Just how much steering play is normal in a W123 85 300D?

[Carrameow]

Just how much steering play is normal in a W123 85 300D? In my 95 SAAB 9000, the steering wheel wont budge in Park without some resistance. In my 85 300D, the steering wheel rocks 10 to 15 degrees before there is resistance, even after my replacing the gearbox with a fairly decent low mileage one. Could anyone mind checking their's?

[sokoloff]

25mm is within spec. Too much play is rarely caused by the steering box. Rather is is usually a problem in the steering linkages, rubber, bushings, etc.

Len

I believe the spec is about 1 inch of movement. After adjusting both mine they have a little less than 1 inch, I don't think you will ever get it feel like the Saab. The box in my 300D was rebuilt about 150K ago, and I believe the box in the 240D is original. It's hard to tell sitting still, but driving down a smooth straight road I can only move top of the wheel a little (less than an inch) before I feel the car respond. You also need to make sure all the steering components are tight, the tire pressure is good, and the alignment is correct.

Before I adjusted the 240D, I had about 2-3 inches of movement at the top of the wheel. It wasn't very noticeable around town, but it was a PITA on a highway with a cross-wind.

[dannym]

The manual says max play 25mm, which is just shy of 1". Checked at the steering wheel.
It is not measured in degrees.

You don't want to tighten it too much or the steering wheel won't center on it's own. Adjusting the nut out reduces play.

Danny