T1 208d steering light

[kells]

Hi
Wonder if anyone could help , have a 208d campervan one of the advisorys were both the dust caps on the track rod end burst need replaced also drop link end dust cap burst ,,,{on inspection looked more like someone put a screw driver through them },,anyway i purchased the track rod ends plus bar and the center bar with both drop link ends
The van was up on ramps for easy access and on taking both bars off i took the exact measurements and replaced the new bars , took it off the ramps and the steering was light and wandering took it to my local garage and asked them to do alignment and check it over

it came back better but still the steering is lighter than it used to be checked on youtube to see if their was any tutorials but to no avail , i see that on some steering box's there is an adjustment screw to take out the play has anyone tried this if so could you let me know what's involved

as i prefered my steering to be on the firm side

 

[Rockron]

Hola, I'm more familiar with the T2 vans, having said that there are general similarities.
First thing is have the tyres been overinflated, this can make the steering lighten.
Have you the power steering option, if the fluid is down or non existent or drive belt broken then you'll be needing Popeyes arms.
Were the old joints partially rust seized, this can make the steering heavier.
You can source replacement rubber ball joint dust covers on such as ebay rather than replacing the whole joint
assuming the joint is otherwise in good nick of course. Too late now but perhaps for next time!

Your steering box is probably an LS 4 or similar, this has an in/out adjustment screw and locknut on the box at the opposite end of the shaft to the drop arm. Wheels have to be off ground to adjust while slowly turning steering wheel and adjusting. Merc. dealers have special equipment to get this correct, most wear takes place in the straight ahead position, getting this perfect in the straight ahead doesn't mean its going to be within specs as you go to full lock where the wear is normally less. Adjustment is something of a compromise, and impossible if the box is worn out.
Having said that I know of people (me for one) with a bit of experience just adjust by feel as it were.
On T2 vans MB advise string, chalk, and a stick for wheel alignment, if specialist equipment is not available!
0 + or - 0.5mm toe in. Simple proceedure.
Hope this helps.

 

[kells]

Hola, I'm more familiar with the T2 vans, having said that there are general similarities.
First thing is have the tyres been overinflated, this can make the steering lighten.
Have you the power steering option, if the fluid is down or non existent or drive belt broken then you'll be needing Popeyes arms.
Were the old joints partially rust seized, this can make the steering heavier.
You can source replacement rubber ball joint dust covers on such as ebay rather than replacing the whole joint
assuming the joint is otherwise in good nick of course. Too late now but perhaps for next time!

Your steering box is probably an LS 4 or similar, this has an in/out adjustment screw and locknut on the box at the opposite end of the shaft to the drop arm. Wheels have to be off ground to adjust while slowly turning steering wheel and adjusting. Merc. dealers have special equipment to get this correct, most wear takes place in the straight ahead position, getting this perfect in the straight ahead doesn't mean its going to be within specs as you go to full lock where the wear is normally less. Adjustment is something of a compromise, and impossible if the box is worn out.
Having said that I know of people (me for one) with a bit of experience just adjust by feel as it were.
On T2 vans MB advise string, chalk, and a stick for wheel alignment, if specialist equipment is not available!
0 + or - 0.5mm toe in. Simple proceedure.
Hope this helps.

Hi thanks for the quick reply van mileage is 63k and the steering was perfect before changing links , just wonder how that can be now light just by changing the links

I see the adjust screw and nut just wondering how much of a turn is needed is it clockwise or anti clock wise .should there bit little play at the wheel?

 

[Kev555]

Light steering is the most likely the symptom of not being aligned properly as Rockron said. Does it feel light at centre point and then pulls to right or left while off that centre point? Rockron has posted the the info you need. Nice job Rockron

 

[Rockron]

Hi thanks for the quick reply van mileage is 63k and the steering was perfect before changing links , just wonder how that can be now light just by changing the links

I see the adjust screw and nut just wondering how much of a turn is needed is it clockwise or anti clock wise .should there bit little play at the wheel?

Try turning the adjustment screw in small increments quarter turn max. anti you'll soon find out which way takes up the slack at the steering and which way doesn't. What you want to aim for is for the steering wheel to turn smoothly and easily from lock to lock with no drag consistent with minimal free play at the steering wheel in the straight ahead position. Should add that the steering wheel must move freely, can damage the steering box inner components if too tight, don't over do the screwing!! Best if your're a hands on diy type because it does call for a bit of mechanical judgement, maybe better left to a pro if in any doubt.
There's a greater degree "sloppiness" allowed at the steering wheel for the MOT than it would be with a rack and pinion. IIRC 20mm to 40mm free movement allowed.
I don't see how the steering box could have tightened up though when it was just some steering joints that were changed. If the replaced joints were rubber boot holed wornout/corroded full of grit then replacing with new may well have made the steering lighter.

 

[kells]

Put it up un stands and checked i have just under 1/2'' play, lock to lock is smooth so am guessing the new links will bed in as the old ones were on it for 30yrs before changing ,going into corners feels normal maybe i'm just missing the struggle at the wheel i had before and not used to it being lighter took it a run along the motorway and it feels better

thanks for all your imput