3 inches of play after 1/4 turn - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Will_w202 · #1 01-12-2005, 01:42 PM

Ok, I'm trying to figure out what is worn here, or if this is normal. The car (97 C230) was purchased at 61k in March, so I don't know what it was like new. The steering has only an inch or less of play on center, but after maybe 1/4 turn, if I leave the wheel in that position, I have no less than a 3" dead spot, and when it hits resistance again, it makes a clunking noise. Steering damper?

nglitz · #2 01-12-2005, 02:46 PM

I'm sure you know that MB steering boxes adjust backwards from the rest of the world.

Turn the adjusting screw "out" to tighten the gear mesh inside. Be careful, though. A little bit goes a long way and too much is said to damage things.

My personal technique for finding steering play is to have a kid turn the wheel back & forth while hold my hand over each of the components. The loose one kind of jumps out at you that way. The steering damper has nothing to do with play, it just damps oscillations.

sokoloff · #3 01-12-2005, 07:41 PM

Norm is right about the sterring box adjustment, but the steering box ought to be the absolute last thing you ever do to try to reduce the play. It's unlikely that your problem is the steering box anyway on a '97. Also, since the play is within specs at the center position, I'd look for something else in the front end. Get someone who knows these cars to check it out for or with you.

Len

mpolli · #4 01-13-2005, 12:12 AM

Mine had too much play and the problem was the inner links on the center link (drag link). You replace this as an assembly including the tie rod ends. Mine did not clunk however and I don't recall it being different depending on rotation from straight. I would doubt it is the steering damper. It should not affect the play although I suppose technically it could clunk but not likely IMHO. Nglitz's technique is the best, but don't give the kid the keys... I will be interested to hear what the problem is.

Mike