W126 Vague Steering

[cal300SD]

I recently acquired a lovely W126 ('85) 280SE auto with many options, but no leather, no aircon or ABS, but pretty much everything else. Dead simple. One owner and 118k miles with good regular services spent during past 18 years. What I think is its only fault, is a vagueness in the steering, especially when going through a series of left/right/left sweeping curves, or from high end cross winds on a motorway. The front seems to turn slightly into the opposite direction from where the steering pressure is applied as the pressue comes off to then turned into that same direction. Very unnerving. Had the suspension and and all components checked out and there are no worn ball joints, or bushes of any kind. Steering has been adjusted, albeit very tight, but at the dead ahead it has a little (2-5 dgeree) slop, but at full lock, there is much more, about 10-15 degrees where you can wiggle the wheel left/right quickly without wheels turning. Any ideas for cause and correction. Car is in Oxfordshire. I am also looking for a very good independent specialist to help me take care of the car. In addition, I have had a quote to fix rust on the very bottom of 3 doors (replacement panels) and one rear arch for £1700 (40+ man hours and parts/material) or 1 door and welding for £1400. Includes painting down sides to ensure cosmetic consistency. Is this outrageous of what I can expect.

 

[cal300SD]

OEM W126 Doors

Got the MB classic parts man to quote me two rear doors and driver's side new. Just under 1k pounds ex tax. I was quoted secondhand with zero rust at 88 pounds each plus delivery. No choice really, as labour component to strip and paint all three doors and down both sides to ensure perfect match, is still required. Seems like my 1400 pound quote is about right. The MB man said it was very competitve. One problem resolved. Still have my vague steering to fix. Any help please.

CAL300SD (aka 280SE)

 

[Andy]

Hi

You will need to replace the steering box. Do not go for one of these so called reconditioned units. You WILL be disappointed. The only way to get it perfect is to buy brand new from MB. Otherwise you will have to put up with it.

The reason the reconded one's are no good. Is because the part which wears is not replaced due to expense.


Regards

Andy@ www.mercedesservicing.com

 

[guydewdney]

126 460 14 01 is the yank one... retail 1420 dollars!

 

[Arnie]

The amount of steering play you mentioned is not excessive. There is however, an adjustment bolt on top of the steering box that can be unscrewed to remove more slack. The mechanism is designed to have more play, the more you turn the wheel. This is to make sure that you can always adjust out any play in the dead-ahead position (where most of the wear occurs), without making the rest of the movement too tight.

If you have power-steering, don't adjust too much or you can dislodge old oil seals, causing them to leak.

You should check that the steering has free and easy side-to side movement from lock to lock with the car jacked off the front wheels. If it is not stiff at any point, then I would say the steering box is OK.

Worn suspension bushings and tie-rods are more likely to be the cause, but also double check the toe-in and castor adjustments.

Also check whether your car is fitted with a steering damper (like a small shock-absorber/ gas strut), which may need replacing.

Finally, if it is the steering box, then MB can probably supply a renovation kit, with the key parts. Also, I think that Crewe Engines (no connection)can refurbish original MB steering boxes, prop-shafts and other transmission items:

http://www.creweengines.co.uk/

 

[Arnie]

PS:

You can try Caversham Garage, which is not too far from you. They specialise in G-Wagens, but their mechanic is MB trained and very experienced.

http://www.g-wagen.co.uk/