new purchase, 1 dollar 240 - Page 14 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Adriel · #**196** 11-04-2013, 01:21 PM

Well, I haven't had power steering in months, as the Volvo's reservoir broke. I will say I agree about getting stronger. The only issue now is remembering to turn the wheels before backing up. Then can whip right into the stall.

Mölyapina · #**197** 11-04-2013, 01:36 PM

Exhaust heat sounds interesting, but would it get too warm? I suppose the other option would be to pipe the steering fluid somewhere to warm it up -- you know, lead the horse to water.

JB3 · #**198** 11-04-2013, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jooseppi Luna

Exhaust heat sounds interesting, but would it get too warm? I suppose the other option would be to pipe the steering fluid somewhere to warm it up -- you know, lead the horse to water.

here is how the volvo setup works I am referring to. Sheetmetal box built around the exhaust manifold, waste heat collected off the manifold (not exhaust gas itself) ported under the engine bay to preheat the air intake. The same concept could work on the MB and port the heat to the steering box. The volvo setup has a simple valve to shut off the heat in warmer temps. Id probably do a drop door or something similar, depends on the room

The manual box has no fluid lines. Interesting idea, but that would require probably an external pump to move fluid. Pretty soon you have something as complex as the power steering without the benefits.

Stretch · #**199** 11-05-2013, 03:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JB3

manual steering observation-

Cold weather really seems to impact ease of turn. Additionally, you don't turn enough to heat up the oil in the gearbox, so im really interested to see how easy it is to turn when it gets to the dead of winter.

In other words, the car helps you prepare for your beach body all winter with upper arm workouts in regular driving.

Until quite recently I've always had no power steering - I've never ever come across a difference in feeling in winter or summer - but then again I'm used to rack and pinion steering rather than recirculating ball systems.

Do you have a recirculating ball system on the Astro? Have you checked the other steering components - have you checked the lubrication (be it grease or oil?) in the steering "box"?

Another element could be due to suspension geometry and the amount of stuff you've chucked in the back of the van - plus the trailer and that small solar system you're trying to pull along behind you!!!

JB3 · #**200** 11-05-2013, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stretch

Until quite recently I've always had no power steering - I've never ever come across a difference in feeling in winter or summer - but then again I'm used to rack and pinion steering rather than recirculating ball systems.

Do you have a recirculating ball system on the Astro? Have you checked the other steering components - have you checked the lubrication (be it grease or oil?) in the steering "box"?

Another element could be due to suspension geometry and the amount of stuff you've chucked in the back of the van - plus the trailer and that small solar system you're trying to pull along behind you!!!

Its probably a non issue and I've been softened by driving the gfs 300TD with power steering.

The astro has power steering, both this 240 stock and the astro have the same type of steering system, though on the van, power is absolutely necessary due to the steering geometry.

Stretch · #**201** 11-05-2013, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JB3

Its probably a non issue and I've been softened by driving the gfs 300TD with power steering.

The astro has power steering, both this 240 stock and the astro have the same type of steering system, though on the van, power is absolutely necessary due to the steering geometry.

I thought so - 'cos there was the whole thing about the power steering pulley a while back.

Still it might be worthwhile checking the castor setting. Too much castor and the system is more reliant on power steering.

vstech · #**202** 11-05-2013, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JB3

Its probably a non issue and I've been softened by driving the gfs 300TD with power steering.

The astro has power steering, both this 240 stock and the astro have the same type of steering system, though on the van, power is absolutely necessary due to the steering geometry.

oh, driving an astro van without power steering is possible... I did it for about a year. you GOTS TO HAVE SERIOUS ARM STRENGTH... and parking lot maneuvering is, shall we say... needing well laid out plans...
I actually drove that way until the PS pump shaft disintegrated, and started taking out the serpentine belt... then I had to change the pump.

vstech · #**203** 11-05-2013, 10:27 AM

oh... I've got a Rust free 85 300D just sitting in my yard prepared to go to the crusher...
I'm just sayin...

Simpler=Better · #**204** 11-05-2013, 10:37 AM

If you can't handle the manual steering get a Camry

Heater tape that the grease guys use would warm it up quick.

JB3 · #**205** 11-05-2013, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

oh, driving an astro van without power steering is possible... I did it for about a year. you GOTS TO HAVE SERIOUS ARM STRENGTH... and parking lot maneuvering is, shall we say... needing well laid out plans...
I actually drove that way until the PS pump shaft disintegrated, and started taking out the serpentine belt... then I had to change the pump.

imagine driving one one handed without power steering and while having to move the stick handle while at the same time as turning.

One test drive was all I needed to immediately get the power steering arrangement worked out on the van.

This 240 is really easy to turn with manual steering comparatively. Im thinking now that ive been driving it all morning that I was just being a wuss. Its been in the paint and fender shop for over a month allowing me to get soft

JB3 · #**206** 11-05-2013, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stretch

I thought so - 'cos there was the whole thing about the power steering pulley a while back.

Still it might be worthwhile checking the castor setting. Too much castor and the system is more reliant on power steering.

that would be interesting to adjust, can it even be adjusted on a 123?

JB3 · #**207** 11-05-2013, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simpler=Better

If you can't handle the manual steering get a Camry

Heater tape that the grease guys use would warm it up quick.

lol, I love the simplicity. Plus the car does feel a little peppier

Stretch · #**208** 11-05-2013, 10:42 AM

I'm going senile

I'm getting confused between Astro and 240D...

Which 'king thread is this one??????

JB3 · #**209** 11-05-2013, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stretch

I'm going senile

I'm getting confused between Astro and 240D...

Which 'king thread is this one??????

lol, well, you had me confused as well.

This endless thread is about a generally stock 240D im using as a daily and tinkering with making small adjustments. I love this old SOB, and I want to hit 500k in it. Its rugged and reliable

here is the car as it looks after making the non rubber bumper end changes to the fenders-

Stretch · #**210** 11-05-2013, 11:17 AM

Some information that might actually help (!) =>

When I pulled my power steering pump to bits it didn't pump after I had cleaned it all out. First stop was to come on the forum to see what was what. At that time I found lots of "I don't why but it won't pump any more" threads. It turned out to be because of a dirty valve =>

W123 Vickers type 24 power steering pump questions

You might find that the pump pumps better if it has been cleaned out.

You can also do an easy drain of the whole system sans / zonder / without the turkey baster fiasco by doing this =>

What a feeling it will be! A properly adjusted W123 / W116 / W126 power steering box