PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - 116 Steering Coupler $6.00 Upgrade:

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116 Steering Coupler $6.00 Upgrade:

Seasons' Greetings!!!!!

From time to time, I like to post things that many members of the forum will find helpful. Recently, I began to notice that the steering coupler on my 116.120 had started to loosen up and was clunking over bumps.

http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/s...plerBefore.jpg

The cheapest I could find was around $70.00. As I began to look at the coupler, I saw little if any reason to keep it insulated in rubber. I decided to come up with a method to replace it with a solid assembly, do it with common hand tools and use only parts I could get at my local ACE hardware store. The result is a solid, sturdy steering coupler that requires no modifications

First, you drill out the mushroomed section of the two pins that hold the coupler together. Then, you simply drive out the two pins.

http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/s...sSeparated.jpg

Once the rubber is picked out, you are ready to start the reassembly process.

http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/s...rtsMock-Up.jpg

I used (2) 1/4" aluminum cable button stops (ACE #5192901) to replace the missing rubber. I costed the OD with RTV before slipping them in place.

http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/s...ButtonStop.jpg

Next, I used (2) 1/4" ID x 3/8" OD bronze flange bushings (A Midwest Fastner part by size) which slipped into the other half of the coupler. I filed off about .030" of the bushing (opposite the flange) until it was flush with the coupler's surface.

http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/s...geBushings.jpg

I then used (2) 1/4" x 2.00" grade 8 bolts. I chose 1/4" because the hex is 11mm and it fits the other pieces without modification. I used (2) 1/4" flat washers and (2) 1/4" locking flange nuts to round out the parts list.

http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/s...andWashers.jpg

All of these were bought from my local ACE hardware store for a little over $5.00. The finsihed product is easy to install, easy to adjust for steering wheel centering and gives the car a very solid feel.

Best of all, anyone can do this in a driveway, with basic hand tools, a 3/8" drill and a sharp bit.

http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/s...ledCoupler.jpg

I hope you find this information helpful....Robert

Where is this part located? I'm getting a little thump somewhere in my 116. Perhaps I have the same issue.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerry (Post 2604751)

Where is this part located? I'm getting a little thump somewhere in my 116. Perhaps I have the same issue.

Next to the oil filter.....where the steering column and steering gear meet....

How did you determine that the thump was coming from the coupler?

You can feel it sometimes when you hit a pothole at low speed. Even if you don't really notice it, it's likely bad after all this time and you may find the car wanders at speed.

I did something like this on my W116 a few years ago, but I just used fuel line that happened to fit just fine. Robert's fix is more permanent- does it feel too stiff?

If you do this on a W116, you do NOT have to mess with the steering box. You can pull the steering wheel , remove the 10mm bolts you find under there, loosen the coupler and lift the top part of the steering shaft.

I need to do this on my newly acquired R107- I think that's going to be more of a challenge.

Thanks for this thread. It is absolutely what the 'thump' is on my 116. I can feel and see the play in the coupling. I'm debating whether to follow your lead or not. I like the idea of rubber bushings instead of metal ones but like you, the $70 seems pricey. Anyone know if there are rubber bushings that might fit and then use bolts like the above example?

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerry (Post 2604767)

How did you determine that the thump was coming from the coupler?

A metallic 'thump' in the steering column over bumps.....

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerry (Post 2605114)

You could cut some small pieces if fuel line, or use old spark plug boots....

Great write up Doktor Bert, the rubber is just a vibration dampner. mounted solid "Might" cause some amount of noise transmitted into the cabin.

The later style coupler used on the W123 & W126 uses a larger rubber piece. YIKES!!!! It`s $85 :eek:.

Charlie

Kerry-

Just do it! Start the project some Saturday morning - pull the coupler off and go looking for something. If you don't have something laying around that will work (as I did) , dig around in Home Depot until you find something that works to bush the pieces.

It's not going to be that hard to find, and the replacement part you buy now will probably be made in China:eek:. Would that make you feel better?

Rick

Also use locknuts or peen over the threads. You do not want those nuts loosening up and falling off. Red locktite might be adaquate as well.

I have my 116 on the market so I think I will use a replacement coupler. Is there a write up or wiki on removing the 116 steering wheel? I've never had one off before. I've seen some threads on the 126 wheel removal.

It is really hard to describe the steering feel with a solid coupler. It feels so responsive....

Here is the best discussion I can see for replacing the R107 or W116 coupler- though Chuck Taylor alludes to an earlier one he did, I can't find it

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-benz-sl-discussion-forum/120671-107-steering-coupling.html?highlight=steering+coupler

To pull the steering wheel, just pry up the pad and unscrew the bid fastener underneath. I think it may be a 10mm socket headed bolt under there, IIRC.

I ought to sell rebushed steering couplers...I swear I could finance my retirement. Let's see, how about $40 for 5 minutes of work.....:confused:

Thanks. One more question: The instructions for the SL's talk about bolts and a boot at the firewall. Above in this thread Bert only mentions removing some 10mm bolts under the steering wheel and pulling up the steering column. Will I need to do anything at the firewall? Do I need to remove the combination switch?

I agree that rebushing the coupler is a good idea. If I was keeping the car I would do that but for someone else, I'd prefer OE. Coupler is on the way to me now.