurd.

I believe you can safely re-use the bolt and despite what the instructions say Do Not Use impact to seat it or you will be right back where you are now next time you have to remove your steering wheel. One good grunt pull on a breaker bar is enough.

I put the wheel hard left against the steering stop and had someone counterhold the wheel while I broke the bolt free with a breaker bar.

I got it lose with the breaker. I concur with the comments above. There is no way the bolt will fail, or the steering wheel will come lose like some Laurel and Hardy movie. Neither would I replace the bolt after one use. I torqued it on fairly tightly and if it should ever come lose, I will feel it before it becomes a problem.