To check the drag-link (centre-link) you'll need an assistant to rock the steering...
--While you look/feel for looseness at each of the joints on its ends, and while you're there, check for any play in the outer 'tie-bar' joints, while your assistant rocks the steering...
--Worth checking the Steering-Idler too,--look for a looseness at the shaft, and knocking noises when steering rocked, Another easy job, you dont even need to jack it up or remove a wheel to do, although a nice 4 foot 1" steel tube helps removal of the old bearings....!
The centre-link (Drag-link) is longer lived than the outer tie-rods, as the tie-rods have more exposure to the elements and the ball-joints at the ends wear more...
These parts are easy to replace, Recently replaced my drag-link, one tie-bar and the steering-damper, took me all of 3/4 of an hour, including jacking up, one wheel removal and sitting it on axle-stands for safety....
The steering-damper is not really a safety related item, more a 'comfort' item....
You'll need a pickle-fork and a nice 4lb hammer for removing the old ones though...
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http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z...0TDnoplate.jpg
Alastair AKA H.C.II South Wales, U.K. based member
W123, 1985 300TD Wagon, 256K,
-Most recent M.B. purchase, Cost-a-plenty, Gulps BioDiesel extravagantly, and I love it like an old dog.
W114, 1975 280E Custard Yellow,
-Great above decks
needs chassis welding--Really will do it this year....
