How to: ** Wood steering wheel upgrade w/pics **
11-23-2007, 08:37 PM
#1
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Eurocharged 2004 E500, Eurocharged ECU/TCU 2005 SL600, 2010 Caddy SwaggerWagon
How to: ** Wood steering wheel upgrade w/pics **
I posted this in the NON-AMG W211 forum, but since it applies to the mack-daddy AMG's, I though I'd post it here too.
Since the original how to thread lost it pictures, I decided to another one since I upgraded mine over the weekend. I did not disconnect the battery as the other thread stated. I just placed the key out of range and let the electronics discharge for 30 minutes before attempting.
Here's what you need and how to do it in 15 minutes.
1. Switchblade style torx tool containing a #27 torx bit.
2. #10 hex socket
3. Ratchet
4. 3ft piece of pipe or breaker bar
5. 5/32 hex tool and driver
6. Small screwdriver
Use the 5/32 hex tool and driver to take apart the switchblade torx tool. You will then use only the naked #27 bit. You will see 2 holes in the rear of the steering wheel which hold the entire horn/airbag assembly in place.
Use a small screwdriver, which I forgot to take a picture of, as a lever to turn the #27 torx bit. Remember counter clockwise will loosen it. It's reversed since the bolt is facing you.
Remove both bolts and the airbag will come off easily. It will be held in place by 3 connectors.
Remove the black connector first. Then pop-up the tabs on the green and yellow connectors. Pull the yellow and green connectors straight up and off of the airbag.
You will be left with this:
Using the #10 torx socket and ratchet, loosen the center bolt in the steering wheel. This should be done with two people as the bolt is on there super tight and the steering wheel lock doesn't feel sturdy enough to resist the amount of force needed to break loose the bolt. Have your helper sit in the driver seat and hold the wheel as if he were driving. You, standing to his left, place the pipe over the ratchet handle and loosen the bolt. After the bolt is out, the steering wheel pops straight off with little effort.
Replace with new wheel and install in reverse order.
Here's what you get:
The new wheel feels great in your hands. The wooden part at the top feels thicker in the hand. It's great mod that can be done for relatively little money.
Good luck to those who attempt.
Since the original how to thread lost it pictures, I decided to another one since I upgraded mine over the weekend. I did not disconnect the battery as the other thread stated. I just placed the key out of range and let the electronics discharge for 30 minutes before attempting.
Here's what you need and how to do it in 15 minutes.
1. Switchblade style torx tool containing a #27 torx bit.
2. #10 hex socket
3. Ratchet
4. 3ft piece of pipe or breaker bar
5. 5/32 hex tool and driver
6. Small screwdriver
Use the 5/32 hex tool and driver to take apart the switchblade torx tool. You will then use only the naked #27 bit. You will see 2 holes in the rear of the steering wheel which hold the entire horn/airbag assembly in place.
Use a small screwdriver, which I forgot to take a picture of, as a lever to turn the #27 torx bit. Remember counter clockwise will loosen it. It's reversed since the bolt is facing you.
Remove both bolts and the airbag will come off easily. It will be held in place by 3 connectors.
Remove the black connector first. Then pop-up the tabs on the green and yellow connectors. Pull the yellow and green connectors straight up and off of the airbag.
You will be left with this:
Using the #10 torx socket and ratchet, loosen the center bolt in the steering wheel. This should be done with two people as the bolt is on there super tight and the steering wheel lock doesn't feel sturdy enough to resist the amount of force needed to break loose the bolt. Have your helper sit in the driver seat and hold the wheel as if he were driving. You, standing to his left, place the pipe over the ratchet handle and loosen the bolt. After the bolt is out, the steering wheel pops straight off with little effort.
Replace with new wheel and install in reverse order.
Here's what you get:
The new wheel feels great in your hands. The wooden part at the top feels thicker in the hand. It's great mod that can be done for relatively little money.
Good luck to those who attempt.
11-24-2007, 06:41 PM
#6
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Maryland
Posts: 8,137
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Received 25 Likes
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Eurocharged 2004 E500, Eurocharged ECU/TCU 2005 SL600, 2010 Caddy SwaggerWagon
Just kidding. Autumns in Maryland are out of control, especially when you live where I do. It needs a good professional detail. It's been a while.
