Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: vincesy on September 07, 2006, 16:30:18

Title: Steering Column Angle adjustment
Post by: vincesy on September 07, 2006, 16:30:18

My steering wheel is not perfectly parallel to my dash.
I did a rough measurement of the distance to make sure it's not just a visual illusion or due to the seat alignment.  On the leftmost part of the horizontal bar, it is about 6 inches to the edge of the dash.  On the rightmost part, it is about 8 inches.

The previous owner put in a leather wrapped steering wheel probably from an R107 that I quickly replaced with a black steering wheel from a 115.   I didn't really notice the problem with the R107 steering wheel but then I don't think the 115 steering wheel is dented or defective either.   I just bought an ivory steering wheel on ebay (impulse buy) and was thinking this might be a good time to tackle this issue.  It does bug me.

I've checked the steering column and I don't see where an adjustment can be easily made to straighten the column.  Can anyone please help?  Thanks.

Title: Re: Steering Column Angle adjustment
Post by: waqas on September 07, 2006, 17:05:22

This is a commonly reported MB design "quirk", and has been discussed here before. Reports indicate that the angle varies, and I'm not sure why that is so. It has been speculated that it may have been an ergonomic or safety feature.

WAQAS in Austin, Texas

Title: Re: Steering Column Angle adjustment
Post by: vincesy on September 07, 2006, 17:27:24

Thanks.  I'm looking for the thread but can't seem to find the right keywords.  

So this is normal and there's no way to adjust?

I've talked to some mechanics and they all told me i was being picky but i can really see the problem.  The column and the seal around it as it comes in the dash looks pretty snug too.

But it is one of my peeves about my favorite car.

Title: Re: Steering Column Angle adjustment
Post by: vincesy on September 07, 2006, 17:39:25

I found a thread close to page 3 of the search results but it is a short thread and I'm still not sure if this is something that can be adjusted.

http://index.php?topic=361,column

Title: Re: Steering Column Angle adjustment
Post by: waqas on September 07, 2006, 18:59:22

It cannot be adjusted, as far as I know.

Here are some other threads that mention this.

http://index.php?topic=4794,wheel
http://index.php?topic=4444,wheel
http://index.php?topic=628,wheel
http://index.php?topic=3423,wheel,tilted


WAQAS in Austin, Texas

Title: Re: Steering Column Angle adjustment
Post by: vincesy on September 07, 2006, 19:30:59

WAQAS,

Thank you very much for the information and the quick reply.

I read thru the 4 threads you sent me and I thought it was funny how some people were teased about their tilt going towards the wrong side because they were RHD.

The good news is my suspicions about defect or damage are put to rest.   The bad news is I'll just have to get used to the tilt.  

By the way, on the thread about the car from Dearborn with the modern steering wheel, I do think it takes a lot away from the beautiful dash of the 113.  It was the first thing I did when I bought my car, the 2nd was to replace the modern radio the previous owner put in.  I believe he switched it for safety reasons.  This weekend I'll get to put in an Ivory colored one.  Next stop, ivory shift knob.

Thanks again,
Vincent