Genuine Mercedes-Benz C230 Steering Column

Mercedes-Benz C230 Steering Column Parts and Q&A

• Steering Column
  203-460-17-16
  Q: How to remove the steering column on Mercedes-Benz C230?

  A:

  The steering column can be removed by initially lifting the front of the vehicle and supporting it and fortunately drive-on ramp style supports can be used to hold the wheels facing forward. Then take off the engine splash shields under the car and the small exhaust shield way up over the steering shaft coupler. Position the lower steering shaft relative to the steering shaft coupler, unscrew the bolt that holds the steering shaft lower portion in place and terminate the coupler and lower steering shaft apart by pushing the steering shaft up and out of the coupler depositing the little plate. Should it be necessary rotate lower steering shaft slightly to get to the retaining bolt being careful to put it back in the centered position or this push will cause damage to the clockspring. In 4MATIC models, the steering shaft coupler is similar to a universal joint and has a pinch bolt; note the position of the coupler with reference to the low steering shaft, loosen the pinch bolt, then divide the coupler into two parts. It is advisable to have the small plate that is placed between the lower steering shaft and the steering shaft coupler replaced on a rear wheel drive. Take off the lower trim panel of the instrument cluster that is above the braking and accelerating pedals. When equipped with an electric steering column lock, position the ignition key in the ACC position, unplug the negative battery terminal and then remove the recessed retaining bolt that holds the motor assembly to the steering column, slide the motor assembly facing the firewall and pull the electrical connector. Disassemble Steering Wheel, steering column switches, and clockspring, noting that as of models built after July 7, 2002 these may be disassembled as a package. Then unscrew the instrument cluster, any insulation that has been around the steering column, and remove the adjustment lever on the steering column. Unscrew the clip on top of the steering column cover and pull it off and the electrical wiring harness. Undo the bottom steering column mounting bolt and the upper mounting bolts and then lift the column and the lower steering shaft out of the boot at the firewall being careful not to break the steering column. Installation requires you to push the steering column into place with the lower steering shaft passing through the boot at the firewall, install the mounting fasteners, but do not tighten them, lubricate the contact point of the shafts at the boot, position the steering column and then tighten the mounting fasteners at the correct torque level. Lastly, put the installation together in the same order as it was removed with the bottom steering shaft being carefully installed with the steering shaft coupler, using the index marks previously created with the steering shaft tubing, and the steering column being installed over this same tubing in the same way it was installed.