Steering wheel won’t fit on spline

[Lee9]

Hi all
I have a a160 w168 03 I broke the key in barrel had locksmith out he changed the complete steering column now the original steering wheel won’t fit on the spline I was told by him that there is two types of steering wheel spline for that model??how do I go about getting a steering wheel that will fit

 

[mattkh]

Where have you stored the air bag..?

 

[Lee9]

Face down in the boot

 

[mattkh]

So relieved to hear that.
Things to do.
Please put up a picture of the underside of the steering wheel if there are any numbers/letters on it.
Count the numbers of splines on the steering wheel and tell us.
Count the numbers of splines on the column and tell us.

 

[rorywquin]

Tell the locksmith to fix it!

 

[Lee9]

I’ve done that he is adamant he got the part by the Reg but told me a class that year 03 has 2 different types of wheel I don’t know how true that is

 

[Lee9]

So relieved to hear that.
Things to do.
Please put up a picture of the underside of the steering wheel if there are any numbers/letters on it.
Count the numbers of splines on the steering wheel and tell us.
Count the numbers of splines on the column and tell us.

There is 64 splines on the steering wheel I will check tomorrow and come back how many are on the steering rack

 

[Lee9]

Tell the locksmith to fix it!

I’ve done that he is adamant he got the part by the Reg but told me a class that year 03 has 2 different types of wheel I don’t know how true that is

 

[AMGeed]

Did the locksmith supply the new steering column?

If yes, he is responsible for getting the correct part.
Even with two different columns, he should have ordered one that fitted your steering wheel, especially if he knew there were two different parts.

 

[Lee9]

Did the locksmith supply the new steering column?

If yes, he is responsible for getting the correct part.
Even with two different columns, he should have ordered one that fitted your steering wheel, especially if he knew there were two different parts.

Yes he did fit new column and trying to say cause I took the wheel off (to make it easier for him) he wouldn’t put the wheel back on I only noticed when I come to put wheel back on he is saying I’m looking for a wheel that doesn’t have gaps top and bottom on the steering wheel spline

 

[ajlsl600]

There will be number on steering wheel, and column
I would be a bit psd with locksmith. Steering wheels pretty tough.try online breaker. Only way out methinks .

 

[bigasotonuk]

Hi
In my opinion this issue is totally down the lock smith the fact he knew there were two different fitments of steering wheel he should of ensured your wheel would fit. The fact that your original wheel doesnt fit tells me he fitted the incorrect part for your car full stop, I would not be very happy indeed I wouldn't of paid him till I had the correct part fitted to enable me to fit the original wheel.
Try these breakers, have been breaking Mercs for years, explain them the situation and i bet they will sort you out with the correct wheel

Dronsfields | Mercedes-Benz Parts - Dronsfields, a Mercedes Breaker UK

www.dronsfields.com

 

[EmilysDad]

IMHO there was no need to change the complete column. Ignition barrels are usually just bolted to the column, admittedly with shear head bolts, but they could have been drilled/ground off. Anyway ... the lock itself can usually be removed from the barrel, those I've removed have a pin hole somewhere around the barrel that you push a latch to allow the lock to come out of the barrel.

 

[Flyinspanner]

@Lee9 - if you are in West London try Forrera (Sevan Motors) Hammersmith, talk to Des, he may have a spare? - maybe you could trade the old one?

A Class specialist - very knowledgeable chap.

replacement wheel - make sure it’s complete in case the airbag from old isn’t transferable.

 

[bigasotonuk]

I hope this lock smith has fitted a column with a serviceable clock spring which has been locked in the straight ahead position and an Airbag wiring loom, or otherwise this could be the start of more issues and make sure you dont switch the ignition on until you have an airbag connected otherwise it will need plugging into a diagnostic to turn it off.
Isnt this model A class one of the last to have a transponder chip in the key which talks to part of the ignition switch to turn the immobilizer off? I believe it needs to talk with the ignition switch securing/trim ring (the circular trim around the switch), possibility of more issues if new column doesn't have the same set up or the if the original trim ring cant be fitted to the new column.