W123 experts - i've got an 82 300TD wagon that has developed a pulling problem. Prior to bringing it into a mechanic and having some brake and rear axle work done, the car was more or less driving straight. the steering box was a bit loose, but it wasn't bad for a 30 year old car. After the work was done, the car was pulling wickedly to the left. The steering wheel needed to be turned 15 degrees to the right to keep it straight, and it was a bit of a fight when going over bumps on the freeway at high speeds. I took it back into the shop complaining that they hosed my steering. They took it to an alignment shop that supposedly aligned it on their machines, but the reality was that it still pulled. The mechanic then checked all the tie rods and steering system, then eventually rotated the tires. Now, the car pulls about as much to the opposite side. i've given up on this garage's abilities to resolve the problem, so i'm soliciting advice from some of the more seasoned MB techs out there. one potential clue is that when they replaced the front brake pads, one of them was worn down way more than the other. i don't know if it's related, but it's something that i noticed.

Anybody have any thoughts?

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1982 300TD, 124K mi.