Play in steering - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

t walgamuth · #31 11-27-2020, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogviler

That wasn't my point at all. And adjusting the steering box is free.

Sorry. What was your point, please?

Shern · #32 11-27-2020, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

Sorry. What was your point, please?

It's the lowest and cheapest node of the logic tree.

t walgamuth · #33 11-28-2020, 01:26 PM

its not easier than wiggling the tie rod ends.

Rogviler · #34 11-28-2020, 06:25 PM

I'm not saying to blindly adjust the steering box first, I'm saying the logic isn't there to say that people are able to adjust out the play of worn suspension components by adjusting the steering box, because it's only the first link in the chain.

Therefore, if someone had successfully adjusted the steering box and removed all the play from their steering, it doesn't follow that the real problem is still there in worn ball joints or whatever.

INSIDIOUS · #35 11-28-2020, 08:13 PM

.... and the location .... ??

Rogviler · #36 11-28-2020, 08:34 PM

The adjustment screw/nut is right on top of the steering box. You can't miss it, since it looks weird compared to everything around it.

martureo · #37 11-29-2020, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogviler

I'm not saying to blindly adjust the steering box first, I'm saying the logic isn't there to say that people are able to adjust out the play of worn suspension components by adjusting the steering box, because it's only the first link in the chain.

Therefore, if someone had successfully adjusted the steering box and removed all the play from their steering, it doesn't follow that the real problem is still there in worn ball joints or whatever.

You've got it backwards.

The adjustment nut isn't an adjustment nut. It's to adjust the initial lash in the box when assembled. You've turned a non-service item into a service item.

Play should be hunted for in wheel bearings, tie rod ends, the drag link and the idler arm before one goes to the steering box. And even going to the steering box I'd look at fluid level and condition before blaming the internal components.

The box is the least likely item to fail, don't start with it at the top of your list.

t walgamuth · #38 11-29-2020, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogviler

I'm not saying to blindly adjust the steering box first, I'm saying the logic isn't there to say that people are able to adjust out the play of worn suspension components by adjusting the steering box, because it's only the first link in the chain.

Therefore, if someone had successfully adjusted the steering box and removed all the play from their steering, it doesn't follow that the real problem is still there in worn ball joints or whatever.

I agree.

t walgamuth · #39 11-29-2020, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martureo

You've got it backwards.

The adjustment nut isn't an adjustment nut. It's to adjust the initial lash in the box when assembled. You've turned a non-service item into a service item.

Play should be hunted for in wheel bearings, tie rod ends, the drag link and the idler arm before one goes to the steering box. And even going to the steering box I'd look at fluid level and condition before blaming the internal components.

The box is the least likely item to fail, don't start with it at the top of your list.

I certainly would not say a small adjustment for free play is a failure.

martureo · #40 11-29-2020, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

I certainly would not say a small adjustment for free play is a failure.

Let me put it this way.

I've reconditioned between 100-200 of these boxes. I don't guarantee that play will be eliminated when I recondition a box as there aren't any new components that I can source and I've only got so many decent used parts laying around.

The folks that complain the most about play are the ones who have the adjustment screw backed out all the way. And they are usually the ones that I either tell to get a new box or that I remind them of the terms and conditions they agreed to (so they don't complain about the box not being any better).

Adjusting that screw blindly trying to chase play is going to lead to premature wear on the pitman arm shaft teeth.

If the choice is replacing a tie rod end and sourcing another steering box... one is good for my PayPal account.

Rogviler · #41 11-29-2020, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martureo

You've got it backwards.

The adjustment nut isn't an adjustment nut. It's to adjust the initial lash in the box when assembled. You've turned a non-service item into a service item.

Play should be hunted for in wheel bearings, tie rod ends, the drag link and the idler arm before one goes to the steering box. And even going to the steering box I'd look at fluid level and condition before blaming the internal components.

The box is the least likely item to fail, don't start with it at the top of your list.

Okay, I'll try one more time... How about my actual point written in the form of a question: If you have six inches of play in your steering solely from worn ball joints and such, how are you able to adjust that down to no play simply by fiddling with the steering box? Is the steering box magical?

Not at all arguing that it's an adjustment for the home user to make or that you should do it first before anything else or that you shouldn't replace your tie rods that are flopping around like a dead fish or that steering boxes aren't expensive or that they aren't robust or trying to offend anyone who really loves the factory-spec steering...

martureo · #42 11-29-2020, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogviler

Okay, I'll try one more time... How about my actual point written in the form of a question: If you have six inches of play in your steering solely from worn ball joints and such, how are you able to adjust that down to no play simply by fiddling with the steering box? Is the steering box magical?

Not at all arguing that it's an adjustment for the home user to make or that you should do it first before anything else or that you shouldn't replace your tie rods that are flopping around like a dead fish or that steering boxes aren't expensive or that they aren't robust or trying to offend anyone who really loves the factory-spec steering...

Thank you for clarifying.

t walgamuth · #43 11-29-2020, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogviler

Okay, I'll try one more time... How about my actual point written in the form of a question: If you have six inches of play in your steering solely from worn ball joints and such, how are you able to adjust that down to no play simply by fiddling with the steering box? Is the steering box magical?

Not at all arguing that it's an adjustment for the home user to make or that you should do it first before anything else or that you shouldn't replace your tie rods that are flopping around like a dead fish or that steering boxes aren't expensive or that they aren't robust or trying to offend anyone who really loves the factory-spec steering...

I don't see how anybody could get 6" of play in one of these without something falling off.

Rogviler · #44 11-29-2020, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

I don't see how anybody could get 6" of play in one of these without something falling off.

Exactly. That's about how much play I had though, and again, every front end component was replaced for no change. Anyone with a crapton of play can't possibly have all that in the joints and linkages.

I keep waiting for someone to come up with a Sanden AC-like solution for a power steering upgrade. No matter how legit you think the stock system is, the fact remains that once the play in the box gets too much and there aren't any more new replacements you're going to have a giant paperweight. Or maybe you can fit a couple of mower decks to your car so you can keep both sides of the road mowed as you weave back and forth. Then send the county a bill for your efforts.

t walgamuth · #45 11-29-2020, 11:02 PM

Perhaps someone can make a rack conversion kit.