i have some play in my steering wheel, 300sd, what bushing would need to be repalced,
Cheers


1983 300sd 263202
1996 Jetta gl 211000

More than likely its the steering box itself, as they age (which yours definatley is at 263k) it simply gets play in it from wear. You'd have to get it rebuilt most likely to get rid of the play. It may be possible to adjust some of it out with the adjustment screw, but its unlikely at that mileage that it'd make much difference.

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If you look down onto the PS gear from the top of the engine compartment there is a locknut with an allen bolt in the middle. Loosen the locknut and turn the allen bolt COUNTERclockwise. Turn it 1/4 turn and then snug the lock nut. Wiggle the steering wheel and check for improvement. If its not better, repeat. My 240D only has 130k on it and I had to go a full 3/4 turn to tighten it up. THis is all assuming that the slop is in the box. You need to verify that its not play coming from a tie rod end or other steering component. Have a helper turn the wheel side to side for you while you crawl around looking for whats loose.

By coincidence I replaced my steering box this week. It really had a lot of play, it was ridiculous. I agree with ENDUST , you have to look at the whole front end, however my caveat is that when the car is on the ground and if you have play in the steering wheel before you feel resistance in the steering wheel, most of this slop is in your steering gear box. Pls note that I had rebuilt my entire front end, I mean every joint possible, so I could be 100% certain it was the gear box. Furthermore Endust is right; there is some natural slop in that linkage and in fact if therubber wears in that flex coupling, there could be slop also. How many miles do you have? If you have over 300K, then the gearbox may be bad. If less, look elesewhere...

Once again, this site makes my car better and better. I just removed the play in the steering wheel before going to work today, and it made a world of difference!! Now that I have A/C, tinted windows, and very little steering play, the car feels great.