options for a replacement steering box for a 107?

[speedy72t]

My box is toast. Leaking fluid and lots of play. The play doesn't seem to be the lash between the teeth at all but the lower bearing alowing the shaft to move back and forth so it's time to look for a different box. I'm going to go check out a local car being parted out to see what the condition of the steering box is but if not what am I looking at? $600 for a rebuild? Anyone have any experience with a reputable rebuilder?

[kip Foss]

If it is only the bearing and the seal that are bad you can replace those. If you are mechanically inclined enough to get the box out and back in they you can change the seal and bearings also. The money is in getting the box out. Once the box is out you could take it to MB and get them to do it. They are going to charge you $200 by the time it is over but they should be able to adjust the box properly.

Also chek the coupling between the steering shaft that comes out of the car into the engine compartment and the box. You can turn the wheel slightly and watch the shaft to see if there is slack in the coupling.

[speedy72t]

I'd gladly take it to MB and have them do the work but frankly I don't think they could do it. They don't seem to know there way around the old cars very well. I've allready pulled all the tie rods so it's just a few more bolts before the box is out. Any reputable place to ship the box for a full rebuild?

[Steve Gutman]

Meridian Auto Parts will rebuild your steering box. I bought my wife's rack and piniion there for a good price (with core exchange). Go to: http://www.meridianautoparts.com/

[Steve Gutman]

This thread shows a pic of the place that rebuilt the box:
Pics of Steering Box Swap
Good luck. (This job is in my future as well.)

[speedy72t]

I called these guys. I'd say there the ones selling wholesale to the other places I called. $325 plus $29 for round trip shipping. Not bad at all. I've got someone locally parting out a "low mileage" 76. He only wants $45 for the box, so I'm going to check it out but I expect it to be as tired as mine is. Thanks for the info.

[sublettd]

I replaced the steering box in my 500 SL a couple years ago with a rebuilt one from http://www.************************ . Paid about $250.00 for it during one of their 15% off sales. Their current catalog lists it for $465.00. You may be able to call them and finagle a discount over the phone. FWIW, my mechanic said it was the best rebuilt one he'd ever seen.

I've probably put 20,000 miles on the car since the replacement and the steering is as tight as the day the box was replaced.

Some folks here badmouth PP, but I've had nothing but good experiences with them...even with a couple of item returns.

[RickM]

The rebuilder on Ebay is $289 with free Shipping..... Item #7994574558

[ctaylor738]

I installed a unit from the guys in San Diego (previous post), and it worked very well.