I am confused as to what your question actually is.

Your procedure sounds fine to me, but do you have the pullers to get the old parts separated? It took a lot of force to get them apart when I replaced the steering box on my SL. And they didn't come apart gently - as I turned the puller with a large wrench, there was a loud bang and the tie rod "jumped" out. So make sure your hands and other body parts are clear.

__________________
Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe