Steering Column

Complete removal and replacement of the steering column assembly on a 2007-2013 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG, including disconnection of electronic controls, airbag system, and steering shaft coupling.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering column assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering shaft pinch bolt (single-use) × 1 — A 211 460 01 72
• Lower dash panel clips (assorted) × 10 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake. Ensure transmission is in Park.
2. Turn steering wheel to center position (wheels pointing straight ahead). Mark the position with tape on the steering wheel and dashboard for reference.
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait minimum 15 minutes for airbag system capacitors to discharge. Disconnect positive terminal and secure cables away from battery posts.
4. Remove driver's seat for improved access to lower steering column area (four bolts at seat rails).
5. Use Mercedes-Benz Star Diagnostic System to document all active fault codes and steering angle sensor calibration data before beginning work.
6. Verify replacement steering column is correct part number and includes all necessary electronic modules (ESL, steering angle sensor, multifunction switch assembly).
7. Photograph all connector locations and routing before disassembly for reference during reassembly.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove steering wheel and airbag module
   Locate the two Torx screws on the rear of the steering wheel (behind the spokes). Remove both screws and carefully pull the airbag module straight back toward you. Disconnect the two-stage airbag connector and horn connector. Install airbag deployment preventer tool or resistor plug into the clock spring connector. Mark the steering wheel position relative to the steering shaft with paint pen. Use steering wheel puller to remove wheel from shaft. Do not strike the shaft with a hammer.
   ⚠️Place airbag module face-up on a clean surface away from work area. Never place face-down as deployment could launch the module.
2. 2

   Remove lower dash panels and knee bolster
   Remove the lower dash panel trim pieces on driver's side. Start with the footwell side panel (pull clips at edges), then remove the main lower dash panel below steering column (multiple Torx screws and clips). Remove the knee bolster panel by removing four Torx screws and releasing retaining clips. Carefully disconnect the hood release cable from the lever. Lower panels to access steering column mounting area.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect electrical connections from steering column
   Working from below and side of column, locate and label all electrical connectors: Electronic Steering Lock (ESL) module connector (large multi-pin at top of column), steering angle sensor connector (green, mid-column), multifunction switch connectors (turn signal/wiper assembly, typically 3-4 connectors), ignition switch connector, and column adjustment motor connectors (2 connectors for reach/height adjustment). Unlock each connector tab and carefully disconnect. Support connectors with wire ties to prevent damage.
   ⚠The ESL connector uses a double-lock mechanism. Press primary release tab, then slide secondary lock before pulling connector.
4. 4

   Remove ignition switch assembly
   The ignition lock cylinder and ESL module are mounted to the steering column with shear-off security bolts. If reusing ESL module, carefully drill out the bolt heads using a left-hand drill bit to avoid damage to module. If replacing entire column assembly, this step may be skipped. Remove the ignition switch electrical connector if not already disconnected. Note the orientation of the switch for installation.
   ⚠Electronic Steering Lock module must be coded to vehicle. If transferring from old column, handle with extreme care to avoid internal damage.
   Torque spec

   Ignition Switch Bolts5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Disconnect intermediate steering shaft
   Working in the footwell area, locate the lower universal joint coupling where steering column shaft connects to intermediate shaft leading to steering rack. Mark the relationship between upper and lower shaft splines with paint pen for alignment reference. Remove the pinch bolt (single-use fastener - discard after removal). Spread the clamp slightly with flathead screwdriver and slide coupling down off the column shaft. Support intermediate shaft to prevent it from dropping.
   ⚠️CRITICAL: The pinch bolt is a single-use self-locking fastener. Never reuse. Failure of this connection will result in complete loss of steering control.
   Torque spec

   Pinch Bolt30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove steering column mounting fasteners
   Locate the four main steering column mounting bolts. Two bolts attach the upper column bracket to the dash support beam, and two bolts attach the lower bracket. On this model, the column assembly also has a center support bracket with two additional bolts. Mark the position of any adjustment slots or shims before removal. Support the steering column weight with your hand or a column holding fixture. Remove all mounting bolts in sequence: lower bolts first, then center support, then upper bolts last.
   ⚠Steering column assembly weighs approximately 15-20 lbs and is awkward to handle. Ensure firm grip before removing final mounting bolts.
   Torque spec

   Steering Column Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)

   Mounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove steering column assembly from vehicle
   With all fasteners and connections removed, carefully guide the steering column assembly out of the vehicle. Maneuver through the dash opening, tilting and rotating as necessary. The column must pass through a relatively tight opening in the dash structure. Feed the steering shaft through first, then angle the column body to clear the dash. Place old column on clean work surface for component transfer if necessary.
   ⚠Do not allow steering shaft to rotate freely or drop. This can damage internal components and require steering angle sensor recalibration.
8. 8

   Prepare and install new steering column assembly
   If transferring components from old column to new (ESL module, steering angle sensor, etc.), do so carefully following service manual procedures. Verify new column is in centered position by counting shaft rotations lock-to-lock and centering. Verify all electrical modules are properly secured. Align clock spring to center position (arrow marks aligned, usually yellow band visible in window). Guide new steering column into dash opening using reverse of removal procedure. Insert steering shaft through dash opening first, then maneuver column body into position.
   ⚠️Clock spring must be centered before installation. Off-center installation will damage clock spring during steering wheel rotation, causing airbag and steering control failures.
9. 9

   Install steering column mounting bolts
   Position steering column assembly into mounting brackets, aligning holes with dash support structure. Install upper mounting bolts first, leaving slightly loose. Install center support bracket bolts, then lower mounting bolts. Verify column is properly positioned in all adjustment slots (same position as marks made during removal). Torque all steering column mounting bolts to specification using cross-pattern sequence: upper bolts, then lower bolts, then center support. Verify column moves smoothly through tilt and telescoping range without binding.
   Torque spec

   Steering Column Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)

   Mounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect intermediate steering shaft
    Align the intermediate shaft lower universal joint coupling with the steering column shaft. Match the paint marks made during disassembly to ensure proper spline alignment (this maintains steering wheel centered position). Slide coupling fully onto steering column shaft until it seats completely. Install NEW pinch bolt (never reuse old bolt) and torque to specification. Verify no rotational play exists in the joint by attempting to rotate shaft by hand.
    ⚠️CRITICAL: Spline alignment must be exact. Misalignment will result in off-center steering wheel and incorrect steering angle sensor readings. Verify paint marks align perfectly.
    Torque spec

    Pinch Bolt30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect all electrical connections
    Working methodically from your labels and photographs, reconnect all steering column electrical connectors: ESL module connector (ensure both primary and secondary locks engage), steering angle sensor connector, multifunction switch connectors (turn signal, wiper, cruise control), ignition switch connector, and column adjustment motor connectors. Verify each connector locks completely with audible/tactile click. Route all wiring in original paths to avoid pinching during column adjustment.
    ⚠Incompletely seated connectors will cause multiple system faults and may prevent vehicle starting due to ESL authentication failure.
12. 12

    Install steering wheel and airbag module
    Remove deployment preventer tool from clock spring connector. Align steering wheel to steering shaft using paint marks made during removal. The wheel should slide onto shaft with splines aligned to center position. Install steering wheel retaining bolt and torque to specification (verify in service manual - typically 50-60 Nm for this model). Remove resistor plug and reconnect airbag connectors (two-stage connector and horn connector). Position airbag module into steering wheel and secure with two Torx screws on rear of wheel.
    ⚠️Ensure airbag connectors are fully seated before installing airbag module. Partial connection can cause deployment failure or unintended deployment.
13. 13

    Reinstall interior panels and components
    Reinstall knee bolster panel and secure with four Torx screws. Reconnect hood release cable to lever. Install lower dash panels, ensuring all clips engage properly. Install footwell side panel. Reinstall driver's seat to seat rail mounting points. Verify all trim panels are secure and properly aligned with no gaps or misalignment.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect battery and perform system initialization
    Reconnect positive battery terminal first, then negative terminal. Do not start vehicle yet. Turn ignition to position 2 (all systems on, engine off) and wait for all control units to initialize (approximately 30-60 seconds). Using Mercedes-Benz Star Diagnostic System, perform steering angle sensor calibration procedure (SCN coding). Clear any stored fault codes. Perform Electronic Steering Lock adaptation if ESL was replaced or transferred. Initialize column adjustment control unit. Complete airbag system verification test.
    ⚠️Do not attempt to drive vehicle until steering angle sensor is properly calibrated and ESL system is successfully initialized. Uncalibrated sensor will cause ESP/ABS failures and potentially dangerous stability control intervention.
15. 15

    Final verification and road test
    Start engine and verify no warning lights remain illuminated on instrument cluster (airbag light should extinguish after 3-6 seconds, steering warning should not appear). Verify steering wheel is centered with wheels pointing straight ahead. Test all steering column functions: tilt/telescoping adjustment, turn signals, wipers, cruise control, paddle shifters, multifunction buttons. Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noise. Perform low-speed test drive in safe area, verifying steering response, proper ESP/ABS function, and centered steering wheel during straight-line driving.
    ⚠️If steering wheel is not centered or any steering warning lights remain illuminated, do not drive vehicle. Return to diagnostic procedures and verify all connections and calibrations.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly follows reverse order of disassembly with critical attention to torque specifications and electrical connections
2. All single-use fasteners (pinch bolt) must be replaced with new OEM parts - never reuse
3. Clock spring must be verified in centered position before steering wheel installation
4. Steering angle sensor calibration with Mercedes-Benz Star Diagnostic System is mandatory before vehicle operation
5. Electronic Steering Lock coding/adaptation is required if ESL module was replaced or column assembly changed

Verification

• Verify steering wheel is centered when wheels point straight ahead (within 1-2 degrees)
• Confirm all dashboard warning lights extinguish after engine start (airbag, steering, ESP, ABS)
• Test steering column tilt and telescoping adjustment through full range of motion
• Verify all multifunction controls operate correctly: turn signals, wipers, cruise control, horn, paddle shifters
• Using Star Diagnostic System, verify no active fault codes in steering angle sensor, ESL, airbag, or steering control modules
• Confirm steering angle sensor shows 0 degrees ±5 degrees when wheels are centered (view in diagnostic system live data)
• Test drive vehicle at various speeds up to highway speeds, verifying straight-line tracking, proper ESP function, and no unusual steering noises or binding
• Verify vehicle will lock and unlock using Electronic Steering Lock (key turns freely, no binding)
• Perform full lock-to-lock steering test while stationary - should achieve approximately 2.7 turns lock-to-lock with no mechanical interference

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