Got a problem that's been bugging me for a while, but have gotten used to it. The steering in my 85 300D Turbo (around 198,100 miles) is rather tight, that is, harder to turn off center than our 300SDL (which feels impressively crisp), and doesn't return to its neutral position after a corner. It will need perhaps a 1 or 2 inches of turning help from me to return it to neutrality. Tire pressures dont seem to make much of a difference in steering effort, I have tried 30-40 psi in my Michelins.

What im wondering is if I should loosen up the steering box (by turning the allen bolt clock-wise if im not mistaken) or if there could be suspension parts at fault. Well im sure there are suspension parts at fault anyways, I dont think anything's been changed in 20 years, except shocks.

Anyway, I have searched and haven't really found anybody else with a steering action that's too *tight,* it seems that they are commonly too loose. There is a little less than an inch of play in the wheel, so perhaps someone may have adjusted it already, perhaps too tightly. Any insights?

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1985 CA 300D Turbo , 213K mi

how does the fluid look? try doing a filter and a ps fluid flush.

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You should probably try adjusting it a little looser and see what that does. (clockwise is right)

As stated above though, check your fuild and whatnot and check all the joints on the system below. Dampner in good working order? Everything lubed?

Possibly someone got a litle too agressive on steering box adjustment? Partially seized tie rod end or ball joint possible as well. You may have to divide up system a little to find it. The steering box may have an internal bind that is other than adjustment as well. Idle arm jammed up a little or perhaps an unnoticed bend somewhere may be a factor. Would lift front wheels off ground and have a friend help checking things. Anything unnaturaly tight might be observable or felt. Could even be something like a bent or abnormal drag in the steering damper as well.

Bad alignment and/or power steering pump pressure.
A weak or bad power steering pump can fit symptoms.

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Someone had put automatic transmission fluid in the power steering pump, I got most of it out with a turkey baster a while agoand put in power steering fluid, but i opened the reservoir up the next day and the fluid was red again. Guess it needs a true flush.

Bad alignment? The car pulls to the right... strange though 'cause it got new tires about 3 or 4 months ago and an alignment. Though it was at Costco...

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1985 CA 300D Turbo , 213K mi

Bad alignment.
They must use the MB tool = tire spreader bar to get correct alignment, and Costco does not have the tool.
Your front tires are starting to show tread wear already.

Some private shops buy or fabricate the correct tool.

Interesting...what makes Mercedeseseses so special?

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1985 CA 300D Turbo , 213K mi

Steering geometry.

Hunter I was wrong. Your suggestion was the proper starting place. I just assumed and that is usually a misteak. A real alignment may indicate now if any problems as well. Also he did not mention the pull to the right in first post. The spec printout of the last alignment may also give a clue. Thats if he got a sheet. That pull to the right sounds interesting. Also some of these steering systems are a mess on a few I have driven. Plus the chance of prior collision damage to components is also a possibility.

dont these have a centering valve in them? think that may be hanging up?
JOHN MADSEN