Steering Box Slop / Clunk w126

[JamesDean]

Hey everyone,

I just adjusted the steering box on my green 300SD with very positive results. The car drives infinitely better and has no slop in the steering.

So I decided I would do this to my gold 300SD as well. Its steering is a bit sloppy. I adjusted it and theres no slop however there is still some play in the wheel. I can wiggle the wheel about and it has no effect on the steering once so ever. I can see the coupler/shaft moving at the input to the steering box but nothing else.

I'm not sure whats going on here? Is the box in need of a rebuilt? Its got 140k on it, comparatively less than green (270k) and black (210k) which are both play-free.

Any ideas would be appreciated

Thanks,

Kris

[JohnM.]

It could be a worn coupler. But most likely is the box. I've driven cars with all sort of mileage and the boxes go from like new in feel to worn out as hell. Seems to be no rhyme or reason to it.

[JamesDean]

I looked at the coupler, the movement was the same before and after it. So that makes me think its not the couple? I could be wrong though...

[Stretch]

Have you seen the best rebuild link I've found so far?

steering gear box interchangability

Link in the post... I'm half way through mine!

[JohnM.]

Originally Posted by Army

Have you seen the best rebuild link I've found so far?

steering gear box interchangability

Link in the post... I'm half way through mine!

That is a bit involved, but a great write-up nonetheless! Bookmarked for future reference no doubt. Might be easier just to rebuild a spare box outside the car and then just swap them out!

[Stretch]

Originally Posted by JohnM.

That is a bit involved, but a great write-up nonetheless! Bookmarked for future reference no doubt. Might be easier just to rebuild a spare box outside the car and then just swap them out!

If you want involved look at the FSM!