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Steering wheel removal

Started by Mforcer, 08 November 2005, 10:50 PM

Mforcer

How is the steering wheel removed?

I have read that the entire horn pad is just pulled off but how much force is used? I have also read that the MB emblem within the horn pad can be removed to allow access to the bolt that attaches the wheel to the steering column but I can't imagine how.

Thanks for any tips.
Michael
1977 450SE [Brilliant Red]
2006 B200

OzBenzHead

450: I just give a gentle tug on mine (the horn boss, that is!) and it comes off.
[img width=340 height=138][url="http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a215/OzBenzHead/10%20M-B%20Miscellany/OBH_LOGO-2a-1.png"]http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a215/OzBenzHead/10%20M-B%20Miscellany/OBH_LOGO-2a-1.png[/url][/img]

AMG69

Sounds like you have a new wheel?? What did you end up buying??!!
sigh....sitting back contemplating the next purchase..!

OzBenzHead

Quote from: "Chris M"Sounds like you have a new wheel?? What did you end up buying??!!

Huh?  As far as I know, it's the original wheel (has a large chunk out of the padding at the top).  It has both the standard padded horn boss and a British after-market wooden one (looks smart, but not sure it'd be too good for my ribs if they hit it!).

I can change from wood to padded in about three seconds flat.

Also has British after-market wooden gear knob.
[img width=340 height=138][url="http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a215/OzBenzHead/10%20M-B%20Miscellany/OBH_LOGO-2a-1.png"]http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a215/OzBenzHead/10%20M-B%20Miscellany/OBH_LOGO-2a-1.png[/url][/img]

AMG69

sorry - badly worded question! I meant, the fact you are taking it off made me think you might be putting a replacement wheel (eg AMG, Nadi etc) on! Sorry for the misunderstanding!!!!
sigh....sitting back contemplating the next purchase..!

OzBenzHead

Chris: I'm considering it - a wood-and-leather combination as on the site http://www.carshine.com.au/.
[img width=340 height=138][url="http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a215/OzBenzHead/10%20M-B%20Miscellany/OBH_LOGO-2a-1.png"]http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a215/OzBenzHead/10%20M-B%20Miscellany/OBH_LOGO-2a-1.png[/url][/img]

AMG69

Yes, they do look good!! I asked about one of those Walnut centre console boxes (reduced on their site from $450 to $150) but they havent got any W116 ones - bugger.
sigh....sitting back contemplating the next purchase..!

Mforcer

I may have a new wheel come this weekend. The same style as that on the AMG car I saw in Stuttgart recently. No one better crush my dreams this time!!  :P
Michael
1977 450SE [Brilliant Red]
2006 B200

Mforcer

Another question before the weekend... what tools are needed to actually remove a steering wheel?
Michael
1977 450SE [Brilliant Red]
2006 B200

oscar

Hi 450 se,

A few months ago I replaced my wheel with a leather covered one.  It's easy.  Although it takes me less than 5 mins to remove the wheel now, my first attempt took 4hrs.  Hope the following helps.

The hornpad can be peeled towards you from either top left or top right corner.  Get your fingers just under the pad edges, either side of the corner.  With your thumbs on the facing surface of the pad, peel back with your wrists and pry it off.  Do it slowly but dont be shy with the amount of force needed.  There's a lip underneath that runs all the way round the underside of the pad, that presses down and clips onto the similar shaped rectangular metal horn button.  The only damage you may do is develop cracks or tears in this lip in the corners of the pad if your too abrupt.

The next bit originally took me the best part of the four hours, ie removing the nut of the steering column to remove the wheel.  Trying to use a socket with extensions was useless, the nut was too tight.  The solution was a

"VVVrrrrr, VVVrrrrr"

otherwise known as a rachet gun/impact wrench.  Coupled with an air compressor and I think a 17 or 19mm socket, the nut came off after 2 "VVVVrrrr's".  Awsome tool.

Apply a bit of oil (not too much) to the spline and wobble the wheel back towards you.  Oh yeah, you probably should place an alignment mark on the top of the spline and the inside of the wheel to help with installation.

PS. I have an older ('73) model with a different dimensioned spline/hub/boss to that of the late 70's variants and can't remember whether those have a nut or a split pin or retainer pin or something else.  Once you get the hornpad off I reckon you'll figure it out.

PSS  Also I think it's far more easier to remove the pad than the emblem to access the nut.  Ive attempted to remove the emblem on my spare but gave up for fear of damaging the pad.
1973 350SE, my first & fave