Steering Wheel with Airbag

WARNING: Observe the proper safety regulations and airbag arming/disarming procedures as outlined in Air Bags and Seat Belts.

Removal and Installation:

Special Tool:

- Disconnect battery.





- Remove air bag unit (38). See Air Bags and Seat Belts, Air Bags (Supplemental Restraint Syatems), Air Bag.






- Position steering wheel (32) horizontally (front wheels in straight ahead position). Allow steering lock to engage.





- On model 124 with contact spiral (A45) as of 07/93 disconnect connectors (38b and 38c) and guide through recess in steering wheel.
- Unscrew countersunk screw (32c) and replace, torque to 80 Nm on re-assembly.
- Mark steering wheel (32) installed position in relation to steering shaft if necessary, and remove.





NOTE: When installing steering wheel, align recess on the steering wheel with marking on steering shaft (arrow) (since 01/90) or observe self-made installation markings.

- Check carbon brushes (32d) and brass contact rings.

NOTE: The brass contact rings must not be lubricated.





NOTE: On vehicles with 4-MATIC, a magnetic ring with 72 magnets is installed in the outer plastic track (arrow). When installing the steering wheel, ensure that no iron chips have been drawn in from the surroundings.

- Install steering wheel in reverse order taking note of all applicable notes within this article, including the following.

On a test trip, check the following:
- Position of steering wheel. If the steering wheel is not on square, offset it by max. 1 tooth. If there is a greater deviation, check center position of steering gear, adjust toe-in if necessary.
- Turn signal indicator resetting. If the steering wheel is offset by more than 1 tooth, satisfactory turn signal indicator resetting is no longer guaranteed.
- Airbag indicator lamp. Observe this when turning steering to full lock in both directions and when the engine is running. The airbag indicator lamp must not come on.
- Steering angle sensor (on 4MATIC). Reactivate in both directions when the engine is running by applying full lock.

Notes on cleaning steering wheels:
- Dirty or sticky steering wheels can be cleaned with a neutral household detergent, the steering wheel being washed with a lukewarm solution of detergent. Scouring agents must not be used.

Standardization of Replacement Steering Wheels:





New replacement steering wheels have been developed with the introduction of the contact spiral as of 02/93.
- Steering wheels are offered in the installed condition for the contact spirals. This also includes a cable (38d) on a flat-pin plug (38e)..





This image shows a replacement steering wheel in the installed condition for vehicles with wiper contacts.

- On steering wheels prior to the introduction of the contact spiral, the slip ring must be reassembled or ordered at the same time according to the appropriate special equipment. The electrical cables are to be routed as shown.