W123 230e play in steering query

[Mercnut230e]

my 1983 230e has play in the steering and iv`e heard its usualy the steering box. but is there anything else i should check first and does anyone know what a box might cost.
any help greatly appreciated !

 

[jberks]

Steering boxes can be adjusted to take out the slack and you can get recon kits if it's no longer adjustable. You shouldn't need to replace.
It's something to do with the top bolt and a big allen key but there is a technique to it so I'll leave the advice to others.
We had lots of play in our W123 280E (drove like a boat) and the garage adjusted it out so I know it can be done.

 

[Mercnut230e]

thanks for the info , just checked with a local German,Swedish,French stockist and the only kit they list for the steering is an "idler arm bush kit" part No 1264600819 , does anyone know if that is the refurb kit for the steering box ? or does anyone know where i can get the kit from.

 

[jberks]

Try adjusting it first. Have a look at this
http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=28997&highlight=adjusting+steering+box&page=2
and this
http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=20053&highlight=steering+box+kit

 

[kth286]

Mercnut23e

The idler bush kit is nothing to do with the steering box.

Assuming you have the normal righthand drive car for UK market, the idler bush is for the idler arm which connects the nearside tie rod with the drag link. The other end of the drag link connects to the arm of the steering box.

You need to draw the components of the steering linkages as an excercise on a piece of paper to get a better understanding of it. You will then appreciate that there are many points of potential wear in all the many joints of all the linkages. Any of those could give you that woolly steering feel, but even if all the joints pass the MOT, collectively on an old car, even the minimal wear in each joint all added up together will give a woolly feel to the overall steering effect.

That is why I have gradually replaced ALL my steering linkages (never failed MOT) and am very pleased I have done so.

In addition to the steering linkages you could have wear in the suspension arms joints and these also contribute to steering feel.

Also the wheel bearings need to be adjusted to their optimum settings to take out any slack, and the tyres need to be at theitr optimum pressures.

Also there could be wear in the steering column itself and the linkage to the steering box.

AND FINALLY the steering box itself. The repair kits are usually seals and the like, so will not take up any wear. You can adjust the box a little but be very cautious. Get the proper manual for your car.

It is available on CD (English version) via the German Mercedes classic centre in Germany.

Look via the main Mercedes cars web site where you will find links to classic centre etc.

AND do join the officially recognised Mercedes-Benz club for access to the many owners of the older Mercs and monthly magazine.

www.******************.co.uk

 

[Mercnut230e]

Many thanks for your help guys , i`ll certainly tread carefully and probably get it on the ramp at work first and do as David sugests and check all steering components before i jump in and try to adjust the box.