Removing the steering wheel
Use a socket wrench to loosen the lower steering column mounting bolt
While supporting, pull out the steering column
1. Remove both lower instrument panel covers.
2. Remove the steering wheel and instrument cluster.
3. Disconnect the automatic transmission control mechanism from the steering column (if it is installed there).
4. Remove the steering column lock.
5. Use a socket wrench to loosen the mounting bolt at the bottom of the column.
6. Unscrew the nuts of the lower column mount and remove the heater hose bracket.
7. Disconnect the combination switch wiring connector.
8. Unscrew the nuts of the upper column mount, carefully lower the column so as not to damage the corrugated deformable shaft.
9. For correct assembly, mark the relative positions of the pipe and the inner shaft.
10. Remove the combination switch and retainer ring.
11. From the lower end of the steering column, remove:
- washer, snap ring, spring and ball bearing;
- retaining ring, spring, holder and bearing (depending on the design and year of manufacture).
- 12. Remove the snap ring at the upper end of the inner shaft, remove the ring and ball bearing. Remove the inner shaft.
13. Using a mandrel, press the outer bearing races out of the outer steering column tube.
14. Wash the parts (with kerosene) and dry them. Conduct a defect inspection, paying special attention to the ball bearings.
15. When assembling the steering column, use a drift to press the retaining ring firmly against the spring and apply a small amount of grease to the bearing.
16. Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal.
(Text republished from the website: www.mercedesman.ru)