Talked to the folks at maval about their steering boxes...
 

I have to say it is pretty neat to be able to call a business first time and be able to talk to one of their techs. I've been researching rebuilt steering boxes and I wanted to be sure I was not going to get a box back that was internally worn out, with just new seals and a fresh paint.

http://www.mavalgear.com/

The guy I talked to say they go through multiple testing steps to ensure that the unit performs like a new box (amount of torque required to turn left and right, pressure test for leaks, check parts for tolerances, etc). He did say they get about 1% back, and after diagnosis he said the major cause of failure is old fluid with contamenants coming out of the old pump.

He said they carry a lifetime warranty. That makes me feel alot better about that amount of cash.

I cleaned up my box last night - determined the leak is coming from the back half of the box where their are four bolts that hold the plate where the steering wheel shaft hits the box (kinda a square plate). I torqued it down a bit more on the four bolts and I'll check to see if it is still leaking. If so, I'll be ordering a maval box.....

Just thought I'd share

What are they charging?
 

I bought a rebuild off ebay for 289.00. I installed it, and it doesn't come close to factor specs. It was better than the one I was replacing but not good. I called them and they sent me a new one. I haven't installed it yet. I'm going to take it to a local indy to inspect everything to make sure the rebuilt is the problem.

I'm not inpressed with rebuilts, now, when it comes to sterring boxes. I think this is one of the things that it makes sence to buy new. Regardless of cost.

$600 - but I have not totally shopped around yet
 

My main cocern was getting a "deal" and finding out, to your point, it wasn't a good deal afterall....

I'm with you - I don't like the risk and I like OEM, but even with a MBCA discount at my local dealership, a new box was well over 1,300....

for that amount of $$$ I can adress a lot of other deficiencies with my car

I would be happy with a rebuild if I knew and trusted the rebuilder. I would prefer to do it myself, but the overhead is too high. I don't know anything about Marval. Where do they rebuild steering boxes and how much do they cost?

$600 is about right. Keep us updated, my used box isn't that great I will have to go this rout eventually.

Ouch. Ouch. Ouch. ! ! !

Go to a parts recycler and buy one off a rear-ended low mileage car.

Ken300D

I know one local who used these guys and one from my VW forum also has used Car Steering Wholesale and was happy with with service. 300D is $325 + $150 core deposit that is returned when they recieve your old unit.

FWIW I purchased a re-built box for my 500SL from Performance Products a couple years ago. As I recall it was in the $350.00 range, but that was before the dollar started tanking against the mark/euro. My mechanic said the box was the best re-built one he'd ever installed. I'd not hesitate to pick up another from PP if the need arose.

Then, I picked up a used one for my 300D from Gus Singh on e-bay for $75.00. If you can find one off a relatively low mileage car I'd not hesitate to go with that either.

I don't know if it's the manufacturing process, adjustment technique or what, but the SL's needed replaced at 90,000 miles and the 300D at about 275,000. Can't imagine why such a disparity in the wear on a similiar type part.