removing the steering coupling w111

[col320ce]

The steering column has been put together incorrectly so that the indicator is not cancelling.  I can see that the notch on the steering wheel needs to be returned to 6 o'clock (its a RHD car) and I have the pin in the steering box to centre it.  I can see that there is access to this in the Pagoda from the drivers foot well but I don't think that works in the 250SE (see photo).  I've unbolted the steering box and this has given me a little more room to play with but I still cant get the coupling out and either way, when I put it back together, to line things up I really need the steering box in place.  Can I make more room in the cabin by some how pulling the steering column towards the driver?
Thanks for any help

[ja17]

The two bolts in the coupling will have to be completely removed (not just loosened) before the coupling will slip of the steering shaft. Sometimes carefully prying open the slot in the coupling will help. Do not over-do it. With left hand drive cars the plate around the column, on the floor, unbolts and will slide up the steering column allowing additional access to the coupling.

[col320ce]

I undid the bolts to the steering box pulled it forward then put it all back together again. I have the box centering pin in and it's pretty much perfect now.  Will need an alignment now as the wheels are definitely not pointing straight ahead!  I'll measure the tie rod distances and try to even them up as best as possible for the time being.

[Aaron h]

I undid the bolts to the steering box pulled it forward then put it all back together again. I have the box centering pin in and it's pretty much perfect now.  Will need an alignment now as the wheels are definitely not pointing straight ahead!  I'll measure the tie rod distances and try to even them up as best as possible for the time being.

What you did doesn't affect your alignment.  When you straightened everything back up you only offset the toe error, but didn't make any actual movements of the alignment.  If the alignment was ok before the repair, then you shouldn't need anything other than the toe reset to compensate for the error you corrected.  Just leave things as they are until you get to the alignment shop.  If you mess with the toe beforehand you'll only make the problem worse.  You'll just have to put up with a crooked steering wheel on the drive to the alignment shop.  Bear in mind that just because the steering wheel is now crooked doesn't mean the alignment is off.  It only means that some dummy tried to play hero in the past when the gearbox was removed, didn't align the gearbox to the steering wheel shaft, and then did an alignment after everything was incorrectly put together. 

[col320ce]

Hi Aaron ... good advice!