Hey,

I'm working on reviving my 87 560 SEL from it's long winter nap and put it back into daily driving. I noticed the steering was a bit stiffer then it was last summer. Possibly because of the cold (Even though stored in heated garage) but maybe it needs something else? Is it possible to lube the gearbox or do something to ease the steering tension?

Thanks for any info...



-Matt
87 560 SEL
96 Lincoln Town Car

One suggestion is to check the steering damper (shock) mounted in the steering linkage. Check for previous posts on this subject. I recall someone replacing one recently.
You can check by disconnecting one of the mounting bolts and checking the action of the shock.

I was told my year car does not have this shock, just W140 series S-class cars. I don't know what to believe. Where would I access this shock if I did in fact have one?

Steering Shock on 87 560 SEL
 

All 126 series have a steering shock underneath the engine in the center. Real easy to see and replace. Also check tire pressure, change and flush th epower steering fluid. The old stuff may have turned to gum, or, more likely the vanes in the pump are gumed up from sitting and the pump is not putting out enough pressure.

Hey,

I changed my power steering filter tonight and the steering seems much looser. The fluid is brown in color in the resovior. Is that the correct color?

I also changed my transmission filter, and think I found the steering shock. Does it run horizontially or vertically? I saw something that looked like a shock running horizontially behind the oil pan but in front of the trans pan, kind of up in the engine. Is that it? Either way, mine probably needs to be changed.

Is changing this shock something a do-it-yourselfer can handle? Do you need a front-end alignment after changing it?

Thanks much for your advice!


-Matt

You can change the steering shock by yourself. It is the horizontal one. It should take you less time to change then changing your oil. Check it first. They are a normal service item and are not too expensive.

Stiff PS bad fluid
 

The power steering fluid (MBZ stuff)is light amber and clear when new and should not be darker than strong tea.

If ATF has been substituted--it should be clear red.

If it is dark and opaque, change it, run a few minutes truning steering lock to lock, change it again, repeat until it stays clear. Repeat in 2 weeks.

How would I go about draining the fluid from the system? I changed a ps pump on my 1987 300 SDL so I'm a bit familiar with the components. It does sound like my fluid needs to be changed. Thanks.