W123 can't fix leaking steering box? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

leathermang · #1 11-25-2011, 06:45 PM

If you are careful and follow the instructions and warning in the archives..
you can tighten up the adjustment nut and determine if you have too much play..

sometimes proper snake oils can cause swelling of seals enough to help for long enough to search for your replacement part...although Trans-X stopped my latest lincoln front seal leak of one quart per 75 miles and is still holding... but in general they are usually short term...

Do find and follow the warnings....like turning the screw a very very small amount and test before going further....and be sure to mark the lock nut with paint.... we are talking life and death if the steering will not follow your suggestions applied at the steering wheel...

As to seal replacement.... I have the chassis manuals ( both ) for the 123... what one starts getting into on some of these parts is the special tools required to do it right...
Like available only to dealers....

Stretch · #2 11-26-2011, 04:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang

...
As to seal replacement.... I have the chassis manuals ( both ) for the 123... what one starts getting into on some of these parts is the special tools required to do it right...
Like available only to dealers....

Now there's the challenge! Make your own versions of the FSM tools - see post#2

layback40 · #3 11-26-2011, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Army

Now there's the challenge! Make your own versions of the FSM tools - see post#2

No challenge Army.
Many do it all the time.
The other day we needed to undo a 36mm nut off a shaft. Needed a ring spanner as there was an Allen hole in the end of the shaft to hold it with.
Couldnt find one here, lost it some place. The local tool shop wanted $80 for one, a 50 mile drive & 5 days to get it.
Solution;
Ground some lines on the outside of a 36mm socket so it could be gripped with a stillson (pipe wrench). The Allen hole was a little rounded so used a T60 torx bit in through the 3/4" drive hole in the socket. Worked like a charm. 3' of pipe on each was needed to get it loose. Did it up the same way.
Some earth moving equipment has large bolts that have splines on the end instead of hex nuts. we have made splines to fit so they can be undone.
Have you tried any quench hardening of home made tools? I learned it a few years ago from a blacksmith. Its very interesting doing it.

Stretch · #4 11-26-2011, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by layback40

No challenge Army.
Many do it all the time.
The other day we needed to undo a 36mm nut off a shaft. Needed a ring spanner as there was an Allen hole in the end of the shaft to hold it with.
Couldnt find one here, lost it some place. The local tool shop wanted $80 for one, a 50 mile drive & 5 days to get it.
Solution;
Ground some lines on the outside of a 36mm socket so it could be gripped with a stillson (pipe wrench). The Allen hole was a little rounded so used a T60 torx bit in through the 3/4" drive hole in the socket. Worked like a charm. 3' of pipe on each was needed to get it loose. Did it up the same way.
Some earth moving equipment has large bolts that have splines on the end instead of hex nuts. we have made splines to fit so they can be undone.
Have you tried any quench hardening of home made tools? I learned it a few years ago from a blacksmith. Its very interesting doing it.

Ha! If only there were blacksmiths here to learn from...

Is there any chance you can do a DIY on that? I'd love to learn a bit of smithing / tool making skills. It is all very well being a wizz on autocad but that's still at the puffed out chest I've got a good idea management BS stage of events. Someone who can do and not just talk about it is becoming a rare beast these days.