A few questions

[JHZR2]

Hi,

I have an 83 300D with 172K miles on it. I will be taking it on a longer drive (NJ-FL) at the end of march, and want to ensure that it is safe. The issues I have are a rub mark on one of the struts in front and a lot of play on the steering wheel.
The rub on the strut I assume cannot be due to the tire, but there must be something, and I will get the dealer to check it out. I have looked at past threads regarding the sloppy steering due to the play. What Id like to know is an idea of how much it would cost to get the common major components of the front end replaced(so I can set aside the money). Additionally, what common things in the front end that arent steering related(are there such things?) go bad, so I can know what to expect when I take it in. I dont want to encounter any problems with it on this drive.

Secondly, I got new tires and it hadsnt been alligned for a while, so Im going to get that done since Im having the suspension and steering looked at anyway. Are there certain components that could be so bad that it wouldnt be possible to get the allignment done without their replacement? Since I am almost expecting things to be done, I just want to be as informed as possible so I dont get taken if they want to make a few extra $$$.

The third question is that I have noticed a few spots of rust under the paint, and on one seam by the back bumper, it seems that the seam between two pieces has cracked a bit, causing the paint to crack too, and rust to come in. How difficult/expensive of a job is it to get sopts where rust has develloped under the paint fixed? What about that seam? It must be a weld of some sort or something like that, Im not completely sure though.

The next question is regarding the power antenna. It doesnt work at all, and whats worse, it wont stay in a completely out position, the topmost pieces slide back down. It also seems a bit crooked, and I doubt it gives me the best reception possible(although it is good). Is it possible to take the mast off and just attach a regular wire-wrapped whip antenna onto the base? It would look better, and probably give bnetter reception. Otherwise, any idea how much it would cost me to get that replaced?

The final question is regarding the cell phone antenna on the rear window. It is one that somehow transmits through the glass to an external antenna. It has a wire that goes into the headliner, but I havent been able to locate the end of it, nor is there a mount for a cell phone or anything. I almost think this antenna is a factory option, as I have seen a lot of 123s with the exact same thing on them. Is it an option? If so, where is the other end of the wire? And, what kind of wire is it? If it is a coaxial type, That would be great as I could attach my CB radio onto it, and if I get a little longer mast, I could get pretty good reception. Id love that.

Sorry this is so long, I have lots of things on my mind... Id appreciate any help I can get. Thanks very much,

John

I would try a search on these topics/questions you pose. I have done this and there is some good tips on there. I never did get a clear answer on the loose stearing as it regards the steering box. I did come across a tip in the STAR which helped mine tremendously. Turn the adjustment screw upward untill you meet a slight resistance w/o taking it all the way out. Or, untill you begin to get a lilttle fluid around the edge. Then turn downward 3/4 turn and that was it. I came away with much less play. Sounds backward, but it isn't.
Tony

[leathermang]

you asked "
Are there certain components that could be so bad that it wouldnt be possible
to get the allignment done without their replacement?"

The answer is Absolutely.... but you can't always trust the alingnment place to tell you that... many will go ahead and " align " it knowing it is meaningless without the new parts...I used to work as both mechanic and front desk for a front end shop.... but I don't know enough about MB specifically to say which items... but when you get them fixed you should do as complete a replacement as you are able ,, because leaving worn components in the system causes the new ones to wear out much faster than they would otherwise....

[JHZR2]

Thanks for telling me that, any suggestions of what might be the most common things to expect to have replaced? Im going to have the dealer do it, BTW, for hopes that if they see anything bad theyll want to sell me parts and let me know about it...

JMH

[BWatson]

The power antenna motor is probably toast. They say you can replace the gears if the motor works but for all the time and hassle, you can replace the whole deal for $125 brand new. If the bent antenna mast is the only problem, that is small bucks....at least here in Los Angeles.

The upper control arm bushings, tie rod assembly, drag link, ball joints, steering damper are all parts I have replaced. Some you can do yourself before alignment, some are a giant PIA to do yourself and are better left to the pro's. All the lower stuff like tie rod assemblies, drag link, steering damper, control arm rebuild is easy DIY stuff. Just count the turns when you take the old out and set the new the same. Then take it in for alignment.
I ordered the lower stuff here for about $115.00. Replace all worn parts BEFORE you mess with steering gear box adjustments.

[Capt Kirk]

I rebuilt the front end of my 300D.

It was pretty darn easy, dismantle one side (pretty funny to look at the wheel well when there's nothing in it) and put it all back together. Then move to the other side.

I replaced the following:

Ball Joints, Upper Control Arms, all the bushings in that area, shocks, Outer Tie Rods, Idler Arm Bushing (I figured out that it wasn't needed. If you have play in that area then replace it, but if you don't then don't worry about it because it's a PIA. That's another story though)

In all it took me about 3 days with about 3 hours of actual work a day, most of the time was me running back and forth to Jay's to get something to pop the Steering Knuckle off the lower Ball Joint. When I finally got the steering knuckle off it landed right on my toe, hurt REALLY bad (you can see it, my 2nd toe on the left kinda sits funny in relation to the others).

[Hans Ribbens]

Which bolt is it that adjusts the amount of play in the steering gear box?

[Capt Kirk]

The Allen Head Bolt on the top. You have to loosen the lock nut first then turn the Allen bolt Counter Clock wise to tighten it. Hold the Bolt in place and tighten up the lock nut.


Only do it in 1/4 turns though, it doesn't take much to tighten up the steering.

Hey Cap,

Thanks for the info on the steering box. I did this on our 'new' 240D and it fixed it right up.

I suspect this is why the car was made available to us so reasonably.

Regards,

Randy Roeges

[bjcsc]

Your other questions seem to have been addressed. My CD has the antenna, dealer installed as well. The end of it will fit and work on a CB radio (as I use one just like that in my Jeep). If you remove the passenger kick panel ( 3 phillips screws under glove box top edge, 2 plastic retainers (also phillips-push in hard when turning to avoid stripping them - 1/4 turn either direction)), you'll find it doubled right under the glove box, in the front.