What is the proper procedure to test the steering box?

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Current cars:
2000 ML55 AMG, 174k miles
2003 C240 T-Modell, 202k miles
1995 S320, 207k Miles

once it's disconnected, just grab the bar that attaches to the pitman arm and turn it in either direction. if there's some 'play' before it turns the rod on the other side of the box, then it's loose. the question is, how much play is acceptable. to me, about 1/2" of play is OK in either direction and normal. to other, any play is not acceptable.

it depends on whether you're a playa or not

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Oh, and to the OP, I would be angry that the mechanic misdiagnosed the steering problem in the first place.

__________________
Current cars:
2000 ML55 AMG, 174k miles
2003 C240 T-Modell, 202k miles
1995 S320, 207k Miles