Lowered w124

[Big_Paul]

hey everyone, i have a 1993 200e 16v w124 auto, it has been lowered and there seem to be play in the steering but none of the parts show visible movement, anyone have any ideas??????

 

[turnipsock]

Probably the steering box.

What do you want to lower a car for? It will be worse on speed bumps and you can't see past all the 4x4s.

 

[paulcallender]

hey everyone, i have a 1993 200e 16v w124 auto, it has been lowered and there seem to be play in the steering but none of the parts show visible movement, anyone have any ideas??????

Firstly, lets get the lowering out the way. I am assuming its been done the normal way, ie fitting shorter springs. So long as they are proper springs and not cut down originals, no problems here - assuming that whoever did it (was it done before you purchased it? Or have you slammed it?) also re-did all the wheel alignment.

Could be steering box. Could also be the drag link, or the track rods, or the idler arm, or the joints in the steering column. It would probably be worth getting an assistant to wiggle the rim (of the steering wheel) 1" side-side, while you closely observe it. Ideally, you'd want it on a 4 poster lift while the front wheels are on swivel plates, as done in the MoT.

 

[paulcallender]

hey everyone, i have a 1993 200e 16v w124 auto, it has been lowered and there seem to be play in the steering but none of the parts show visible movement, anyone have any ideas??????

Just a thought, have you been told by a garage or do you observe rim-wheel play; or are you going on the instability of the car; or do you feel wobble at the wheel? Might just be that the car needs its alignment done. Loads of previous posts on this...

 

[nicky]

Most mercs have a bit of play in the steering when the car is in full lock with the engine switched off...

 

[Big_Paul]

ok, the car was lowered by me, an ex-mechanic! There is a degree of play in the steering whilst driving and wobble also, the wheel alignment and camber angles have also been adjusted to account for the lowering, and having looked under the car, the is no visible movement in any of the steering components!!

 

[tom7035]

There is a degree of play in the steering whilst driving and wobble also, the wheel alignment and camber angles have also been adjusted to account for the lowering, and having looked under the car, the is no visible movement in any of the steering components!!

Personally, I'd try replacing the steering damper. Low-cost and easy to do.
Good luck.

 

[Big_Paul]

cheers tom, i'll utry that, i see you have the same model as me!!! i think the damage may have been done by a buckled rim. I saw in another thread that the front wheel bearing are adjustable, is this true??? and how do i do it??

 

[paulcallender]

The steering damper is probably the only component in the steering system, that wouldn't affect play at the wheel.

Yes, the front hubs are adjustable. Take off the wheel, then loosen the little bolt on the nut. Then tighten the nut fully onto the hub, so it is difficult to turn the wheel. Then back it off, say, 1/3 of a turn. Then tighten this bolt up again.

When you say you are an ex-mechanic, what did you used to work on?

 

[Big_Paul]

i worked on classic cars, and volvos

 

[E320C]

Steering play

Hello mate, try changing the steering damper. I had the same problem on mine, a bit of play and couldn't find where it was coming from? I had it up on a ramp and checked everything and all tight and solid.

After that, I thought I'll try changing the steering damper as if it's not the cause of the problem it doesn't matter as only @£25 new. After fitment, the car was transformed. The steering is lovely and tight now.

To check yours, just unbolt the damper and see if it's shock absorber tension has seen better days.

Regards

E320C

 

[tom7035]

Paulcallender, I'm reading between the lines here and I think you are too, and perhaps when 'Big Paul' is describing steering 'play' while driving, it may not be strictly accurate. I'm entering all the symptoms into the equation here together with his own work history on the car and would still plump for the damper.

 

[paulcallender]

Agreed, there is a difference between 'play' and 'instability'. Your steering could have no play, but still be unstable (eg faulty steering damper). I guess the only way of knowing is to see the car, though!

 

[Big_Paul]

well cheers for your help chaps, i get paid tomorrow so i'm off to get a new damper and i will tighten up the bearings at the front as well!! All the components in the steering are good and solid the only thing is, there is a slight clicking sound when the engine is off and i play with the steering wheel!!

 

[tom7035]

'TIGHTEN' up the front bearings? Don't like your choice of words Big Paul! Please say you'll 'adjust' them!!