This is in an ML, which has a little different configuration as it’s rack and pinion, not recirculating ball/Pitman arm.
The tie rod is two pieces, with the ball joint and threaded piece one part, and another threaded rod that connects inside the steering rack, how exactly I forget. For that matter, the part of the rod in the steering rack might not be serviceable separately, I don’t recall. The tie rod itself is pretty cheap in the aftermarket, like $25 or thereabouts. With it disconnected from the steering rack, you can remove and replace the seal (bellows) on the rack without a lot of difficulty. It’s a little tight, but can be done. What you can’t do on the steering rack without a major undertaking, is replace the steering rack mounts, which are common failure item by now, unfortunately. The rack is installed tightly between the frame and drive train, and is near impossible to get to. I think that’s a four hour flat rate job. -D > On Dec 14, 2020, at 2:29 PM, OK Don via Mercedes <mercedes@okiebenz.com> > wrote: > > Back in the day of Rusty, it was reasonable to buy the whole tie rod with > ends already installed. I did that for W115 and W107 cars ... > > On Mon, Dec 14, 2020 at 12:52 PM Mitch Haley via Mercedes < > mercedes@okiebenz.com> wrote: > >> The rod end is rusted onto the tie rod and won't unscrew, at least not >> to the holding power of a 15mm open end wrench on the rod, or a 10" vice >> grip. My baby pipe wrench, with jaws thin enough to put on the little >> bit of rod that's exposed, had less grip than the vice grips. >> >> I can try heating it, but the rubber bellows over the inner rod end puts >> a limit on that. >> >> Any brilliant ideas for getting the rod end off the rod? >> As I was typing this, I wondered if the wrench flats were wide enough >> for two 15mm open ends. >> Will try that next, along with a bit of heat. >> Wish I had some Kroil handy instead of this Liquid Wrench I soaked it in >> yesterday. >> >> _______________________________________ >> http://www.okiebenz.com >> >> To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ >> >> To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: >> http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com >> >> > > -- > OK Don > > "Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to > pause and reflect." Mark Twain > > “Basic research is what I’m doing when I don’t know what I am doing.” Wernher > Von Braun > 2013 F150, 18 mpg > 2017 Subaru Legacy, 30 mpg > 1957 C182A, 12 mpg - but at 150 mph! > _______________________________________ > http://www.okiebenz.com > > To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ > > To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: > http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com > _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
