Well, I just ordered myself a new steering coupler for my 300SD. I know the steering box has to be moved or the steering column pulled back. I'm going to try the latter as it seems it would be a PIA to remove the box, though i do have access to a lift. Is there much work required to remove a steering column? Also, most importantly, what is the best way to line up the new coupler? I can mark the old one, but can I just turn the new one around to mark it? In the picture of a new coupler, it has very fine splines, so I want to get it back on where it belongs. So could I just hold the old marked one, and put the new one at the end of it and mark it, or would it be backwards? This probably doesn't make any sense, but please chime in if you've done the procedure before.
Thanks
David

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2000 Honda Accord V6 137k miles

1972 300SEL 4.5 98k miles

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It is probably similar to the job on the 107.

You pull the steering wheel and the combo switch, then 3 or 4 allen screws that hold the steering column in. Unfasten the coupler and pull the steering column up a couple of inches and remove the coupler. Reassemble in reverse order.

It is important to get the splined joints back in their orginal position because otherwise the turn signals don't cancel correctly. I used a dab of paint on each side. Same with the steering wheel.

I did outline the procedure on the SL Forum. It is buried far down in the discussion and it covers the replacement of the steering box, but it hass the steps for the coupler.

Fixed rough idle, 380sl and steering play, read!

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Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe

But how do I get the new coupler to line up? If I mark the old one to the box, how do I line the new one to the box? Isn't the steering shaft squared, so if I line it to the column, then it will go right back onto the box? I'm probably making this more complicated than it is, I just don't want to get lost in the middle.
Thanks
David

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2000 Honda Accord V6 137k miles

1972 300SEL 4.5 98k miles

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Steering coupler should be exactly horzontal with the wheels pointed straight ahead, steering wheel level. Usually a locking tool to hold the box at this point, but you may not be able to find it or use it (no room on the W108).

You can spray some spraypaint into the "slot" on the coupler to mark the shaft for the gap, then install the new one so the paint is in the gap, or put some paint on both coupler and shaft, then put the new coupler back to back with the old one and transfer the mark by painting the new one in the same spot. Anything so that you can put the new coupler on the steering box on exactly the same position on the splines as the old one.

It may be eaiser to move the steering box -- three bolts and it's loose, no need to disconnect the steering linkages. Just support and slide forward.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

Then should I use a transmission jack since it will be on a lift to hold the box? With just myself (I'm a small guy for being 18), will I be able to hold the box up and get the coupler off without dropping the box on my head? Or should I maybe do this on the ground and try to hold the box up from the top?
Thanks
David

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2000 Honda Accord V6 137k miles

1972 300SEL 4.5 98k miles

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David:

You will still have the box attached to the linkage, but it is fairly heavy. Get a helper if you think it may be too much, and watch you don't pinch your fingers.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!