1984 380 SL, Steering Wheel Box Adjustment

[Jean-Claude]

I have a 1984 380 SL and would like to know how to adjust the steering wheel gear box. I have not done this before and would like a step by step instructions
Thanks
Jean-Claude

[nobby]

J.C. tell us that this is the last step in your ongoing quest for tighter steering?
You have checked all other aspects of the steering and suspension system like tie rods, control arm bushings, subframe bushings steering coupler etc?

If so, then you need to find the top of the steering box. You will find an allen key screw with a jam nut. Loosen the jam nut CCW and to "tighten" the box turn the allen key screw CCW in small increments (1/4 turn) . Tighten it too much....and you will accelerate the demise of your newly tightened box.
Everyone likes a tight box. Good luck.

[Deltacom]

Originally Posted by Jean-Claude

I have a 1984 380 SL and would like to know how to adjust the steering wheel gear box. I have not done this before and would like a step by step instructions
Thanks
Jean-Claude

Hi Jean-Claude,

The 107 have inherent play on the stering, and it is important as Nobby said to check all other components to ascertain the source of steering play.

To adjust the steering box on the 107 you will need two 3/8 extension bars 15 to 18 inches long, a 19mm crowfoot socket, an articulate 3/8 socket and a 6mm ex allen key, remove the two sparkplug ignition leads from the sparkplugs on the two cylinders nearest to the brake servo (just above the steering box) to insert the two bars between the exhaust manifold and cylinder head. Place the crowfoot socket on the nut with the bar connection to your left as you look down the nut, insert the allen key into the head of the adjusting bolt and loosen the nut ½ turn, adjust the bolt by turning the bolt to the left (anticlockwise) but only by a ¼ of a turn and tighten the nut. Test the steering ply with engine running and repeat the process until you obtain about ½ inch play on the outer rim of the steering wheel. If the adjusting bolt on the steering box already protrudes over 15mm above the nut no further adjustment is possible.

[nobby]

Originally Posted by Deltacom

Hi Jean-Claude,

The 107 have inherent play on the stering, and it is important as Nobby said to check all other components to ascertain the source of steering play.

To adjust the steering box on the 107 you will need two 3/8 extension bars 15 to 18 inches long, a 19mm crowfoot socket, an articulate 3/8 socket and a 6mm ex allen key, remove the two sparkplug ignition leads from the sparkplugs on the two cylinders nearest to the brake servo (just above the steering box) to insert the two bars between the exhaust manifold and cylinder head. Place the crowfoot socket on the nut with the bar connection to your left as you look down the nut, insert the allen key into the head of the adjusting bolt and loosen the nut ½ turn, adjust the bolt by turning the bolt to the left (anticlockwise) but only by a ¼ of a turn and tighten the nut. Test the steering ply with engine running and repeat the process until you obtain about ½ inch play on the outer rim of the steering wheel. If the adjusting bolt on the steering box already protrudes over 15mm above the nut no further adjustment is possible.

I forget that my SL with the M110 is so much easier.

[billmixer]

on my 83 380 replacing the "steering coupling" was all that was needed to tighten it up

[meltedpanda]

should be noted that one inch of play from center 1/2 inch each way is "normal" ( outside range)

[Jean-Claude]

Thank you all
I have replaced the tie rods, control arm bushings, subframe bushings and steering coupler and stiil have about 1.25" of play. However, the left upper ball joint needs replacing. I have ordered the ball joints to replace this weekend. Do you think the excessive steering play is caused by the ball joint?

[meltedpanda]

perhaps, all will help,and if those parts need R/R then you are further ahead , ultimately, however it may be in the box, does yours have a steering shock did you replace that as well?

[Jean-Claude]

Mine have a steering shock. I replaced it two weeks ago thinking it will solve the excessive steering play. Thanks

[JonL]

Loose wheel bearings can also give a bit of steering wheel free play.

[meltedpanda]

if your wheel bearings are bad enough to give it slop, stop driving it !!!