Adjusting steering gear to remove play.

[230/8]

I have searched this forum for some advice on this and did find a thread dealing with 123s that indicated adjustments of the steering gear were counter-intuitive. As I understand the advice, one must loosen the locknut and then turn the allen screw CCW to remove play. Seems the adjuster is just the reverse of what one would expect. Can anyone provide confirmation of this? I am interested in removing some play in the gear assembly. I have thoroughly inspected my 72 350SL 4.5 and can find no worn suspension parts that would be suspected as the source of free play in the steering wheel. The car wanders a good bit, not rock solid and steady like my 230/8 sedan. Alignment is fine, good caster settings and all that, no unusual tire wear, so I think a slight adjustment to remove the play is in order.

Any advice on the proper method from the true experts?

Thanks in advance,

230/8

[nachi11744]

I am interested in removing some play in the gear assembly. I have thoroughly inspected my 72 350SL 4.5 and can find no worn suspension parts that would be suspected as the source of free play in the steering wheel. The car wanders a good bit, not rock solid and steady like my 230/8 sedan

Hello,
You do realize that the two chassis have the same suspension systems front and back.
The steering box maybe the same part, IIRC, all the early 107s had a 11.5mm reaction piston set up, so did the W114/115s. What year is your 230/8? From 1968 to 1970, the W108 type box was used by the /8s, when pilot production of the 107 began with the /8 suspension, the 107 worm and sector box superceded the *older* worm and peg type box on the /8.
The steering box adjuster is turned CCW to REDUCE the lash between the worm and sector as the tooth profile is like this \. This also applies to the older worm and peg box.
The subframe mounts may be squished and soft on the 107, causing the whole front end to move around and cause *self steering*.
The 4.5 is a heavy iron lump, 2.3 four bearing six is as elegant and lightweight as a six can possibly get. You should get out a pry bar and check all bushings for wear.
Hope that helps.

[230/8]

Thanks for the feedback, and yes I was aware of the similarities between the 230/8 and 107 chassis. My 230/8 is a 69, so sounds like it would have the 108 style of steering gear, and my 350SL is very early so it would have the later worm/sector style. I have checked very carefully for loose components and find none at fault, so will see if a little lash adjustment will help. To further clarify my comments, the wander is really a bit of on-center wander that requires my attention as I drive. One of those nagging little things, not something that I view as a major problem at all, but if it can be corrected with adjustment, I'll try it.

Thanks again,

230/8

[nachi11744]

the steering coupling, center tie rod and the idler arm bushings, though my experience with idler arm bushing wear is that the car will run down road camber if it is very loose and tend to develop a *pull* if it is seized.
Does your 107 see only infrequent use?
The steering box lash adjustment should be a last resort, but I think you already know that.
Have a good week.

[230/8]

Understood. The car sees summer use, but is in splendid condition with, as I said, no apparent wear on suspension parts. My 230/8 is solid, so in my mind is a good comparison. The play appears to be in the steering. Move the wheel but there is no corrresponding movement of the linkage until that little bit of play is taken up. Not too serious, just a bit annoying when one is accustomed to the rock solid feel of the sedan.

When the garage floor is a bit warmer I wiill slide under and check the adjustment.

Thanks for the advice.

230/8

[RickM]

Is there a shock used to dampen the steering? I've seen this mentioned as a contributor to sloppy steering/ excessive play.

[230/8]

Yes, and it appears to be just fine. All the usual bad actors have been checked and seem to be in good shape. So, I am left with the gear itself, which will be slightly adjusted to see if there is a positive affect on the condition. Nothing wild or crazy, just a little bit of take up in the slack to see if it helps.

230/8

[kip Foss]

Also check the coupling between the shaft coming from the steering wheel and the steering box. I had mine replaced and it took a great deal of slop out of the system. You can see this coupling from the engine compartment. Find the shaft coming from the steering wheel and watch it while someone giggles the wheel. You can see the slop easily.