Steering play in C240
 

Hi everybody! My Dads 2000 C240 developed a little play in the steering rack on the left( driver side). My indie just tightened up the nut on top of the steering rack. Dealer says rack needs to be replaced and that you are not supposed to tighten that screw. Can anybody check in the repair manual if tightening is allowed please? Try to avoid a very painful repair for my dad.
Thanks,
Reinhard

since your euro I'm not certain if your C240 is a W203 - most likely, or a W202 - recirculating ball.

If it is a W203 go to https://www.mbwholesaleparts.com/StarTuned/html/index.html

use the archives and there are two articles on steering rack play, it may help you understand the working a little.


Gerhard Berger is the man.

Thank you, it is a W203. It does not completely answer my question though. The play is where the rack extends on the left side. Plainly said the rack moves a little up an down. On top of the rack is a large nut. Turning it tightens the assembly and the play is gone while steering still moves freely. Is this allowed. Dealer says you are not supposed to turn this nut.

This article shows how to adjust the nut. It is near the end of the article.
Step # 60.


http://www.davidpetryk.net/Mercedes/Steering.htm

The dealer is wrong. That nut can be adjusted.