Amateur plans Stearing Gearbox Replacement 83 240D 85 300D
 

My 83 240 D and 85 300D went into the shop for alignment after I replaced the Bearings--(Hint: to bang out the races without a special tool get some big Flat Washers from Sears--one size fit the race perfectly and I got it out after two whacks).

The Alignment Technician (HANSENS BEAR SAFETY SERVICE, 302 798 6741) told me front Gearboxes are worn badly and will need replacement soon. he said there is a Dead Spot at the center of BOTH.

Can the Steering Gearboxes be replaced by an amateur who gets lucky? Any hints, clues, ideas

My credentials are at:http://mywebpages.comcast.net/rtc9/BENZ.html

Carrameow

I would say yes! I have done it on a 240D and it wasn't toooo bad. Remember the boxes are very heavy. The tricky part of course is separating the steering arm from the steering mechanism. Also if you plan to get one from a junk yard, please be aware that they vary A LOT!. Make sure you check it out completely before R&R'ing the box.

I found one with only "85,000 miles" that was horrible and sloppy in center position. I bought the one out of a car that had 125,000 miles but it was close to perfect.

Check 'em real close, first.

steering boxes
 

Hey,

Someone got two rebuilt boxes and in 20,000 miles they are worse than when he started.

I am going through this with my 300CD with 465,000 miles on it. My advise to you. Take the car to a mercedes mechanic to work on the suspension because they can do it faster and with better parts. I got new ball joints, etc.

My steering box has about 80mm side to side play in it. One of my friend suggested this, but I haven't tried it yet. Take the steering arm, and move it over one tooth, the realign the steering wheel. Since that tooth before gets all the wear, that is why it is slopy. Maybe try this. If you are going to change the steering box, change the oil filter to block gasket at the same time. It is a leading cause for leaks. I have read about these and talked to people about these, so let me know with what you go with.

Austin

Thanks, i will be in touch!!!
 

Thanks I will be in touch