The bolts holding the box to the frame wall, did they shear?

__________________
63 220S W111
76 300D W115
2013 VW JSW TDI M6

previously-
73 280 SEL 4.5
86 300E 5 speed
2010 VW Jetta TDI M6

Any other ideas?

I have lots of ideas but you need to look under your car! If the steering box is still firmly attached to the frame wall, then you may have answered your own question. The pitman arm or lower part of the box may have broken. Unthinkable.

__________________
63 220S W111
76 300D W115
2013 VW JSW TDI M6

previously-
73 280 SEL 4.5
86 300E 5 speed
2010 VW Jetta TDI M6

Thanks. I will be looking under the car today.
When I have more speciifics, I'll get back to you
all.

Whatever it was, good timing on your part.

Kind of like coasting into a gas station.

__________________
Norm in NJ
Next oil change at 230,000miles

Turns out Joshol was right- the bolts holding the steering box to
the frame broke and the gear fell down basically creating all the chaos.
I'm in the process of getting the broken bolt bits out of the box and hopefully
reinstalling tomorrow.'
And yes. thank God I was cruising home when it happened!

Rick

I hope that Only the bolts broke. You'll need to carefully check the frame wall area for cracks. If so, it will have to be welded.
A regular maintenance item is to check the torque of those steering box bolts. It is around every 25,000 miles. (Guessing off the top of my head) It has happened to others. Do a search of the archives and you will find better info than I can provide.

Good luck with it.

__________________
63 220S W111
76 300D W115
2013 VW JSW TDI M6

previously-
73 280 SEL 4.5
86 300E 5 speed
2010 VW Jetta TDI M6