I have a 1989 Mercedes 190D with 95k miles.

I was replacing the turn stalk, and had the car off (to remove airbag), and needed to straighten the wheel, with the car on the ground. So I put some muscle into it and turned the wheel about 3/4 of a turn. No snapping noises, just felt un-power assisted.

However, now that the car is back together, and the wheel on, the steering feels noticeably heavier, so of unpower assisted. I've replaced all the tie rods, idler arms, etc. in the last 5 years.

So I'm wondering if anyone has thoughts on how to diagnose? Some options would be that I buggered the steering box somehow, that the power steering pump somehow got backdriven, or that the dampening arm is dying and putting up a fight.

Welcome your thoughts !
Bruce

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W201 1989 190D

I've been remembering there was a Wheeler Dealers episode where Ed works on a 230E and I think replaced the steering box - he looked exhausted after doing it, although that was on a different engine bay layout / different model and different problem (steering play not difficulty turning)

Reflections on what this could be would be welcome.

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W201 1989 190D

On a much heavier vehicle (Dodge Cummins), steering box rebuilders caution against turning the wheels to bleed the steering box without lifting the front end. You had fluid already in the system and a lighter vehicle so perhaps no damage.

Jack up the car and load the control arms perhaps by putting them on jack stands and try turning the steering wheel. There are specs in the FSM re the measured torq required to turn the steering wheel. I don't remember what they are but note that the values are similar on both the truck and SD.

Have a helper turn the wheel while you observe the steering linkage. You could also disconnect sections of the linkage to determine whether anything is binding. ie disconnect tie rods from steering knuckle and steering knuckle should turn freely without binding or excessive play.

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85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do.

I'd be looking at binding of the steering column.

@97 SL320 Oh, that's a great idea. I ran the new cables for the turn signal (and undid and redid the cables for airbag), and it is possible one of them is catching. Thanks for the suggestion.

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W201 1989 190D

@Junkman, good protocol, thank you . I'm going to check @97 sL320 first, then that.

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W201 1989 190D

Did you fill the reservoir with fluid? Is the belt tight? Crimp in the hose?

The benz steering boxes are extremely long lived so I would not suspect them.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Figured it out! Thanks for your suggestions.

I had mistakenly routed the airbag wire behind the new turn stalk plastic instead of through it. So the turn stalk mount was sitting higher than necessary and rubbing significantly when the wheel was turned.

Have a great long weekend everyone

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W201 1989 190D

We often overlook the simple and work on a complex fix.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.