Steering coupling R&R

[badali]

I have new bushings coming today for the steering coupling for 230SL.  I see the three bolts to remove the steering box.  I cannot see the bolts to loosen the coupling from the shaft since they are up inside the firewall where the shaft comes through.  Is there easy access to the bolts once the car is up on jack stands?  I don't have a lift.  I searched the forums and found someone removed them through the inside under the dash by removing the collar.

[ctaylor738]

I remember removing the collar for access to the coupler.

Suggest you use a M8 fine thread bolt filed to a point to lock the steering box in the straight-ahead position.

Also, it's a crapshoot removing the steering box versus pulling the steering shaft up.

Good luck,

CT

[dirkbalter]

I agree with CT, go through the inside. Remove or slide to collar up..... Make sure you pull the screw that clamps the coupling completely out, as it sits in a groove of the shaft if I remember correct.

[badali]

Thanks ctaylor738 and dirkbalter for the pictures and suggestions.  I also called Joe for info.  Now I need to find time to do this.  Joe said if I remove the steering box to definitely get a helper since it's heavy.

[ctaylor738]

A trick I stumbled on:

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=35726

An engine hoist would also work.

CT

[yves]

Here is what I used to maintain the steering box aligned:

[badali]

Thanks.  Both items very helpful.  It may not be as hard as anticipated.

[badali]

I just got the steering coupling back on.  We spent over 3 hours fighting with it.  Unfortunately, it is not indexed correctly.  We just could not get the steering box back on without turning it.  I don't want to take the box off again.  How bad is taking off the steering column?  I never want to remove the steering box again.  I have not finished the inside assembly yet with the collar.

[ja17]

The steering wheel comes off easily. However if you center the steering by shifting the wheel, the turn signals will not cancel correctly. How far off is your steering wheel?

[badali]

The steering wheel is at about 2 o'clock.  It was at 1 o'clock before.  The turn signals never did cancel since I have had the car.  I was hoping to get the index correct then fix the canceling.

[ja17]

Getting the steering correct can be a challenge. The steering box is just heavy and bulky enough to make the job a struggle. Compliment yourself on getting that far. Removal of the steering column is not much easier. It is a cleaner and lighter job. but very tedius, since the steering lock assembly, ignition and the instruments must be removed. Give yourself a good five or six hours for your first time.

[badali]

I'm not sure I want to take all that apart just to index the steering column.  Other than that everything else is ok.  The turn signals never did cancel for me since I have had the car.  Since the steering is tight now I have a win on that repair...