I have seen many posts about steering play, particulardly on 123's. As many posts before me have indicated, checking/fixing the steering linkage is the first step in eliminating play. I just thought I would offer the following, having recently completed the work on steering linkage components.

Yesterday I replaced the idler arm bushings. Before doing the work, I had my son turn the steering wheel while I was under car looking. The steering linkage attaches to the top of the idler arm bushing set, and there are two bushings in a sleeve below that. the top bushing was ok, and the bottom was severely worn, and moving in the sleeve. This is a very inexpensive part, and very very easy to install...lift front of car with both wheels off the ground hanging free...just yank out bottom one with channel locks and bang out other from inside sleeve with old bolt, pull in new ones with new bolt (silicone grease first), remove bolt, attach washers, apply silicone grease, attach steering pivot arm, and reassemble (very straightforward when you see it). this resulted in MAJOR reduction in steering play.

The other steering linkage components (two tie rod assemblies and one drag link), are also very easy to install. If any of these are worn, replacement will markedly improve steering play. Other than a "pickle fork" for separating ends, no special tools are required. Just make sure both wheels are off the ground and hanging free.

Mark

Happy Thanksgiving to all and your families!!

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1984 300TD Wagon, 407,800 mi (current daily driver)
1985 300DT Sedan, 330,000 mi (gone to that great autobahn in the sky)