steering problems W123-200d

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Titus Hotmail - 09 Feb 2006 20:58 GMT

Hi all,

I've some problems with steering my 22-years old w123 200d.

I've to turn/rotate my steering wheel about 5 centimeters before the car is
changing his direction. Or for example: When i'm driving on the highway, i
can can just rotate my steering wheel left or right for about 5 centimeters
without any change of directory.

I've heard that you can solve things by some simple actions on the steering
house or power steering equipment.

Or maybe another cause and other solution ?

Has somebody experience ?

Thanks

Titus

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Richard Sexton - 09 Feb 2006 21:33 GMT

>Hi all,
>
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>
>Or maybe another cause and other solution ?

There is an adjustment on the steering box. MB would like you to remove the
box and adjsut it with calibrated tools to a specific point. But almost
everybody just tightens it up a bit.

Note: there HAS to be 1" of free play or the whels will not self-center.

Undo the lock nut, and turn it COUNTER CLOCKWISE a LITTLE BIT. Too tight
is very very bad.

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Need Mercedes parts ? - http://parts.mbz.org
Richard Sexton | Mercedes stuff: http://mbz.org
1970 280SE, 72 280SE | Home page: http://rs79.vrx.net
633CSi 250SE/C 300SD | http://aquaria.net http://killi.net

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Titus Hotmail - 11 Feb 2006 14:43 GMT

In Holland, we have our yearly mandatory car check, done by certified
mechanics. All crucial parts are checked, including the steering equipment.
This way, the government prevents "ruines" driving on the road.

But there's a tolerance for steering looseness. (not for bad link rods,
etc.) Eg a few centimeter looseness is allowed;

If it isn't necessary, i wouldn't like to replace the steering box. But only
make the small adjustment.

Which nut do exactly mean ? Theres a nut/screw (with a rubber capsule) on
the top of the powersteering pump and a (bad reachable because of laying on
my back under the car) nut on the lower part of the steering box. This one
is about 10 millimeter size.

> >Hi all,
> >
[quoted text clipped - 24 lines]
> 1970 280SE, 72 280SE | Home page: http://rs79.vrx.net
> 633CSi 250SE/C 300SD | http://aquaria.net http://killi.net

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Richard Sexton - 11 Feb 2006 15:22 GMT

>In Holland, we have our yearly mandatory car check, done by certified
>mechanics. All crucial parts are checked, including the steering equipment.
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
>my back under the car) nut on the lower part of the steering box. This one
>is about 10 millimeter size.

It's on the steering box, not the pump.

It will be a nut, with a larger lock nut to keep the smaller nut from moving.

On my car (W126) it's on the top of the pump.

If this makes you nervous to adjust, have a mechanic who is competant
with MB cars adjsut it for you. He will have done it before and should
take less than 5 minutes. Less than one minute if he can find the tools
in less than a minute :-)

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T.G. Lambach - 10 Feb 2006 01:45 GMT

Any 22 year old car has worn parts. Steering looseness could indicate
danger - or nothing but some gear wear.

Have a mechanic inspect the steering system for worn parts. The ball
joints, the tie or link rods' end joints could be worn, the steering
wheel's coupling to the steering gear box could be worn - nobody KNOWS
until the car is inspected by a professional mechanic.

It's wrong for anyone to suggest adjusting anything until the steering
system has be found to be OK. THEN it's time to make a small adjustment
or two.

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Richard Sexton - 10 Feb 2006 05:08 GMT

>Any 22 year old car has worn parts. Steering looseness could indicate
>danger - or nothing but some gear wear.
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>system has be found to be OK. THEN it's time to make a small adjustment
>or two.

Good point. I assumed (possiby incorrectly) everythig else was
ok because of the lack of a "oh and it makes a weird noise
when I go over bumps".

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taxman - 10 Feb 2006 14:37 GMT

| Any 22 year old car has worn parts. Steering looseness could indicate
| danger - or nothing but some gear wear.

Yep, im lucky to be alive after my merc started veering into a barrier wall
at highway speed - had worn out coupling and the idler arm bushings were
completely obliterated. I cant believe people let things like steering
components and brakes go neglected. A life is worth more than a couple
bucks.. I learnt the hard way and was lucky to get a second chance.

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coolmale48@hotmail.com - 11 Feb 2006 03:07 GMT

The banging over bumps suggests worn tie rods. Very dangerous. Don't
replace them with anything but new Mercedes parts. I had one
aftermarket ball joint on mine that came apart because of a poor rubber
seal letting in water and dirt. Very poor design. This could kill you,
or someone else.

Be very careful if you adjust the steering box. It must be done when
exactly centered or you can cause damage. Have a good MB mechanic check
it out. If he can't explain what I just mentioned, he's no good.

> Hi all,
>
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
>
> Titus

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