I have an '80 300D. My first question is I wanted to see what timing components most people replace, if any, when they roll a timing chain in, camshaft gear etc.

Second, has anyone ever replaced their steering gear box? Mine has a lot of play in it. The allen adjustment bolt has been adjusted to the max and the tie rods etc seem tight. So, I figure its the gear box. Is there another way to correct this problem? How difficult of a job is it to replace the gear box?

Could I ask anymore questions?

I just bought the car last Friday and I'm just planning for our future together.

Thanks,
burnan

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burnan
1993 2.5 turbo

Burnan,

Normally when rolling in a new chain, we do guide rails and sometimes a tensioner (depends on the engine). V8s ALWAYS get four upper rails and a tensioner. On a diesel, guide(s) and a chain should suffice. How many miles on your car?

The steering box isn't hard to swap out. Remember to also get a new coupling along with the box. You'll need a 36mm socket to undo the pitman arm nut (get a new one of those too), and a standard assortment of hand tools for the rest. Your box will come with instructions on centering and R&R.

Remember to bleed the steering system, and you might as well get a new PS filter and a few quarts of Dexron III ATF to flush the system out with.

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Regards,
Aaron

Hey Aaron,

Thanks a lot for the help. I would hate to do the job(s) and have somebody say, "well you should have replaced this when you were in there." At how many miles do you usually change the timing chain on diesels? My concern was that the timing gears would wear to match the old chain and cause problems with the new one.

My car has 174K. She runs better than she looks. I'm slowly working on her. Mechanical stuff first then cosmetics.

Thanks again,
burnan

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burnan
1993 2.5 turbo