Models produced before April 1984
Removal
Note: A new steering rubber coupling clamp bolt will be required for installation.
1. Remove the decorative trim from the bottom of the instrument panel on the driver's side.
2. Remove the steering wheel as described in paragraph 17.
3. Following the description in Chapter 12, follow these steps:
- a) Remove the instrument cluster from the instrument panel.
- b) Remove the switch block from the steering column.
4. Raise the front of the vehicle and support it on stands.
Material taken from a web resource [www.mercedesman.ru]
5. Working from underneath at the front of the car where the base of the steering column connects to the steering gear, loosen and remove the top of the two bolts (see fig. 18.5). This will allow you to disconnect the steering column without disconnecting the coupling from the steering gear.
Fig. 18.5. Loosen and remove the upper of the two bolts (shown by arrow) on an elastic rubber coupling
6. Unscrew the fasteners and remove the steering column cover.
7. Contact paragraph 19 and remove the ignition switch/steering wheel lock assembly.
8. Loosen the two nuts and remove the bolts that secure the top end of the steering column to the crossmember (see fig. 18.8).
Fig. 18.8. Unscrew the nuts and bolts of the upper steering column mount (shown by arrows)
9. Loosen and remove the bolt that secures the lower section of the steering column to the bracket (see fig. 18.9). Make sure the threaded washer is installed onto the bracket until it stops.
Fig. 18.9. Loosen and remove the lower steering column mounting bolt (shown by arrow)
10. Pry the rubber guide bushing out of the hole in the engine compartment bulkhead. Remove the steering column from the vehicle.
Installation
11. Before installing the steering column, the steering gear should be centered with the wheels in the direction of straight-ahead movement. To do this, unscrew the hexagonal head plug on the steering gear (next to the steering knuckle) (see fig. 18.11). Slowly turn the steering gear by the steering gear axle, observing the hole opened after unscrewing the plug. The steering gear is centered correctly when the top of the piston (becomes visible through the hole) a centering hole appears. It is best to fix the steering gear in this position using a long bolt with a pointed end. It will engage with the piston and maintain the steering gear adjustment during installation.
Fig. 18.11. Unscrew the hexagon head plug on the steering gear
12. Lubricate the sealing ring on the base of the lower steering column shaft, then position the steering column and guide rubber bushing on the vehicle.
13. Insert and hand tighten the upper and lower support bolts; don't tighten them too much.
14. Install the ignition switch/steering wheel lock assembly as described in paragraph 19.
15. Align the column base with the flexible rubber sleeve on top of the steering gear. Insert the new draw bolt, but do not tighten it too much.
16. Tighten the upper and lower steering column support bolts to the required torque.
17. Tighten the elastic coupling clamp bolt to the required torque.
18. Unscrew the fixing bolt (if you use) from the steering gear and tighten the hex plug. After this, you can lower the car to the ground.
19. Install the steering column switch block and cover.
20. Press the rubber guide bushing into the hole in the engine compartment bulkhead.
21. Install the instrument panel as described in Chapter 12.
22. Install the steering wheel as described in paragraph 17.
23. Install the decorative trim on the lower part of the instrument panel.
Models produced after April 1984
Removal
Note: A new steering column rubber coupling clamp bolt will be required for installation.
24. Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
25. Remove the steering wheel as described in paragraph 17.
26. Remove the steering column lock as described in paragraph 19.
27. Remove the instrument panel and steering column switch assembly as described in Chapter 12 and remove the steering column cover.
28. Working in the engine bay, use paint or a marker to mark the alignment between the lower end of the steering column and the rubber coupling. Note that on some models it is necessary to remove the steering gear heat shields to gain access to the coupling.
29. Loosen and remove the upper coupling clamp bolt securing the coupling to the steering column (see fig. 18.29).
Fig. 18.29. Loosen and remove the upper rubber coupling clamp bolt
30. Loosen and remove the upper steering column mounting bolts (which are accessible through the instrument panel opening) and lower mounting nuts (see Fig. 18.30, a, b).
Fig. 18.30, c. Unscrew the upper steering column mounting bolts (shown by arrows), which can be accessed through the instrument panel hole...
Fig. 18.30, b....and lower mounting nuts
31. Remove the steering column boot bushing from the engine compartment and remove the column from the vehicle. Once the column is removed, check the condition of the rubber coupling and replace it if necessary (see paragraph 20).
Examination
32. The steering column is collapsible. In the event of a frontal collision, the shaft folds and thus prevents the driver from being injured by the steering wheel. Before installing the column, check for damage or deformation of the column or supports. If found, replace.
33. Check the shaft play in the column bushings. If the steering column bushings are worn, the column should be repaired. Column repair is a complex job that requires special tools, so it should be carried out at service stations.
Installation
34. Apply multi-purpose grease to the lower column bushing before installation.
35. Aligning the marks made before removal, install the column in place and insert it into the splines of the rubber coupling.
36. Make sure the column boot bushing is correctly positioned in the bulkhead, then install the steering column mounting nuts and bolts, tightening them to the required torque.
37. Install a new tie bolt onto the coupling and tighten it to the required torque.
38. Install the switch cluster and instrument cluster as described in Chapter 12.
39. Install the steering wheel lock as described in paragraph 19.
40. Install the steering wheel as described in paragraph 17.