Steering boxes

[Hibbo]

Hi there to everyone, I am hoping that someone will be able to advise on the following;

After reading TimN's excellent steering box refurbishment noddy guide (thanks Tim!), I fancy giving it a shot, albeit with a box from the breakers so that when it goes horribly wrong my car will still be in one piece. However on contacting the parts department at my local stealership I was quoted 30-odd quid+vat for the seal kit and 400-odd quid +vat for the worm kit!
Can anyone point me to a somewhat more pocket friendly supplier?
The part numbers are MA123 460 06 11 (worm) and MA126 460 0061 (seals).

Secondly, I was wondering if it is possible to fit a non-w123 steering box (to a w123 - obviously )? With no research on the subject whatsoever I have deduced that they all look pretty similar, but I have never heard of anyone ever doing this. I ask as there are plenty of w124s and w201s in the scrappy with very tight boxes (joke not required).

Thanks for any advice!

 

[television]

Sorry, there is no way that a 124 box will go on to a 123 car.

malcolm

 

[TimN]

The adjustment mechanism works by drawing the wedge shaped gears closer together as the wear occurs. Unfortunately, there is a limit to the amount adjustment as the shoulder on the pitman shaft hits the underside of the casing. Actually there is a spacer washer but you get the principle.

If you are thinking of experimenting with a second hand box I did wonder about shaving a bit of the top of the shaft. You would have to be a bit careful here as the redundant part of the gears may clash with the casing. If necessary these to can be machined to remove the excess. Could be worth having a chat with your nearest engineering workshop.

 

[Hibbo]

Thanks for the replies,

I didn't really thing a w124 box would go into a w123 if I'm honest, or else everyone would have been at it. However, how much do the internals vary? Would it be possible to remove the likely suspects (worm and pitman shaft) from the w123 box and replace them with the not-so-worn items from the w124 box?

I do also like Tim's idea of machining parts to alow a tighter meshing to be achieved. I know a well equipped workshop where they will do favours in return for a crate or two.

If I dismantle a box, will it go back together as is, or will I at least need the seal kit?

I think I will shell out 30quid and grab a box from the breakers next week, if for nothing else than to open it up to give myself an idea of exactly how it works and what goes on inside.

 

[rayhennig]

Andy: Guaranteed 2nd hand parts

Hello,

I noticed your steering box problem with a 123 - I had a problem with my 124.

Have a look at:

http://www.mbatc.de/map.htm

This is Mercedes' own second hand parts recovery factory. Sometimes they have RH Drive steering boxes (they did for the 124) and they have countless other parts. The only problem is the site is still only in German and shipment can be costly.

However, as a last resort it might prove useful for you or others.

I emailed with a very helpful person:

Tina.Dippold@mbgtc.de

She speaks English and is very helpful. If you want to buy parts you have to transfer money to their account before parts are released.

Do, however, bear in mind the cost of shipment from Germany.

Bonne chance.

RayH

 

[GEORGEROV]

Hi Hibbo, On looking at my 126 workshop manual I see a lot of 123 parts were carried forward to the 126. E.g the steering tube is the same I think. They introduced a degressive action rather than linear (as you turn the wheel resistance increases) but can't see if box is a straight swap. May be worth investigating though.