How to Remove and Replace a Mercedes-Benz Steering Wheel and Airbag

Last updated: October 28, 2026

This video shows how to remove the steering wheel and airbag on most Mercedes-Benz cars. With the steering wheel off, the clock spring is easy to replace too; the full procedure is in our airbag, steering wheel, clock spring and turn signal switch guide.

Tools Required

• Flathead screwdriver.
• Torx set.
• Hex 10 mm wrench.
• Breaker bar.

How to Remove the Steering Wheel and Airbag

Warning: The driver airbag is a pyrotechnic safety device. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery terminal before touching any SRS connector. Wait the time specified in Mercedes WIS for your model. Do not switch on the ignition while the airbag is disconnected. Store the removed airbag with the deployment side facing up.

1. Disconnect the battery negative terminal. The battery on most Mercedes-Benz models is located in the trunk. It may also be located under the rear seat or in the engine compartment.
2. Make sure you note the position of the steering wheel. You need to install the steering wheel in the same orientation.
3. Use a Torx driver (T27 or T30, depending on the model) to remove the airbag bolts. There are two on each side of the steering wheel. You access the two bolts from behind the airbag. The retaining screws are captive and remain in the steering wheel. Loosen them fully.
4. Carefully pull the airbag module away from the steering wheel.
5. Release the connector locks and disconnect the airbag electrical connectors.
6. Place the airbag in a safe, clean area.
7. Use a 10 mm hex bit socket and breaker bar to remove the center steering wheel bolt.
8. Pull the steering wheel straight off the steering shaft while feeding the wiring through the opening.
9. Reinstall in reverse order. Line up the steering wheel in its original position, tighten the center bolt to the factory specification, and plug in and lock the airbag connectors before you seat the airbag. Reconnect the battery last, with no one sitting in the car.

After reassembly, reconnect the battery and start the vehicle. Confirm that the SRS light turns off, the horn and steering wheel controls work, the turn signals cancel correctly, and the steering wheel remains centered. Turn the wheel fully in both directions and verify that no SRS or ESP warning appears.

For the W211, see this guide: How to remove and install the steering wheel on a W211 Mercedes-Benz.

Airbag Light On After Replacing the Steering Wheel or Airbag

If the SRS light stays on after the repair, first confirm that every airbag connector is fully locked. Switching the ignition on while the airbag was unplugged stores a fault that stays even after everything is reconnected, so the light will not clear by itself. Scan the SRS control module and clear the stored faults with the UCAN-II Pro; if the ESP light is also on, read the steering angle sensor and run its calibration where your model supports it. For what the SRS codes mean, see Mercedes SRS airbag light.