[bfjones123]

I know this forum has addressed steering wheel play before, but I need to access that information again.

I have a 1985 300TD with 83,000 original miles. The steering wheel has at least two inches of play (maybe more) in it while traveling down a straight road. You can move the steering wheel back and forth and not adjust the cars direction at all.

Two mechanics got under the car and both say the bushings are fine. Both mechanics adjusted the steering mechanism on the steering box. They both were concerned they may have done too much. Frankly, I can't tell any difference.

What next?

Brett

 

[MBeige]

Does the car wander on the road? Like you can't tell where it goes? If it is, the idler bushings are going. Even at low miles, these rubber bushings may go at any time. When was the last alignment done?

 

[tiger_biru]

karugs - 2/11/2005 2:38 AM

Does the car wander on the road? Like you can't tell where it goes? If it is, the idler bushings are going. Even at low miles, these rubber bushings may go at any time. When was the last alignment done?

Do you have pic of idler bushing is?
TIA

 

[MBeige]

Here is the site:

http://www.autohausaz.com/catalog/lookup_parts.cfm?SubcategoryID=7336&VehicleID=1193778&CFID=440707&CFToken=32101282

And this is the pic:

Hope this helps. Are you doing front suspension work with your mechanic now?

 

[tiger_biru]

I did complete front suspension work, yes couple months ago, but I didn't see that bushings. Where is it located, if you don't mind?

 

[MBeige]

I honestly have no idea myself, but it seems to be near the steering box:

#25 (could it be the bushings for the Pitman arm?) [?] If this is the case then this is what the mechanic of Bfjones123 adjusted. But I could be wrong...

...ok now I really have to sleep [] Good night and I'll see you all tomorrow []

 

[tiger_biru]

Really helpful karugs. I replace almost ALL sans 25. I check tomorrow.
[]

 

[BF_JC230]

no its not the pitman arm...it is the drag link idler arm located in front of the passenger. the post is welded to the frame that supports this unit...you can see it easily from the top or bottom of the car. i have heard the easiest way to remove old bushings is to open it up and drive them out from the top with a long pipe or rod, working from below can cause the use of a headache reliever....

i always say convert to rack and pinion....but thats a crazy project...

good luck with removing the play

jake

 

[Stevenpfaff]

here read this, I tried to post a link but for some reason this board never allows the link to that site to post. Cut and paste is just as good, I guess.

Making Your Steering Brand New Again



There's a bunch of things you need to do to make the steering factory new and this applies to almost any Mercedes

1) There's an adjustment on the steering box. Ideally you remove the box and adjust it to spec on a bench. In practice you tighten it up, to the point there is some, but minimal free play.

2) Replace the idler arm bushing and steering shock.

3) There may or may not be a flexi disc and u joint in the steering column in the engine compartment. Replace them.

4) There are two or three bushings in the steering column itself. Remove it and replace them.

Do this is it will literally be as good as new.

Number 4 usually makes the biggest difference. And yes, it's quite a difference.

 

[BF_JC230]

i can hear that ... those rag joints could be all used up....point 4

maintaing the whole system would be the best thing, as always

take luck
jake

 

[BraveSlice]

Stevenpfaff - 2/11/2005 3:28 PM
1) There's an adjustment on the steering box. Ideally you remove the box and adjust it to spec on a bench. In practice you tighten it up, to the point there is some, but minimal free play.

Is this adjustment screw easy to find or is it possible to mix it to something wrong? What should I be looking?

 

[gdbmj]

The ajustment is on top of the steering box , its a combo of a 6mm allen key (hex) screw and I think the lock nut is 17 or 15mm.

 

[BraveSlice]

I’m happy now Most of the wheel play is gone; driving by one hand at the speed over 100 km/hr is now possible.

Thx all, especially gdbmj

Just wondering if I should have turned it even tighter...