A Mercedes dealer told me the same thing. They said if they tightened it up it wouldn't feel right ! I had a 1985 300 D. I figured what could I hurt if it was already worn. So I loosened the lock nut and adjusted the sector gear screw on the steering box. I think I had to turn counterclockwise. Don't do too much at a time. I drove mine for 80,000 more miles after that until my car was in a accident.