1984 MB 190D

I was wondering if there is any way to somehow tighten the steering so that there is very little play in the steering wheel before the wheels actually start moving. As you know the steering wheel is huge on these cars and then the play before the wheels actually start moving is big too so its hard to take tight turns without moving the steering wheel like a full turn. I drive VW's every day so i am used to the tight steering and am wondering if there is any way to adjust this on the mercedes?

25mm, one inch, is the spec on steering wheel play. The steering box can be adjusted, but ought to be the absolute last thing you do to take out play. All of your front suspension must be tight first. I've got an '83 240D that I've had since new and the steering box has never been touched and is still very tight. When my steering starts to get a little sloppy, it has always been something in the suspension that is wrong and not the box. You can do a whole lot of damage adjusting a box that doesn't need it. By now the entire front end of your car should have been rebuilt. If it hasn't, then I bet that's where your problem lies.

Len

Don't know about the 190's, but I changed the steering damper on my 126 and it tightened right up. Cost is minimal.

before u start udjusting the steering box,check your tie rods and drag link for play .Lift up car on the front.have someone move the front tires left to right in very short move ment.than u look underneath and see if the tie rods have any play.if they do replace them.possible u have high milage so i would relace them anyways.of course u need a aligment afterwards.als check the grag linc for play.most likely it is worn too.after checking and or replaced stuff the steering box can be adjusted.just dont udjust without checking for play