First Merc Questions

[knabe189]

Hello Friends,
I purchased a 1981 non-300TD w/ 157,000 miles a couple days ago. I have a few questions for the experts here. I have learned the hard way the importance of coming to folks like you first. (Bent rod in VW TDI because of mechanic doing a bad timing job.)
Here are my questions. 1. My odometer works but my speedometer does not. I'm thinking there is probably a post here but after looking a few hours I couldn't find one directly addressing that. I'm more then happy to explore any links though. 2. My dash lights do not work. The glow plug, battery, brake warning lights all work but there are no back lights on the dash. The clock works. Is this simply a matter of burned out bulbs, blown fuse? 3. There is something between a hmmm and a howl, I would proabably classify it as a growl that comes from the rear left wheel when I make gradual turns to the right at speed. I have no idea what that is and would love any suggestions. 4. The vacuum system has a slow leak. Doors will lock and unlock up to about 10 minutes after stopping the car. After that, I have to start the car. That's the only symptom. And finally, 5. The steering has a small bit of play. Is that to be expected or can I work on that? I'm trying to get the car moved toward a daily driver and am willing to work through this issues.
I have been poking around on here for a while. I have spent a fair bit of time on the tdiclub forum so I am somewhat familiar but haven't figured out the whole search function very well yet. Any links would be great. Thanks for all your help.

-knabe189