Photo of steering box adjustment nut? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

beaulieub · #1 10-18-2006, 10:44 AM

Hi Guys,

Trying to remove 3+" of slop in the steering wheel of my W116 '80 300SD. I've search the archives and read many posts but don't see the hex head adjustment nut on the top of my steering box. So I tried to search the gallery hopefully looking for a picture someone might have posted. No luck searching. Is it possible to search ONLY photos for a certain title word? Can someone give me EXACT location of the steering box adjustment in my car?

Thanks

Bert - NH

Johnhef · #2 10-18-2006, 11:44 AM

looking at the top of the box it should be right there- 19mm locknut and 6mm allen adjustment screw.

dannym · #3 10-18-2006, 12:02 PM

If you have 3+ inches of slop you have more problems than just a steering box adjustment.

redassag00 · #4 10-18-2006, 12:11 PM

Make very sure that the rest of your front end is in good condition/slop free before you adjust the box. That should the be the LAST thing you adjust to tighten things up.

beaulieub · #5 10-18-2006, 09:22 PM

GOT IT! Thanks guys. I did the adjustment and it made a HUGE difference.
Thanks for your help.

Bert - NH

lutzTD · #6 10-18-2006, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beaulieub

GOT IT! Thanks guys. I did the adjustment and it made a HUGE difference.
Thanks for your help.

Bert - NH

do you have a how to article? I have about an inch of slop that is annoying me on the highway. everything underneath is tight.

kip Foss · #7 10-18-2006, 11:04 PM

Get someone to rock the wheel back and forth while you look at the shaft as it comes out of the steering column and into the box. I think there is a coupling there. I had the coupling replaced on my 107 slc and it took a lot of play out of the system.

sokoloff · #8 10-18-2006, 11:26 PM

An inch of play is within specs. I still refer you to Post #4. I'm the original owner of my 240D and the steering box adjustment has never had to be touched. Any slop was always caused by other suspension issues.

Len
'83 240D 345,000 miles

t walgamuth · #9 10-19-2006, 08:06 AM

i have adjusted the steering many times on the 29 benzes i have had. i find they may need adjustment before turning 100k.

i dont think i have ever had one that was loose that didnt respond positively to an adjustment.

tom w

dannym · #10 10-19-2006, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lutzTD

do you have a how to article? I have about an inch of slop that is annoying me on the highway. everything underneath is tight.

Why would you need an article? Unlock locknut. Turn adjustment bolt 1/4 turn. Lock down locknut. Start vehicle, turn wheel to both stops then back to center and shut down. Check slop.
If you went the wrong way turn adjustment bolt 1/2 turn the other way.
Repeat until it's right.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kipp foss

Get someone to rock the wheel back and forth while you look at the shaft as it comes out of the steering column and into the box. I think there is a coupling there. I had the coupling replaced on my 107 slc and it took a lot of play out of the system.

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/W123SteeringCoupling

Danny

DustyRusty · #11 10-19-2006, 10:17 AM

I am not familiar with the steering boxes on the Benz, however, if it is like the steering boxes on the American cars of the 1960's, there is more to adjusting them than just tightening on the top adjuster. On those boxes, you should take the pitman arm off the box first, and then adjust the large hex nut that is at the end of the steering box first. This removes the play in the steering shaft. Then you adjust the nut on the top of the box that adjusts the play in the sector shaft ball and race. The sector shaft is egg shaped, so when the car is straight ahead, the top of the egg is at 12 o'clock. If you over tighten this adjustment, you will have a tighter feeling steering box for only a short time. The chrome balls will be under pressure when they roll over the top of the egg shaped sector and the chrome plating on them will crack and start to fall off. Once this happens, it is time for a replacement box. It is very important to have the steering wheel set at top dead center, when making this adjustment. The reason for removing the pitman arm is to remove any resistance from the system and to make sure that you are not trying to remove play that isn't in the steering box, but might be thought to be. On my 123, I logged over 1/4 million miles and never touched the steering box, but it did need other steering parts to return it to its original handling characteristics... Dusty....

t walgamuth · #12 10-19-2006, 06:56 PM

please disregard the above post. however well intentioned dusty is, it definately does not apply to a benz box.

loosten the locking nut, turn the allen screw anti clockwise til the steering begins to bind a bit, then loosten it til it is free, then lock the nut down.

end of job. it couldn't be easier.

tom w

beaulieub · #13 10-19-2006, 09:37 PM

I'm wondering if I over tightened it. It really drives and feels great. Much better than it did. However when I let go of the wheel, it creeps over to the right. To drive straight, the wheel must be turned to the left of center. DSoes this afect the alignment of the wheels?

unkl300d · #14 10-19-2006, 09:43 PM

Good idea not to overtighten the steering box bolt.

Too tight and it causes more internal wear. So I've been told.

The guy looking for how to directions is correct because the bolt has to be either screwed in or out to tihghten.Which one is it?
Why fiddle when you can get it right the first time!

carnut · #15 10-19-2006, 09:59 PM

Yes it sounds like its a little too tight. Go clockwise just a wee little bit! Clock wise adds more play, just the opposite of American gear boxes.
Put a mark on the box and one on the Allen headed bolt as reference.
You might try swapping the the right side tires front to back as well, sometimes a radial tire takes a "set" and will lead the car to the right or left.
Its just more noticeable now with less play.
If the car returns to center quickly after making a 90 degree turn onto a side street then its probably OK.
Another item often overlooked is the steering linkage damper, it bolts to and runs parallel to the center link, looks like a skinny shock!
Most steering dampers are worn out and the car will tend to follow ruts in the road.
Just unbolt one end and try pushing it in then pulling it out, should have a fair amount of resistance, and new ones are not expensive.
Replacing it makes a world of difference in steering feel.