Steering Wheel 'Play'

[rhud]

On my A Class (W169) I notice that (car at rest, engine off) there are several inches of side-to-side 'play' in the steering wheel before resistance is felt. Is this normal?

I ask the question because apparently steering column problems with this model are not unknown.

 

[television]

One only ever test with the engine running on a power assisted car

 

[rhud]

Oops! Like many other pointers on this forum - I needed to know this before doing any damage (hopefully).

 

[television]

Oops! Like many other pointers on this forum - I needed to know this before doing any damage (hopefully).

I should have added,,with the wheels straight ahead

 

[kth286]

One only ever test with the engine running on a power assisted car

Not sure that is correct, as on my 124 it is with the engine off.

The test is for wear in mechanical linkages on the 124 and the movement on the circumference of the steering wheel must be no more than 25mm before the front wheels are seen to start to move (when they are straight ahead).

 

[discoking]

On my A Class (W169) I notice that (car at rest, engine off) there are several inches of side-to-side 'play' in the steering wheel before resistance is felt. Is this normal?

I ask the question because apparently steering column problems with this model are not unknown.

If when you turn the steering wheel about 20degrees each way it is met with a small knock or clunk then the rack has gone.

Nearly every A-class I get offered thats over 5 yrs old has a knackered steering rack and at around £350 is too much for me(eats into my mark up).