W124 steering Play

[Brian23]

Hi again, I have a 1992 230TE, and I have noticed that when you sit in the car with the engine off, that there is a fair amount of play in the steering that is not as noticeable when driving, although there is some. Is there any adjustment anywhere of does the steering box need replacing, or maybe some bushes. Nothing is ever picked up at the MoT's. The car has done 238K.
Brian

 

[Richard Moakes]

lots of play with the engine off isn't something to worry about.

If it 'tightens' up when the engine is running, then things are just fine, most good MOT men know about the steering on older MB's and pass them without any fuss.

 

[Brian23]

Thank you
Brian

 

['89 250TD]

Maybe the MoT man who failed our '89 250TD didn't know about older MB steering play or maybe it's excessive altho' we haven't noticed the steering being unresponsive or the car wandering.

Anyway he said the nearside steering idler was worn excessively & should be replaced & if this didn't cure the play then the drag link & track rod balljoints may need to be replaced too.

Just trying to figure out if this is a DIY job...
Is the steering idler the same as the steering intermediate arm mentioned in the Haynes manual... is this a fairly straightforward job... it's just got '3 spanners' difficulty in Haynes... anything to look out for... do GSF/Europarts stock the replacement bush...

Thanks for any advice...

 

[Bolide]

Changing the idler is a good first step for dialling out steering play. If it's worn, replacing it makes everything seem much more direct

It's not expensive either

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[Young 'Un]

Changing the idler is a good first step for dialling out steering play. If it's worn, replacing it makes everything seem much more direct

It's not expensive either

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

I'll second that, had my idler changed on my W126 and the steering is a lot more responsive now. And the squeek has gone too