190e loose steering
 

Hey all,

I just bought my first Benz, a 85' 190e. It's Diamond Blue Metallic, I'll post some pics later. It's in excellent shape and has been well maintained over the years.

I notice while driving that my steering wheel is abit loose. It will turn about an inch either way without turning the wheels. My previous car was a BMW 325e which had very tight steering.

Is there any way to fix this? Suggestions?

Thanks in advance!
JP

Look at your Steering Bushing on the passenger side near the exhaust manifold. That wears and will cause play in the steering. Also check ball joints and all your tie-rod ends. Mine had play in it when I got it and it was that Bushing set that fixed it. Along with two new ball joints.

BMWs typically had rack and pinion in the 80s.

Your MB has a traditional steering box and a complex set of linkages.

Isolate it to steering linkage play vs. pre-linkage play.

Observe while someone turns the wheel within the dead space.
Often there is play in the steering box, which can be adjusted out.

Any 190 of that vintage will likely benefit from some steering box adjustment regardless of if there are other problems.

Next check all of the steering linkages and especially the idler arm bushings.