Is Centering the Steering Wheel DIY?
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Is Centering the Steering Wheel DIY?
My steering wheel has been slightly off center ever since I had my motor mounts replaced...can I center it (just needs a slight move to the left) by myself or will I have to go to the dealer?
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Vancouver WA
'14 GLK250 Diesel
This is best done on the alignment rack - go to the dealer and have it done. Assuming the dealer did the motor work, there should be no charge, but in any case, this is a fairly quick job on the rack by any tech who knows what he is doing.
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From: SFV, SoCal
2022 CLS450 AMG 4Matic
Just as FYI, you can't just unbolt a steering wheel on a Mercedes, center it and put it back on. As I watched my mechanic when he replaced mine with a new one, the steering wheel's thread only fit in one position on the column so as not to put one on off center. You must have the alignment adjusted to straighten out your wheel. Have a good one...
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'00 S320 W220, '98 A160 W168/ sold in 2005 '86 260 E W124 '90 260E W124
The steering wheel can easily be centered. However first check the reason for the wheel being off center. If the alignment has been reworked it could be off center, but also if the alignment experienced severe hits from potholes or sidewalks. In this case centering does not help much.
To center it take the airbag off (careful!!) unplug its ignition wire, and loosen the central bolt (approx an 8 milli meter allen screw) pull the wheel towards you and put it back on in the right position. The connection of the wheel and the column is made by a multi teeth connection (sorry but I dont know the perfect English word for this) which allows locating the wheel in approx. 10 degrees steps.
To center it take the airbag off (careful!!) unplug its ignition wire, and loosen the central bolt (approx an 8 milli meter allen screw) pull the wheel towards you and put it back on in the right position. The connection of the wheel and the column is made by a multi teeth connection (sorry but I dont know the perfect English word for this) which allows locating the wheel in approx. 10 degrees steps.
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: SFV, SoCal
2022 CLS450 AMG 4Matic
Originally posted by bamberger_1
The steering wheel can easily be centered. However first check the reason for the wheel being off center. If the alignment has been reworked it could be off center, but also if the alignment experienced severe hits from potholes or sidewalks. In this case centering does not help much.
To center it take the airbag off (careful!!) unplug its ignition wire, and loosen the central bolt (approx an 8 milli meter allen screw) pull the wheel towards you and put it back on in the right position. The connection of the wheel and the column is made by a multi teeth connection (sorry but I dont know the perfect English word for this) which allows locating the wheel in approx. 10 degrees steps.
The steering wheel can easily be centered. However first check the reason for the wheel being off center. If the alignment has been reworked it could be off center, but also if the alignment experienced severe hits from potholes or sidewalks. In this case centering does not help much.
To center it take the airbag off (careful!!) unplug its ignition wire, and loosen the central bolt (approx an 8 milli meter allen screw) pull the wheel towards you and put it back on in the right position. The connection of the wheel and the column is made by a multi teeth connection (sorry but I dont know the perfect English word for this) which allows locating the wheel in approx. 10 degrees steps.
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It is correct that there are splines, however, there is a "keyed" spline so as though the steering wheel can only fit in one position. I have removed many late model Benz steering wheels and this is what I have seen every time. The alignment must be checked to properly fix this situation.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: SFV, SoCal
2022 CLS450 AMG 4Matic
Originally posted by elite101
It is correct that there are splines, however, there is a "keyed" spline so as though the steering wheel can only fit in one position. I have removed many late model Benz steering wheels and this is what I have seen every time. The alignment must be checked to properly fix this situation.
It is correct that there are splines, however, there is a "keyed" spline so as though the steering wheel can only fit in one position. I have removed many late model Benz steering wheels and this is what I have seen every time. The alignment must be checked to properly fix this situation.
