Smaller steering Wheel

[sean sherry]

Any advice on sourcing and the viability of fitting a smaller steering to my '81 107 SL would be appreciated.

I have read that the reason for the large 18 inch wheel is that in case of a power steering failure the driver can still have some control of the car.
So I figure a 15 inch wheel should be ok for easier driving ????

New wheels are not cheap,.. and all being well I would like to try and find a used one

 

[sean sherry]

I wonder if others are having trouble opening Topklasse ?
I keep getting a notice saying " Page Not Found. "

Only way I can open the site is to Google it and wait.

My Favourites address listings has always worked till now ????????????

 

[Styria]

I wonder if others are having trouble opening Topklasse ?
I keep getting a notice saying " Page Not Found. "

Only way I can open the site is to Google it and wait.

My Favourites address listings has always worked till now ????????????

Sean, sometimes if you restart the PC, the problem solves itself. I find this quite a lot with Real Player after downloading songs - Real Player just doesn't open up. Regards. Styria

 

[sean sherry]

Thanks Styria ,

Problem solved. I've had a simular problem, at times, with our Mobile Phones .

Ours is not to reason why !

 

[hoddo]

Sean one of the reasons for the large wheel design is so you can see the instrument panel properly through the top opening in the wheel. A smaller wheel will obscure your view.

 

[SEL_69L]

I have had the engine cut out in the fast lane heading west on the M4; I was at the speed limit of 110km/hr.
No engine*, no power steering!!
I'll tell ya, it was a frightening experience!!

THAT'S when you need a BIG steering wheel.
With about 1.3 tonnes over the front wheels, it perhaps not surprising WHY, with a 6.9, that power steering is essential.
Even so, you need to have the muscles of a gorilla to keep control.

* The engine failed due to a faulty fuel pump relay; the fuel delivey pump from the tank just stopped working.
Replaced the relay with a four pin type. Cost? Nil.
Benefit? The engine starts on first compression every time!, but that can mask the problems of a weak battery.

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It IS still possible to start a 6.9 on first compression every time with the standard 5 pin fuel pump relay: just crank the engine in gear first, the engine won't start in gear, BUT the fuel pump WILL nevertheless bring the fuel system up to pressure; that takes about four seconds. Switch the starter off, then put the transmission in park or neutral, and start the engine. Voila!

I reason that Mercedes, in their wisdom use a five pin relay, so that if there is a minor fuel leak, and the engine is hot, that there is a slightly less possibility of a fuel fire.

 

[sean sherry]

Yes ,we modify Mercedes at our peril. The wisdom of friends have persuaded me as to the error of my ways ! !

Still having a hard time logging on even with Goggle Chrome.
A job for Son in Law.... a Microsoft service Engineer .

 

[Michel]

Love the small steering wheel.
I have one on the 690SEL and also on the 500SL AMG.

They do obscure the speedo, but it's worth the hassle.

What logging problems???

 

[sean sherry]

Just sent an email to Son in Law....... and wouldn't you know, the site is now ok ? It's been down all day.

Would it be possible to have a look at your small steering wheels Michel ?

Thanks Sean

 

[Michel]

Just sent an email to Son in Law....... and wouldn't you know, the site is now ok ? It's been down all day.

Would it be possible to have a look at your small steering wheels Michel ?
Thanks Sean

This wheel is on the 690SEL


This is the one on the 500SL AMG

 

[260ebenz]

I am amazed both of the small steering wheels are not well you guessed it red Michel!

 

[sean sherry]

Thanks for the pretty pictures Michel... they look good.

Where did you get them ?

Did they come with a Boss to fit the splines ?

I understand that this can be a problem , both obtaining a Boss and having the correct splines.

Thanks Sean

 

[Oversize]

I hate not seeing the speedo and tach so it's a bigger wheel for me....

 

[Michel]

Thanks for the pretty pictures Michel... they look good.
Where did you get them ?
Did they come with a Boss to fit the splines ?
I understand that this can be a problem , both obtaining a Boss and having the correct splines.
Thanks Sean

The brown one was on a 450SE I bought without an engine/box
The black one is part of the AMG package that was fitted to the 500SL.
You find them on eBay often
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-AM...Parts_Accessories&hash=item51c1d43af9&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-sl...Parts_Accessories&hash=item27e6cf1cf5&vxp=mtr