Re: [MBZ] 300SD steering slop
Jamie - I believe that self adjusting is a bit of a misnomer. What happens in that later box is that there is a spring loaded plunger pushing against the working piston so if there is some slop you can't feel it. Generally the box can develop lash between the gear teeth on the working piston and the teeth on the pitman shaft as well as the relationships between the other internal parts as well. Adjusting the screw on top of the box reduces the working piston to pitman shaft lash much like moving the pinion gear closer to the ring gear in a differential to reduce lash. Some years back I was still active in the MB club. One of the really good things about our section was we regularly had a factory tech rep come in to update us on the new products and allow us to ask service questions. I did happen to ask about steering box slop and the fellow said it is very rare for the LS90 series box to wear out. He pretty much said that if one was to follow the manual and reset the running torques while replacing all the soft parts it would constitute a rebuild. And yes I remember he seemed to indicate that one had to be sure to replace the thrust washer on the pitman shaft adjusting screw as well. Without the set of special tools to hold the various assemblies while setting the running torque it would be pretty tough to those adjustments, so if adjusting the lash with the adjusting screw doesn't bring things to a situation that you can live with then probably the best thing to do is to go to the bone yard and get a steering box off a lower mileage car. They typically go for about a picture of Ben Franklin. Make sure that you center the steering box working piston if you do a swap when you go to mate the input shaft on the box to the steering shaft coupling. To make a copy of the 116 589 621 00 centering screw I just took the appropriate thread pitch bolt and turned a point on it with a lathe. Barry Its true the box is somehow self adjusting in the W126 (from 08/81, so MY 1982), but the manual still states that adjustment is possible. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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
Re: [MBZ] 300SD steering slop
Loosing? On Apr 18, 2012, at 10:53 PM, Max meadedil...@bellsouth.net wrote: Rich, what's wrong with a reseal without loosing the balls (like the website posted a few days ago)? That was done on a 126 box. -- Max Dillon Charleston SC '95 E300, '87 300TD ___ ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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 For new and used parts go to 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
Re: [MBZ] 300SD steering slop
Dan Penoff lwb...@yahoo.com wrote: Loosing? Loosing is one of Rich's favorite technical terms! ;) -- Max Dillon Charleston SC '95 E300, '87 300TD ___ ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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
Re: [MBZ] 300SD steering slop
Good question... last time I did this I don't recall getting much fluid. I'll check again. Replacing whats in the reservoir is quick and easy, so its nice to make it part of a normal service. Jaime On Wed, Apr 18, 2012 at 10:48 PM, Max meadedil...@bellsouth.net wrote: Jaime Kopchinski jaime...@gmail.com wrote: Until it looks clean, yes... it takes some time to flush out 30 year old fluid! Why not change all the fluid at once by draining the box via the port for the locking screw? I've done it that way, just takes some time to work the air out. Another method is to route the return line into waste container, start engine and add new to the reservoir until steam from return line clears up. I think you need to plug the return port on the reservoir, haven't tried this method yet. -- Max Dillon Charleston SC '95 E300, '87 300TD ___ ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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 -- Jaime Kopchinski http://www.jaimekop.com/ ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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
Re: [MBZ] 300SD steering slop
Great info Barry, Thanks! Jaime On Thu, Apr 19, 2012 at 3:11 AM, Barry Stark barryst...@verizon.net wrote: Jamie - I believe that self adjusting is a bit of a misnomer. What happens in that later box is that there is a spring loaded plunger pushing against the working piston so if there is some slop you can't feel it. Generally the box can develop lash between the gear teeth on the working piston and the teeth on the pitman shaft as well as the relationships between the other internal parts as well. Adjusting the screw on top of the box reduces the working piston to pitman shaft lash much like moving the pinion gear closer to the ring gear in a differential to reduce lash. Some years back I was still active in the MB club. One of the really good things about our section was we regularly had a factory tech rep come in to update us on the new products and allow us to ask service questions. I did happen to ask about steering box slop and the fellow said it is very rare for the LS90 series box to wear out. He pretty much said that if one was to follow the manual and reset the running torques while replacing all the soft parts it would constitute a rebuild. And yes I remember he seemed to indicate that one had to be sure to replace the thrust washer on the pitman shaft adjusting screw as well. Without the set of special tools to hold the various assemblies while setting the running torque it would be pretty tough to those adjustments, so if adjusting the lash with the adjusting screw doesn't bring things to a situation that you can live with then probably the best thing to do is to go to the bone yard and get a steering box off a lower mileage car. They typically go for about a picture of Ben Franklin. Make sure that you center the steering box working piston if you do a swap when you go to mate the input shaft on the box to the steering shaft coupling. To make a copy of the 116 589 621 00 centering screw I just took the appropriate thread pitch bolt and turned a point on it with a lathe. Barry ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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
Re: [MBZ] 300SD steering slop
All that stuff is new -- I rebuilt the whole front suspension and links. Looks like the various suggestions might add up to just living with the problem for now. I asked the Benz shop that did the alignment what they recommended for the slop, he said after it all settled in for a week or two to bring it back and they would check it out. I asked about adjusting the box, the guy said maybe. --R On 4/19/12 12:18 AM, Peter Frederick wrote: Check the tie rods and drag link -- likely they are worn out as well. Makes an amazing difference to replace them. Should have been caught by the alignment shop, though. Peter On Apr 18, 2012, at 5:57 PM, Rich Thomas wrote: OK the SD is all finished, I had to replace LF brake caliper as one piston was pretty much frozen. All new suspension and steering bits, an alignment done. Car drives well except there is still a fair amount of slop in the steering. The u-joint on the shaft just ahead of the box is fine, I can rotate the steering shaft right at the box and no response from the box. It is not a lot, but maybe 2in at the top of the steering wheel, and it is really dead. I am thinking the steering box needs to be adjusted, but with all the scary stories about buggering the box I am reluctant to do that. But with all the work, and it still feeling a little sloppy, well, I would like to get rid of that slop. If the box is already shot, then adjusting it would not do much to make it worse I figure, unless the way it is is sorta the way it should be (I think not). On another subject, I put in (another) air cleaner mount, but the air cleaner is shaking quite a bit at idle, which I figure will break this one at some point. I have no idea if the engine damper is working correctly or not, should I just get a new one and replace it? --R ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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 For new and used parts go to 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 For new and used parts go to 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
Re: [MBZ] 300SD steering slop
I guess you could loose all of the ball bearings in the steering gear, as in set loose. Dan On Apr 19, 2012, at 7:56 AM, Max meadedil...@bellsouth.net wrote: Dan Penoff lwb...@yahoo.com wrote: Loosing? Loosing is one of Rich's favorite technical terms! ;) -- Max Dillon Charleston SC '95 E300, '87 300TD ___ ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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 For new and used parts go to 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
Re: [MBZ] 300SD steering slop
On Apr 19, 2012, at 7:15 AM, Jaime Kopchinski jaime...@gmail.com wrote: Replacing whats in the reservoir is quick and easy, so its nice to make it part of a normal service. Especially with a topsider. :-) Rick Sent from my iPhone ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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
[MBZ] 300SD steering slop
OK the SD is all finished, I had to replace LF brake caliper as one piston was pretty much frozen. All new suspension and steering bits, an alignment done. Car drives well except there is still a fair amount of slop in the steering. The u-joint on the shaft just ahead of the box is fine, I can rotate the steering shaft right at the box and no response from the box. It is not a lot, but maybe 2in at the top of the steering wheel, and it is really dead. I am thinking the steering box needs to be adjusted, but with all the scary stories about buggering the box I am reluctant to do that. But with all the work, and it still feeling a little sloppy, well, I would like to get rid of that slop. If the box is already shot, then adjusting it would not do much to make it worse I figure, unless the way it is is sorta the way it should be (I think not). On another subject, I put in (another) air cleaner mount, but the air cleaner is shaking quite a bit at idle, which I figure will break this one at some point. I have no idea if the engine damper is working correctly or not, should I just get a new one and replace it? --R ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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
Re: [MBZ] 300SD steering slop
Rich Thomas richthomas79td...@constructivity.net writes: I am thinking the steering box needs to be adjusted, but with all the scary stories about buggering the box I am reluctant to do that. I don't think there's any harm in adjusting it slightly, to see if you get improvement. Just don't adjust it so far as to remove ALL the slack. I don't really know ho much is considered normal; my 300D has about as much slop as yours, based on your description. Allan -- 1983 300D 1979 300SD ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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
Re: [MBZ] 300SD steering slop
When I did my front end rebuild all was well except for the steering slop. I just tighten up the adjustment screw a bit and it eliminated the slop but the steering still doesn't feel quite right. Sent from my iPhone On Apr 18, 2012, at 6:57 PM, Rich Thomas richthomas79td...@constructivity.net wrote: OK the SD is all finished, I had to replace LF brake caliper as one piston was pretty much frozen. All new suspension and steering bits, an alignment done. Car drives well except there is still a fair amount of slop in the steering. The u-joint on the shaft just ahead of the box is fine, I can rotate the steering shaft right at the box and no response from the box. It is not a lot, but maybe 2in at the top of the steering wheel, and it is really dead. I am thinking the steering box needs to be adjusted, but with all the scary stories about buggering the box I am reluctant to do that. But with all the work, and it still feeling a little sloppy, well, I would like to get rid of that slop. If the box is already shot, then adjusting it would not do much to make it worse I figure, unless the way it is is sorta the way it should be (I think not). On another subject, I put in (another) air cleaner mount, but the air cleaner is shaking quite a bit at idle, which I figure will break this one at some point. I have no idea if the engine damper is working correctly or not, should I just get a new one and replace it? --R ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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 For new and used parts go to 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
Re: [MBZ] 300SD steering slop
There is supposed to be a little bit of play in the steering, over adjusting the steering box may well lead to premature wear and/or locking of the box at full turn. Proper alignment is important, to ensure the car drives straight with a slight movement to the right for you and left for us. Hendrik who doesn't mess with the steering box On 19/04/12 08:57, Dimitri Seretakis wrote: When I did my front end rebuild all was well except for the steering slop. I just tighten up the adjustment screw a bit and it eliminated the slop but the steering still doesn't feel quite right. Sent from my iPhone On Apr 18, 2012, at 6:57 PM, Rich Thomasrichthomas79td...@constructivity.net wrote: OK the SD is all finished, I had to replace LF brake caliper as one piston was pretty much frozen. All new suspension and steering bits, an alignment done. Car drives well except there is still a fair amount of slop in the steering. The u-joint on the shaft just ahead of the box is fine, I can rotate the steering shaft right at the box and no response from the box. It is not a lot, but maybe 2in at the top of the steering wheel, and it is really dead. I am thinking the steering box needs to be adjusted, but with all the scary stories about buggering the box I am reluctant to do that. But with all the work, and it still feeling a little sloppy, well, I would like to get rid of that slop. If the box is already shot, then adjusting it would not do much to make it worse I figure, unless the way it is is sorta the way it should be (I think not). On another subject, I put in (another) air cleaner mount, but the air cleaner is shaking quite a bit at idle, which I figure will break this one at some point. I have no idea if the engine damper is working correctly or not, should I just get a new one and replace it? --R ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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
Re: [MBZ] 300SD steering slop
Very little play in either of mine (124 and 126); 'trip to Raleigh and back on the 126 today; ever so slight pressure left or right on wheel at cruise puts it right where I want it. 'Feels much like flying. Wilton - Original Message - From: Hendrik Fay heni...@ozemail.com.au To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Sent: Wednesday, April 18, 2012 7:52 PM Subject: Re: [MBZ] 300SD steering slop There is supposed to be a little bit of play in the steering, over adjusting the steering box may well lead to premature wear and/or locking of the box at full turn. Proper alignment is important, to ensure the car drives straight with a slight movement to the right for you and left for us. Hendrik who doesn't mess with the steering box On 19/04/12 08:57, Dimitri Seretakis wrote: When I did my front end rebuild all was well except for the steering slop. I just tighten up the adjustment screw a bit and it eliminated the slop but the steering still doesn't feel quite right. Sent from my iPhone On Apr 18, 2012, at 6:57 PM, Rich Thomasrichthomas79td...@constructivity.net wrote: OK the SD is all finished, I had to replace LF brake caliper as one piston was pretty much frozen. All new suspension and steering bits, an alignment done. Car drives well except there is still a fair amount of slop in the steering. The u-joint on the shaft just ahead of the box is fine, I can rotate the steering shaft right at the box and no response from the box. It is not a lot, but maybe 2in at the top of the steering wheel, and it is really dead. I am thinking the steering box needs to be adjusted, but with all the scary stories about buggering the box I am reluctant to do that. But with all the work, and it still feeling a little sloppy, well, I would like to get rid of that slop. If the box is already shot, then adjusting it would not do much to make it worse I figure, unless the way it is is sorta the way it should be (I think not). On another subject, I put in (another) air cleaner mount, but the air cleaner is shaking quite a bit at idle, which I figure will break this one at some point. I have no idea if the engine damper is working correctly or not, should I just get a new one and replace it? --R ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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 For new and used parts go to 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
Re: [MBZ] 300SD steering slop
Its pretty straight forward to adjust the box... I do it all the time, as recently as last night on a 83 300D. Heres the method in detail: Start with a 19mm socket and a long set of extensions to reach the adjuster nut. Loosen the nut with a breaker bar or ratchet just a bit... maybe 1/4-1/2 turn, just so its loose. Replace the 19mm socket with 6mm hex key and insert it into the adjustment screw. With a 19mm wrench, hold the nut while you back the adjustment screw out. Start with 1/4 or 1/2 turn. Your turning the adjustment out, counter clockwise. Now tighten up the 19mm nut again. Go drive it and see how it feels. You'll probably need to back it out a bit more. If you back it out too much, it'll bind a bit in the middle. This makes it very hard to keep the car tracking straight on a straight road, but you might not notice it much driving around turns, etc. Check it carefully. This is also an excellent time to replace the power steering filter and fluid. I usually just suck whatever I can out of the reservoir, then replace it with new ATF. If its really foul, do this a few times, running the engine to circulate the fluid in between. Good luck, Jaime On Wed, Apr 18, 2012 at 6:57 PM, Rich Thomas richthomas79td...@constructivity.net wrote: OK the SD is all finished, I had to replace LF brake caliper as one piston was pretty much frozen. All new suspension and steering bits, an alignment done. Car drives well except there is still a fair amount of slop in the steering. The u-joint on the shaft just ahead of the box is fine, I can rotate the steering shaft right at the box and no response from the box. It is not a lot, but maybe 2in at the top of the steering wheel, and it is really dead. I am thinking the steering box needs to be adjusted, but with all the scary stories about buggering the box I am reluctant to do that. But with all the work, and it still feeling a little sloppy, well, I would like to get rid of that slop. If the box is already shot, then adjusting it would not do much to make it worse I figure, unless the way it is is sorta the way it should be (I think not). On another subject, I put in (another) air cleaner mount, but the air cleaner is shaking quite a bit at idle, which I figure will break this one at some point. I have no idea if the engine damper is working correctly or not, should I just get a new one and replace it? --R __**_ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/**archive/http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/**mailman/listinfo/mercedes_**okiebenz.comhttp://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com -- Jaime Kopchinski http://www.jaimekop.com/ ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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
Re: [MBZ] 300SD steering slop
On a 126 SD, the box is self-adjusting. Are you absolutely sure the flex coupler is solid (ie. you need to check it with resistance, not with the front wheels in the air). Rich Thomas wrote: I am thinking the steering box needs to be adjusted ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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
Re: [MBZ] 300SD steering slop
So when should a steering box be replaced? Is there a time when you just can't adjust out the slop? Sent from my iPhone On Apr 18, 2012, at 8:01 PM, Jaime Kopchinski jaime...@gmail.com wrote: Its pretty straight forward to adjust the box... I do it all the time, as recently as last night on a 83 300D. Heres the method in detail: Start with a 19mm socket and a long set of extensions to reach the adjuster nut. Loosen the nut with a breaker bar or ratchet just a bit... maybe 1/4-1/2 turn, just so its loose. Replace the 19mm socket with 6mm hex key and insert it into the adjustment screw. With a 19mm wrench, hold the nut while you back the adjustment screw out. Start with 1/4 or 1/2 turn. Your turning the adjustment out, counter clockwise. Now tighten up the 19mm nut again. Go drive it and see how it feels. You'll probably need to back it out a bit more. If you back it out too much, it'll bind a bit in the middle. This makes it very hard to keep the car tracking straight on a straight road, but you might not notice it much driving around turns, etc. Check it carefully. This is also an excellent time to replace the power steering filter and fluid. I usually just suck whatever I can out of the reservoir, then replace it with new ATF. If its really foul, do this a few times, running the engine to circulate the fluid in between. Good luck, Jaime On Wed, Apr 18, 2012 at 6:57 PM, Rich Thomas richthomas79td...@constructivity.net wrote: OK the SD is all finished, I had to replace LF brake caliper as one piston was pretty much frozen. All new suspension and steering bits, an alignment done. Car drives well except there is still a fair amount of slop in the steering. The u-joint on the shaft just ahead of the box is fine, I can rotate the steering shaft right at the box and no response from the box. It is not a lot, but maybe 2in at the top of the steering wheel, and it is really dead. I am thinking the steering box needs to be adjusted, but with all the scary stories about buggering the box I am reluctant to do that. But with all the work, and it still feeling a little sloppy, well, I would like to get rid of that slop. If the box is already shot, then adjusting it would not do much to make it worse I figure, unless the way it is is sorta the way it should be (I think not). On another subject, I put in (another) air cleaner mount, but the air cleaner is shaking quite a bit at idle, which I figure will break this one at some point. I have no idea if the engine damper is working correctly or not, should I just get a new one and replace it? --R __**_ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/**archive/http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/**mailman/listinfo/mercedes_**okiebenz.comhttp://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com -- Jaime Kopchinski http://www.jaimekop.com/ ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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 For new and used parts go to 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
Re: [MBZ] 300SD steering slop
Yes, when you reach the point that the adjustment screw won't back out anymore, its time to rebuild/replace the box. I've only experienced this once after owning dozens of these cars. You can usually adjust it to be perfect or at least acceptable. There is a factory procedure for adjusting the box... it involves a torque wrench at the steering wheel and removal of the pitman arm. Its a nice way to do it, if you have the tools and the time. But again, make sure you're changing the fluid frequently. Most cars have never seen a fluid change, which certainly doesn't help the life of the box. I generally suck out what I can and replace it every time I change the oil. I keep a gallon of generic ATF on hand just for this purpose. Jaime On Wed, Apr 18, 2012 at 8:12 PM, Dimitri Seretakis dsereta...@yahoo.comwrote: So when should a steering box be replaced? Is there a time when you just can't adjust out the slop? Sent from my iPhone On Apr 18, 2012, at 8:01 PM, Jaime Kopchinski jaime...@gmail.com wrote: Its pretty straight forward to adjust the box... I do it all the time, as recently as last night on a 83 300D. Heres the method in detail: Start with a 19mm socket and a long set of extensions to reach the adjuster nut. Loosen the nut with a breaker bar or ratchet just a bit... maybe 1/4-1/2 turn, just so its loose. Replace the 19mm socket with 6mm hex key and insert it into the adjustment screw. With a 19mm wrench, hold the nut while you back the adjustment screw out. Start with 1/4 or 1/2 turn. Your turning the adjustment out, counter clockwise. Now tighten up the 19mm nut again. Go drive it and see how it feels. You'll probably need to back it out a bit more. If you back it out too much, it'll bind a bit in the middle. This makes it very hard to keep the car tracking straight on a straight road, but you might not notice it much driving around turns, etc. Check it carefully. This is also an excellent time to replace the power steering filter and fluid. I usually just suck whatever I can out of the reservoir, then replace it with new ATF. If its really foul, do this a few times, running the engine to circulate the fluid in between. Good luck, Jaime On Wed, Apr 18, 2012 at 6:57 PM, Rich Thomas richthomas79td...@constructivity.net wrote: OK the SD is all finished, I had to replace LF brake caliper as one piston was pretty much frozen. All new suspension and steering bits, an alignment done. Car drives well except there is still a fair amount of slop in the steering. The u-joint on the shaft just ahead of the box is fine, I can rotate the steering shaft right at the box and no response from the box. It is not a lot, but maybe 2in at the top of the steering wheel, and it is really dead. I am thinking the steering box needs to be adjusted, but with all the scary stories about buggering the box I am reluctant to do that. But with all the work, and it still feeling a little sloppy, well, I would like to get rid of that slop. If the box is already shot, then adjusting it would not do much to make it worse I figure, unless the way it is is sorta the way it should be (I think not). On another subject, I put in (another) air cleaner mount, but the air cleaner is shaking quite a bit at idle, which I figure will break this one at some point. I have no idea if the engine damper is working correctly or not, should I just get a new one and replace it? --R __**_ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/**archive/ http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/**mailman/listinfo/mercedes_**okiebenz.com http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com -- Jaime Kopchinski http://www.jaimekop.com/ ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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 For new and used parts go to 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 -- Jaime Kopchinski http://www.jaimekop.com/ ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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
Re: [MBZ] 300SD steering slop
Whoa! You replace the PS fluid at every oil change? Sent from my iPhone On Apr 18, 2012, at 8:18 PM, Jaime Kopchinski jaime...@gmail.com wrote: Yes, when you reach the point that the adjustment screw won't back out anymore, its time to rebuild/replace the box. I've only experienced this once after owning dozens of these cars. You can usually adjust it to be perfect or at least acceptable. There is a factory procedure for adjusting the box... it involves a torque wrench at the steering wheel and removal of the pitman arm. Its a nice way to do it, if you have the tools and the time. But again, make sure you're changing the fluid frequently. Most cars have never seen a fluid change, which certainly doesn't help the life of the box. I generally suck out what I can and replace it every time I change the oil. I keep a gallon of generic ATF on hand just for this purpose. Jaime On Wed, Apr 18, 2012 at 8:12 PM, Dimitri Seretakis dsereta...@yahoo.comwrote: So when should a steering box be replaced? Is there a time when you just can't adjust out the slop? Sent from my iPhone On Apr 18, 2012, at 8:01 PM, Jaime Kopchinski jaime...@gmail.com wrote: Its pretty straight forward to adjust the box... I do it all the time, as recently as last night on a 83 300D. Heres the method in detail: Start with a 19mm socket and a long set of extensions to reach the adjuster nut. Loosen the nut with a breaker bar or ratchet just a bit... maybe 1/4-1/2 turn, just so its loose. Replace the 19mm socket with 6mm hex key and insert it into the adjustment screw. With a 19mm wrench, hold the nut while you back the adjustment screw out. Start with 1/4 or 1/2 turn. Your turning the adjustment out, counter clockwise. Now tighten up the 19mm nut again. Go drive it and see how it feels. You'll probably need to back it out a bit more. If you back it out too much, it'll bind a bit in the middle. This makes it very hard to keep the car tracking straight on a straight road, but you might not notice it much driving around turns, etc. Check it carefully. This is also an excellent time to replace the power steering filter and fluid. I usually just suck whatever I can out of the reservoir, then replace it with new ATF. If its really foul, do this a few times, running the engine to circulate the fluid in between. Good luck, Jaime On Wed, Apr 18, 2012 at 6:57 PM, Rich Thomas richthomas79td...@constructivity.net wrote: OK the SD is all finished, I had to replace LF brake caliper as one piston was pretty much frozen. All new suspension and steering bits, an alignment done. Car drives well except there is still a fair amount of slop in the steering. The u-joint on the shaft just ahead of the box is fine, I can rotate the steering shaft right at the box and no response from the box. It is not a lot, but maybe 2in at the top of the steering wheel, and it is really dead. I am thinking the steering box needs to be adjusted, but with all the scary stories about buggering the box I am reluctant to do that. But with all the work, and it still feeling a little sloppy, well, I would like to get rid of that slop. If the box is already shot, then adjusting it would not do much to make it worse I figure, unless the way it is is sorta the way it should be (I think not). On another subject, I put in (another) air cleaner mount, but the air cleaner is shaking quite a bit at idle, which I figure will break this one at some point. I have no idea if the engine damper is working correctly or not, should I just get a new one and replace it? --R __**_ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/**archive/ http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/**mailman/listinfo/mercedes_**okiebenz.com http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com -- Jaime Kopchinski http://www.jaimekop.com/ ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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 For new and used parts go to 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 -- Jaime Kopchinski http://www.jaimekop.com/ ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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 For new and used parts
Re: [MBZ] 300SD steering slop
Hendrik Fay heni...@ozemail.com.au writes: Proper alignment is important, to ensure the car drives straight with a slight movement to the right for you and left for us. Why a slight drift to one side? Don't you want it to track absolutely straight? Allan -- 1983 300D 1979 300SD ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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
Re: [MBZ] 300SD steering slop
Until it looks clean, yes... it takes some time to flush out 30 year old fluid! Jaime On Wed, Apr 18, 2012 at 8:23 PM, Dimitri Seretakis dsereta...@yahoo.comwrote: Whoa! You replace the PS fluid at every oil change? Sent from my iPhone On Apr 18, 2012, at 8:18 PM, Jaime Kopchinski jaime...@gmail.com wrote: Yes, when you reach the point that the adjustment screw won't back out anymore, its time to rebuild/replace the box. I've only experienced this once after owning dozens of these cars. You can usually adjust it to be perfect or at least acceptable. There is a factory procedure for adjusting the box... it involves a torque wrench at the steering wheel and removal of the pitman arm. Its a nice way to do it, if you have the tools and the time. But again, make sure you're changing the fluid frequently. Most cars have never seen a fluid change, which certainly doesn't help the life of the box. I generally suck out what I can and replace it every time I change the oil. I keep a gallon of generic ATF on hand just for this purpose. Jaime On Wed, Apr 18, 2012 at 8:12 PM, Dimitri Seretakis dsereta...@yahoo.com wrote: So when should a steering box be replaced? Is there a time when you just can't adjust out the slop? Sent from my iPhone On Apr 18, 2012, at 8:01 PM, Jaime Kopchinski jaime...@gmail.com wrote: Its pretty straight forward to adjust the box... I do it all the time, as recently as last night on a 83 300D. Heres the method in detail: Start with a 19mm socket and a long set of extensions to reach the adjuster nut. Loosen the nut with a breaker bar or ratchet just a bit... maybe 1/4-1/2 turn, just so its loose. Replace the 19mm socket with 6mm hex key and insert it into the adjustment screw. With a 19mm wrench, hold the nut while you back the adjustment screw out. Start with 1/4 or 1/2 turn. Your turning the adjustment out, counter clockwise. Now tighten up the 19mm nut again. Go drive it and see how it feels. You'll probably need to back it out a bit more. If you back it out too much, it'll bind a bit in the middle. This makes it very hard to keep the car tracking straight on a straight road, but you might not notice it much driving around turns, etc. Check it carefully. This is also an excellent time to replace the power steering filter and fluid. I usually just suck whatever I can out of the reservoir, then replace it with new ATF. If its really foul, do this a few times, running the engine to circulate the fluid in between. Good luck, Jaime On Wed, Apr 18, 2012 at 6:57 PM, Rich Thomas richthomas79td...@constructivity.net wrote: OK the SD is all finished, I had to replace LF brake caliper as one piston was pretty much frozen. All new suspension and steering bits, an alignment done. Car drives well except there is still a fair amount of slop in the steering. The u-joint on the shaft just ahead of the box is fine, I can rotate the steering shaft right at the box and no response from the box. It is not a lot, but maybe 2in at the top of the steering wheel, and it is really dead. I am thinking the steering box needs to be adjusted, but with all the scary stories about buggering the box I am reluctant to do that. But with all the work, and it still feeling a little sloppy, well, I would like to get rid of that slop. If the box is already shot, then adjusting it would not do much to make it worse I figure, unless the way it is is sorta the way it should be (I think not). On another subject, I put in (another) air cleaner mount, but the air cleaner is shaking quite a bit at idle, which I figure will break this one at some point. I have no idea if the engine damper is working correctly or not, should I just get a new one and replace it? --R __**_ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/**archive/ http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/**mailman/listinfo/mercedes_**okiebenz.com http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com -- Jaime Kopchinski http://www.jaimekop.com/ ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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 For new and used parts go to 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 -- Jaime Kopchinski http://www.jaimekop.com/ ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to
Re: [MBZ] 300SD steering slop
Versus the W123 (and prior) is NOT self-adjusting, hence the need to do so occasionally. I'd be careful with a 126. If it is loose, it is probably the coupler, or the box is shot. D. At 5:12 PM -0700 4/18/12, David Bruckmann wrote: On a 126 SD, the box is self-adjusting. Are you absolutely sure the flex coupler is solid (ie. you need to check it with resistance, not with the front wheels in the air). Rich Thomas wrote: I am thinking the steering box needs to be adjusted ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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
Re: [MBZ] 300SD steering slop
Roads are crowned so water runs off. So your car will drift right in USA or left in OZ. Rick Sent from my iPhone. On Apr 18, 2012, at 7:37 PM, Allan Streib str...@cs.indiana.edu wrote: Why a slight drift to one side? Don't you want it to track absolutely straight? ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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
Re: [MBZ] 300SD steering slop
Ok. I got it now. Thanks for the tip! Sent from my iPhone On Apr 18, 2012, at 8:49 PM, Jaime Kopchinski jaime...@gmail.com wrote: Until it looks clean, yes... it takes some time to flush out 30 year old fluid! Jaime On Wed, Apr 18, 2012 at 8:23 PM, Dimitri Seretakis dsereta...@yahoo.comwrote: Whoa! You replace the PS fluid at every oil change? Sent from my iPhone On Apr 18, 2012, at 8:18 PM, Jaime Kopchinski jaime...@gmail.com wrote: Yes, when you reach the point that the adjustment screw won't back out anymore, its time to rebuild/replace the box. I've only experienced this once after owning dozens of these cars. You can usually adjust it to be perfect or at least acceptable. There is a factory procedure for adjusting the box... it involves a torque wrench at the steering wheel and removal of the pitman arm. Its a nice way to do it, if you have the tools and the time. But again, make sure you're changing the fluid frequently. Most cars have never seen a fluid change, which certainly doesn't help the life of the box. I generally suck out what I can and replace it every time I change the oil. I keep a gallon of generic ATF on hand just for this purpose. Jaime On Wed, Apr 18, 2012 at 8:12 PM, Dimitri Seretakis dsereta...@yahoo.com wrote: So when should a steering box be replaced? Is there a time when you just can't adjust out the slop? Sent from my iPhone On Apr 18, 2012, at 8:01 PM, Jaime Kopchinski jaime...@gmail.com wrote: Its pretty straight forward to adjust the box... I do it all the time, as recently as last night on a 83 300D. Heres the method in detail: Start with a 19mm socket and a long set of extensions to reach the adjuster nut. Loosen the nut with a breaker bar or ratchet just a bit... maybe 1/4-1/2 turn, just so its loose. Replace the 19mm socket with 6mm hex key and insert it into the adjustment screw. With a 19mm wrench, hold the nut while you back the adjustment screw out. Start with 1/4 or 1/2 turn. Your turning the adjustment out, counter clockwise. Now tighten up the 19mm nut again. Go drive it and see how it feels. You'll probably need to back it out a bit more. If you back it out too much, it'll bind a bit in the middle. This makes it very hard to keep the car tracking straight on a straight road, but you might not notice it much driving around turns, etc. Check it carefully. This is also an excellent time to replace the power steering filter and fluid. I usually just suck whatever I can out of the reservoir, then replace it with new ATF. If its really foul, do this a few times, running the engine to circulate the fluid in between. Good luck, Jaime On Wed, Apr 18, 2012 at 6:57 PM, Rich Thomas richthomas79td...@constructivity.net wrote: OK the SD is all finished, I had to replace LF brake caliper as one piston was pretty much frozen. All new suspension and steering bits, an alignment done. Car drives well except there is still a fair amount of slop in the steering. The u-joint on the shaft just ahead of the box is fine, I can rotate the steering shaft right at the box and no response from the box. It is not a lot, but maybe 2in at the top of the steering wheel, and it is really dead. I am thinking the steering box needs to be adjusted, but with all the scary stories about buggering the box I am reluctant to do that. But with all the work, and it still feeling a little sloppy, well, I would like to get rid of that slop. If the box is already shot, then adjusting it would not do much to make it worse I figure, unless the way it is is sorta the way it should be (I think not). On another subject, I put in (another) air cleaner mount, but the air cleaner is shaking quite a bit at idle, which I figure will break this one at some point. I have no idea if the engine damper is working correctly or not, should I just get a new one and replace it? --R __**_ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/**archive/ http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/**mailman/listinfo/mercedes_**okiebenz.com http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com -- Jaime Kopchinski http://www.jaimekop.com/ ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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 For new and used parts go to 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 -- Jaime Kopchinski http://www.jaimekop.com/ ___ http://www.okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 300SD steering slop
Its true the box is somehow self adjusting in the W126 (from 08/81, so MY 1982), but the manual still states that adjustment is possible. See: http://www.startekinfo.com/StarTek/outside/12253/program/Chassis/46-110.pdf and http://www.startekinfo.com/StarTek/outside/12253/program/Chassis/46-480.pdf Jaime On Wed, Apr 18, 2012 at 8:50 PM, David Bruckmann bruckma...@transcontinental.ca wrote: Versus the W123 (and prior) is NOT self-adjusting, hence the need to do so occasionally. I'd be careful with a 126. If it is loose, it is probably the coupler, or the box is shot. D. At 5:12 PM -0700 4/18/12, David Bruckmann wrote: On a 126 SD, the box is self-adjusting. Are you absolutely sure the flex coupler is solid (ie. you need to check it with resistance, not with the front wheels in the air). Rich Thomas wrote: I am thinking the steering box needs to be adjusted ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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 -- Jaime Kopchinski http://www.jaimekop.com/ ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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
Re: [MBZ] 300SD steering slop
The later (W126 and newer) boxes use a spring loaded gear. A simple solution that reduces the box slop and prevents early wear caused by lack of timely adjustment. But it also means that when the box is worn out, it really is worn out. I can't see why adjustment would ever be necessary except after you've done a rebuild. The risk in adjusting is that you will overtighten the box and cause rapid failure of the needle bearings. Jaime Kopchinski wrote: Its true the box is somehow self adjusting in the W126 (from 08/81, so MY 1982), but the manual still states that adjustment is possible. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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
Re: [MBZ] 300SD steering slop
Loosen the lock nut, turn the adjuster screw COUNTERclockwise (loosen) 1/4 turn and try it on the road. It will take several adjustments to get it right. sometimes 1/8 turn is enough. If you get it too tight (Loosen the adjuster too much) you can tell by noise and handling. Then just reverse the direction of the adjustment. nothing to be scared of. Rich Thomas richthomas79td...@constructivity.net writes: I am thinking the steering box needs to be adjusted, but with all the scary stories about buggering the box I am reluctant to do that. I don't think there's any harm in adjusting it slightly, to see if you get improvement. Just don't adjust it so far as to remove ALL the slack. I don't really know ho much is considered normal; my 300D has about as much slop as yours, based on your description. Allan -- 1983 300D 1979 300SD ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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 For new and used parts go to 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
Re: [MBZ] 300SD steering slop
Sure, the reservoir only holds like a cup and its ATF so a change is like $1. -Curt Date: Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:23:37 -0700 (PDT) From: Dimitri Seretakis dsereta...@yahoo.com To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Subject: Re: [MBZ] 300SD steering slop Message-ID: 1334795017.70403.yext-apple-iph...@web125102.mail.ne1.yahoo.com Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Whoa! You replace the PS fluid at every oil change? Sent from my iPhone On Apr 18, 2012, at 8:18 PM, Jaime Kopchinski jaime...@gmail.com wrote: Yes, when you reach the point that the adjustment screw won't back out anymore, its time to rebuild/replace the box. I've only experienced this once after owning dozens of these cars. You can usually adjust it to be perfect or at least acceptable. There is a factory procedure for adjusting the box... it involves a torque wrench at the steering wheel and removal of the pitman arm. Its a nice way to do it, if you have the tools and the time. But again, make sure you're changing the fluid frequently. Most cars have never seen a fluid change, which certainly doesn't help the life of the box. I generally suck out what I can and replace it every time I change the oil. I keep a gallon of generic ATF on hand just for this purpose. Jaime ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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
Re: [MBZ] 300SD steering slop
Certainly could be... its been a few years since my last W126. Jaime On Wed, Apr 18, 2012 at 9:30 PM, David Bruckmann bruckma...@transcontinental.ca wrote: The later (W126 and newer) boxes use a spring loaded gear. A simple solution that reduces the box slop and prevents early wear caused by lack of timely adjustment. But it also means that when the box is worn out, it really is worn out. I can't see why adjustment would ever be necessary except after you've done a rebuild. The risk in adjusting is that you will overtighten the box and cause rapid failure of the needle bearings. Jaime Kopchinski wrote: Its true the box is somehow self adjusting in the W126 (from 08/81, so MY 1982), but the manual still states that adjustment is possible. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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 -- Jaime Kopchinski http://www.jaimekop.com/ ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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
Re: [MBZ] 300SD steering slop
On Wed, 18 Apr 2012 20:18:05 -0400 Jaime Kopchinski jaime...@gmail.com wrote: I generally suck out what I can and replace it every time I change the oil. I keep a gallon of generic ATF on hand just for this purpose. The generic ATF would be suitable for a W123, but doesn't one need to use the special steering fluid on a W124 and later? Craig ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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
Re: [MBZ] 300SD steering slop
Jaime Kopchinski jaime...@gmail.com wrote: Until it looks clean, yes... it takes some time to flush out 30 year old fluid! Why not change all the fluid at once by draining the box via the port for the locking screw? I've done it that way, just takes some time to work the air out. Another method is to route the return line into waste container, start engine and add new to the reservoir until steam from return line clears up. I think you need to plug the return port on the reservoir, haven't tried this method yet. -- Max Dillon Charleston SC '95 E300, '87 300TD ___ ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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
Re: [MBZ] 300SD steering slop
Rich, what's wrong with a reseal without loosing the balls (like the website posted a few days ago)? That was done on a 126 box. -- Max Dillon Charleston SC '95 E300, '87 300TD ___ ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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
Re: [MBZ] 300SD steering slop
Check the tie rods and drag link -- likely they are worn out as well. Makes an amazing difference to replace them. Should have been caught by the alignment shop, though. Peter On Apr 18, 2012, at 5:57 PM, Rich Thomas wrote: OK the SD is all finished, I had to replace LF brake caliper as one piston was pretty much frozen. All new suspension and steering bits, an alignment done. Car drives well except there is still a fair amount of slop in the steering. The u-joint on the shaft just ahead of the box is fine, I can rotate the steering shaft right at the box and no response from the box. It is not a lot, but maybe 2in at the top of the steering wheel, and it is really dead. I am thinking the steering box needs to be adjusted, but with all the scary stories about buggering the box I am reluctant to do that. But with all the work, and it still feeling a little sloppy, well, I would like to get rid of that slop. If the box is already shot, then adjusting it would not do much to make it worse I figure, unless the way it is is sorta the way it should be (I think not). On another subject, I put in (another) air cleaner mount, but the air cleaner is shaking quite a bit at idle, which I figure will break this one at some point. I have no idea if the engine damper is working correctly or not, should I just get a new one and replace it? --R ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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 For new and used parts go to 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
