A bad Steering Coupling (Pictures).

This is what it should look like.

DIY is post #7.

Attached Thumbnails

 

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1983 300D
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A bad Steering Coupling (Pictures) 2.

This is what a bad one can look like.

Attached Thumbnails

         

Indeed.

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PagodaLOVER
1967 230SL, manual
1959 180D, manual

What are the symptoms of a bad Steering Coupling

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Jason Green
1977 240D AUTOMATIC the Beast
1974 Super Beetle



Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself.
- Mark Twain, a Biography

Here are some links from Steering:
Organized MB DIY links
Organized MB DIY links


Steering stabilizer, does it really help?
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/20761-steering-stabilizer-does-really-help.html#post104738

Steering wheel play (slop)
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/12299-steering-wheel-play-slop.html#post54385

Pics of Steering Box Swap
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/107869-pics-steering-box-swap.html#post744562

Help! Steering box input shaft clunking
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/87909-help-steering-box-input-shaft-clunking.html#post575725

What is involved in replacing this part? Difficult or easy?

Ken300D

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1982 300D at 351K miles
1984 300SD at 217K miles
1987 300D at 370K miles

Remove lower coupling cap screw.
rotate steering wheel only enough to bring upper coupling bolt head to exact top position.
Paint mark gear box shaft, and column shaft in line, this is critical to return steering to the exact same position.
Remove upper coupling bolt.

Loosen wheel lug bolts.
Jack up, and support the driver front.
Remove driver front tire.
Going through wheel well, remove the three bolts mounting the gear box.
Remove gear box shaft from coupling, it will hang from pressure hoses for a few moments.
Gently rotate coupling enough to access the upper bolt crimp slot.
Insert a pry bar, chisel or large screwdriver.
Pry the slot open slightly as you wiggle the coupling off.

Install the new coupling on the column.
Apply LoctiteŽ to the threads of the upper coupling bolt.
Install the upper coupling bolt, and tighten.
Raise the gear box, and match your alignment marks, pliers may be needed as the shaft generally does turn out of position slightly.
Insert the gear box shaft into the coupling, wiggling the coupling or gear box may help.
Use a pry bar between engine cross-member and gear box to help hold position.
Apply LoctiteŽ to the threads of the lower coupling bolt.
Install the lower coupling cap screw, do NOT tighten yet.

Two people make the next part easier.
Apply LoctiteŽ to the threads of the three gear box bolt threads, and insert into mounting holes.
One person lifts the gear box into bolt mounting position.
Second person going through wheel well, installs each bolt as possible.
Tighten all three mounting bolts.

Gently rotate the steering wheel, enough to access the lower coupling cap screw.
Tighten the lower coupling cap screw.
Install driver front tire.
Tighten wheel lug bolts.
Remove the vehicle support
Remove the Jack.

With proper tools, and help = one hour DIY.

whunter I was able to do this w/o removing the box. You can disconnect the steering linkage in the cabin from a mount w/ 3 bolts (or 2). This gives sufficient play to remove the coupling.

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Thank you for this excellent write up on changing the steering coupling. Would the procedure be basically the same for a 1984 380SL?

Alex Larkin
1984 380SL

YES.