Play in steering

[AlanWT]

Hello All -

1991 230TE 163,000 miles.

There is about an inch of play (at the steering wheel). Seems to me to be likely wear in the steering box. If it is, is there any adjustment or does anyone know the cost of a replacement (preferably not from a dealer!).

Alternately, are there any other likely causes? the car rides quietly and tracks fairly true depending on the degree of camber in the road, and tyre wear is pretty even, so I don't think there is anything damaged or out of alignment.

Advice/opinion/experience appreciated.

Thanks

Alan

 

[jaymanek]

there is adjustment. Its at the top of the box, loosen off the nut and then you can adjust with an alan key...

Remember not to over adjust, there should be a bit of play in the wheel..

Jay

 

[NormanB]

Alan

I think an inch of play is actually acceptable!! There are also lots of associated components that could cause 'excessive' play besides the steering box.

I looked on the American site and could not find anythng specific to 'our' W124s. However this thread is an education:

http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopfor...p;highlight=124 Steering box&pagenumber=1

I would not have thought it would be too different for the 124.

Hopefully an expert will chip in :wink:

NormanB

 

[TimN]

Mercedes Benz do an overhaul kit. It will cost about the same as an supposed reconditioned unit from the likes of Euro Car Parts or German and Swedish. As the MOT will allow as much as an inch play at the steering wheel you will find that recon units still have play in them. The kit from MB consists of the toothed drum and the pitman shaft. For the 123 series this cost £187+vat last year. There is also a seal kit at £18+vat again for the 123 series. Once replaced you effectively have a new box. The difficulty comes in removing the pitman arm from the shaft. I had hoped that MB may have improved the 124 over the 123 by increasing the amount of adjustment there is. If the design is the same as the 123 you need to undo the adjustment screw which will draw the shaft into the body of the box an so bring the gearing closer together.

An inch of play is a bit hairy especially in high wind or going over the camber of the road.

 

[Arnie]

Tim-N is correct, normally you "unscrew" (out) the adjustment screw, after undoing a lock nut, to reduce play.

You must check the play with the wheels centred straight ahead. There will be more play as the steering is turned away from centre. This is normal and is designed to allow the play in the centre position to be minimised, while not jamming as it is turned off-centre. In otherwords, as you adjust the screw to reduce play due wear in the centre position, it will not jam in the off-centre positions, as more play has been designed in the off-centre positions.

Also, don't adjust too much as there is a risk of damaging old oil seals and then you will need to do a rebuild.

 

[mail2neil]

>>Also, don't adjust too much as there is a risk of damaging old oil seals >>and then you will need to do a rebuild.

Is there a way to know if you're about to damage an oil seal?

I am about to attempt 'tightening' myself.., but I don't want to risk anything..

 

[Arnie]

Try giving it one turn and then drive it for a few days and check for leaks. If not enough, repeat the exercise, but I wouldn't go more than 4 or 5 turns. As you adjust the shaft clearances, the seals need to cope with the movement, and if the seals are very old, then...

Just go carefully, is all that I am saying.