steering wheel not centered with steering rack center, how to center?
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Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 23
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2011 R350, 2025 GLA, 2018 SL450
steering wheel not centered with steering rack center, how to center?
working on my daughters 2003 c320 wagon, the steering wheel wasn't centered. come to find the rack has a paint pen number and has a solenoid on it, so isn't original.
pretty sure the steering column wasn't centered with the rack when put together. I have rack center marked on the steering wheel and have ability to do the work, but haven't worked on benz rack before.
is there enough play in the column for steering column knuckle be pulled off the steering rack splines and realigned without dropping the rack?
or
can the steering wheel and clock spring be re centered on the steering column or is there a single key orientation on the column for the wheel and clock spring?
pretty sure the steering column wasn't centered with the rack when put together. I have rack center marked on the steering wheel and have ability to do the work, but haven't worked on benz rack before.
is there enough play in the column for steering column knuckle be pulled off the steering rack splines and realigned without dropping the rack?
or
can the steering wheel and clock spring be re centered on the steering column or is there a single key orientation on the column for the wheel and clock spring?
Last edited by weeblebiker; Jun 21, 2026 at 09:50 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,276
Likes: 236
From: BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
This job is very easy. The steering wheel is attached to the column by a bunch of a splines. Disconnect the airbag and connectors (there are threads about this here), and pull the steering wheel off and reinstall it 1 tooth over.
The main screw holding the steering wheel to the column is a 10mm Allen (female hex). You'll also need a "long" (longer than a socket) T-20 (I think) for the 2 screws accessed from the back of the steering wheel.
The main screw holding the steering wheel to the column is a 10mm Allen (female hex). You'll also need a "long" (longer than a socket) T-20 (I think) for the 2 screws accessed from the back of the steering wheel.
