steering coupler replacement......84 300CD

[gcinque]

I just replaced the steering coupler on my 300CD and now I get the "klunk" noise comming from the steering box when the steering wheel is turned, any ideas what can cause this???


Thanks in advance,

[crashone]

Can't help with the klunk but I am curious to know How much of a difference you feel in the handling of your car. What was the reason for changing? I have changed every thing else in the front suspension except these. I am wanting to change these because they are probably original and should be done. Thanks.

[gcinque]

crashone,

In my effort to improve the steering on my 1984 300CDT (100k mile) I have replaced the following:

Bilstein Shocks (4)
Lower control arm bushing kit
Lower control arm ball joints
Upper control arm and outer bushing
Steering damper
Drag Link
Steering Coupler

As well as the car has been maintained by the previous owner none of the above-mentioned kits were installed.

I read in the posts that before adjusting the steering box all the above parts should be replaced. I do see a difference (improvement) in the steering and
I just wasn't to sure if the noise I hear when turning the steering wheel is normal or not. I did do this with the engine off and the car on the ground and not on jacks, when I took the car for a test drive everything seemed normal.

[mespe]

There should be no "Klunk" in a Mercedes. When do you hear the sound? When the steering has reached it's maximum? Is it one Klunk or several? Does the steering make the noise when the tires are lifted? Get an assistant to turn the steering and you look (listen) for the sound,,, Good Luck

[bodyart27]

might check the idle arm for play - that's the only thing I can think of looking at your list (that was a lot of work!)

[crashone]

Did you get this figured out? Have you replaced the rubber sway bar mounts in the fire wall area? What about the subframe bushing and mounts in the front end? As mentioned the idler arm kit-- 10min job. I was hoping someone could say what sort of difference they got/ felt when they replaced these couplers.