Car: 1982 240D W123 bought on eBay last winter.
When I bought it the PO said all front suspension were redone. When the car arrived it would pull to the right, there is play in steering, and steering felt different if turned right vs turned left. I spoke with the PO and he turned out to be a piece of S**t, would not acknowledge the problem or work out a deal. There are other issues but this post is about steering. Advice: do not buy a car online without independant inspection.

I took it to a front end indi shop to see what was wrong with it, it turns out lower control arm bushing was worn out on the right side. Indie says there was no recent work done on the suspension. Had the indi do the control arm bushing kit and idler arm repaire kit on both sides, then alighnment. The only thing remaining is the play in the steering. Indi says everything is tight so it must be the steering box. Thinking about getting a rebuilt steering box and R&R. What do you guys think.

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2010 ML350 Bluetec
2012 Mustang Convertible

There is a small adjustment you can do on the box if that is the case. If you do search there should be some info. I saw it on here recently, can't remember where now. I would try that first. I am having a similar issue. But, it is not too bad yet.

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AJ

1985 300D (SOLD)

How many idler arms does you car have?

How much play is there measured at the steering wheel?

There is one idler arm and one lower control arm bushing on each side. The car has ~ 215 K miles. The indie tried the adjustment screw and all that does is make turning the steering wheel harder or easier. The play I would say is about 10 - 15 degree of play.

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2010 ML350 Bluetec
2012 Mustang Convertible

check the steering damper and see if t needs replacing. It is possible that the steering damper may have went bad.

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1981 300d

There is a flex joint (coupling) in the steering column that could be contributing to the problem.

http://catalog.peachparts.com/ShopByVehicle.epc?q=1982-Mercedes--Benz-300d-Steering&yearid=1982%40%401982&makeid=63%40%40MERCEDES+BENZ%40%40X&modelid=6190%3AMBC%7C1504%3AED%7C10000135%40%40300D&catid=241580%40%40Steering&subcatid=241649@@Steering+Coupling&mode=PA

I doubt that he adjusted it correctly. To take away slack on a mb you must turn the adjusting screw anticlockwise.

Its pretty simple, loosten the locking nug (19mm) and use an allen 6 or 8mm to move the adjusting screw.

My 83 has over 330k on it and its adjusted to no slack whatever.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Check out one of my old threads, it should help you out. It sounds like a tired steering box and an adjustment can be made to take out the slack. Hope it helps you!

Steering play

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http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m...73378_30-1.jpg

I concur with the previous posts. Did the adjustment on the top of the steering box and the play went away. Its easy to reverse if necessary but definitely only make adjustments in 1/8th of a turn. In other words, loosen the locking nut, allen it 1/8th counterclockwise, tighten the nut and check the play and repeat...
BTW, Rafi- PM'd you about the 84 SD, yes its still for sale

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1969 220D "Berta" RIP
1982 300D turbo 250K

You can see the adjustment by opening the hood and looking down into the Engine Compartment at the Steering box. You will see the Nut as mentioned before and and part of a screw that needs an Allen Wrench to turn it.
Both the Nut and adjustment Screw may be tight and need some penatrating oil to help loosen them.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel