Low tire pressure will cause some "wandering" in any car.

Yes, there are wear items in the coupler.
 

There are two or three bushings in the steering coupler. You just can't see them as they are sandiched between the coupler halves and the coupler bolts pass through the bushings. If those bushing are severely worn (or missing due to age) you will have a definite *clack* when wiggling the wheel side to side.

Another cause for wheel wander, at least with the 108's, bad front sub-frame mounts. Replacing these mounts plus the steering damper (along with a steering box reseal and new coupler bushings) got rid of all the wander.

Hi All,

This past weekend I replace my steering damper, it did "tighten" up the steering quite a bit. However, I'm trying to remove the "play" out of the steering wheel entirely (if this is possible). I've looked at all the associated parts that relate to the steering, while I'm not familular with the individual part names I can say that all the connections that have a little rubber deal on them appear to be in good condition, none are cracked, and all are very pliable. My question is: How would I know if any of the associated parts warrant replacement, I too, like Charles, would prefer to replace only the necessary parts. Is it a reasonable expectation to attempt zero "play" in the steering? I've attempted to adjust the steering box with no definite results, and I'm not real sure which direction I should proceed in to achieve the desired results.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

tnx,
jeric

The steering stabilizer will help with some bump steer. If you have wide tires then it will wander reguardless. The steering stabilizer helps more with absorbing some shock that the front end parts would normally take thus reducing front end wear.

I find my 81 SD very sensitive to tire pressure and balance (re balanced twice)with 6k on set of 205 Michelin Rainforce tires. I find 34 rear 32 front to be best combo for this car with two people and normal stuff like groceries....
William Rogers.......

William Rogers, I notice the exact same sensitivity to tire pressures. When I fill my tires, I use a trusted guage, and I try to get the tires to spec (28psi front/30 psi rear?) as closely as possible, no more than 1/4 psi variance. I need to check mine again because I think I might have a leaky left front tire. This Saturday I added 8 psi to it because it was squealing around turns, but I like to check tires cold.

steering damper installation
 

Just bought a new steering damper from fastlane to install in my 1982 280e. Does anyone know the correct torque for the bolts on this? Also, do I need to use the jack stands, or can I just use my ramps? thanks.

Ramps will work fine. Torque, well I couldn't find anything in the book so I opted for about a two grunt torque. Has worked fine at that specific torque ;).

Two Grunts will probably do it
 

Greetings Deeph8,

I think two grunts will do it but if you insist on using a torque wrench the torque value is 33 ft. lbs. Insure the front wheels are straight forward before removal of the old and installation of the new. No jack stands are required unless you aren't small enough to squeeze under the car while it sits on the ground.

Charles

steering stabilizer
 

iam about to replace the original stabilizer on my 89 300se does anyone know what the torque should be on the bolts?thanks ed

Greetings Ed,

The torque value is in the previous post and has been calculated for US spec torque wrenches. Do you need it in another value besides Lbs. ?



Charles

Here's what I've done/had done to my front end thus far:

Steering box tightened as much as possible
New drag link
both new tie rods
both new lower ball joints
new steering damper
idler arm repair kit
Alignment

After all this, the steering free play is much tighter...only about 1.5" left...rest is prolly in the steering box.

BUT...I STILL have that left to right wander and near constant re-correction from left to right. It's SERIOUSLY annoying. :mad:

Next on my list is replacement of the front shocks. Then, I'm going to have the upper control arms looked at and ensure that the upper ball joints aren't in need of replacement.

Then, as someone nentioned, Mike?, get the sub frame bushings examined.

Steering box is a little too much money for me right now but definetely on the list! I really want the front end TIGHT and 'wander-free'!!

On mine it made tons of difference. But the wondering can be due to many things esp bad allignment.
MVK

Welp...the alignment was done by Benzmac himself (with help of another tech) so.....what can I say?

I'm bringing the car back in next week anyway. I'll bring up the wandering crap and see if he has any suggestions.

Chris
'85 300SD

torque spec
 

thanks for youre reply can do.i kinda figured that the bolts might be the same size on different model cars but i just wasn t sure.33 foot pounds it is !!!! thanks again ed