Many of our MBs will suffer from a sudden non-working odometer.
The gears inside the speedometer were lubed at the factory to insure smooth operation, but over time this same lube reacts with the plastic odometer gears turning them into a waxy consistency. At this point the gear teeth start to crumble stopping the odometer function completely.
Replacing the gears is a fairly simple job but like most MB repairs..one thing leads to another.
To remove the gauge cluster that houses the speedometer, the steering wheel needs to be removed.
Instructions for removing the steering wheel can be found:
MB Chassis manual job# 46-610
Haynes manual 63025 job# 11-20
Chiltons manual 48300 job# 8-27
Steering Wheel Removal Video
Instructions for removing the gauge cluster can be found:
MB chassis manual job#54-250
Haynes manual 63025 job#10-18
Chiltons manual 48300 job#6-17
Instructions for removing and replacing the odometer gears can be found:
Odometer Gears - WELCOME
Steering Wheel Removal
Fairly simple task. You need to determine if you have a tapered allen head bolt or a hex nut holding the steering wheel on.
Some of these have been known to be VERY TIGHT due to the torque used and/or thread locker.
If it seems too tight a little heat can be applied to the head of the bolt to loosen up the thread lock.
When I loosened mine, steering turned all the way to the left with the steering UNLOCKED.
Make sure you mark or scribe the position of the steering on the shaft before removing.
Replacement Hex Screw P/N 1269900312
I had replaced my steering wheel so my current steering wheel removal was a little easier.
Moderator Edit for airbag equipped 107s:
The gears inside the speedometer were lubed at the factory to insure smooth operation, but over time this same lube reacts with the plastic odometer gears turning them into a waxy consistency. At this point the gear teeth start to crumble stopping the odometer function completely.
Replacing the gears is a fairly simple job but like most MB repairs..one thing leads to another.
To remove the gauge cluster that houses the speedometer, the steering wheel needs to be removed.
Instructions for removing the steering wheel can be found:
MB Chassis manual job# 46-610
Haynes manual 63025 job# 11-20
Chiltons manual 48300 job# 8-27
Steering Wheel Removal Video
Instructions for removing the gauge cluster can be found:
MB chassis manual job#54-250
Haynes manual 63025 job#10-18
Chiltons manual 48300 job#6-17
Instructions for removing and replacing the odometer gears can be found:
Odometer Gears - WELCOME
Steering Wheel Removal
Fairly simple task. You need to determine if you have a tapered allen head bolt or a hex nut holding the steering wheel on.
Some of these have been known to be VERY TIGHT due to the torque used and/or thread locker.
If it seems too tight a little heat can be applied to the head of the bolt to loosen up the thread lock.
When I loosened mine, steering turned all the way to the left with the steering UNLOCKED.
Make sure you mark or scribe the position of the steering on the shaft before removing.
Replacement Hex Screw P/N 1269900312
I had replaced my steering wheel so my current steering wheel removal was a little easier.
Moderator Edit for airbag equipped 107s:
KCM said: