I have a 300CD that has steering memory, if my last turn was to the left it pulls left or if the last turn was to the right it pulls right. It has been getting worse lately, I've had it aligned, changed the p/s fluid, checked all the joints etc. and tried to adjust the sector. I have found no problems with any of this and the tires wear ok. I think it must be in the p/s but it all seems normal, no growls or twitching standing still. Any ideas?
Jerryb

Your steering column shaft could be binding. Get the front wheels off the ground. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel lock to lock. Should turn freely w/o any binding. If you feel any rough spots or binding or hear any funny noises, start looking in that area. Providing all the previous diagnosis was correct.

__________________
Jeff Lawrence
1989 300e
2000 Dodge Grand Caravan SE
No matter what you fix, there will always be something else to fix..
"Warranty" is just another way of postponing the inevitable.

Jeff,
I've done that, everything is normal, I've also checked the rear sub-frame and trailing arm and all the mounts and bushings are tight.
Jerryb

Jerry, a couple of things come to mind. How is your steering damper? A power steering box needs inputs to produce outputs. If you are saying that after a left turn and after you bring the wheel to center, it will start to track to the left. How are you making the determination? W/O any steering inputs from you, ie. corrective or neutral inputs, the car still tracks to the left and/or to the right. Are you driving on the highway? Is the road noticeably crowned? When you describe a turn to the left or right, is it a small steering displacement or a large one at low speed? If it wanders at speed, either to the right or left, then it can only be a steering component or something amiss in the suspension, usually the toe angle.. Another thought.. make sure the universal coupling between the steering shaft and the steering box is not loose or damaged. It is easy to miss something when inspecting a suspension. Control arm bushings can also be suspect. I guess it would help to know how severe the pull actually is..

__________________
Jeff Lawrence
1989 300e
2000 Dodge Grand Caravan SE
No matter what you fix, there will always be something else to fix..
"Warranty" is just another way of postponing the inevitable.

Steering dampner is new, it pulls with no input, needs slight pressure to correct. It does it on all roads, 2 lane, freeway etc. After 15 to 20 miles and a few turns it gets gradualy better until the pull is gone.
Thanks,
Jerryb

Sounds like a steering gearbox adjustment problem to me. I overtightened mine once many years ago. Result was a car that wouldn't quite go straight. It was always just a little bit to the left or a little bit to the right. Very annoying.

Simple to cure - I added a bit of slack to the steering. Just loosen the locknut on the steering box and turn the allen head bolt *in* a little bit - start with perhaps a quarter turn. See if this improves things. Five minute job on your 123 diesel.

That was my thought also, as I remember something like this on another car, not a Benz. I tried last week but the allen bolt is stuck to the lock nut, I can loosen the lock nut but can't get enough leverage to budge the allen screw. When I get more time I will get a allen socket and extension so I can get a longer handle on it.
Thanks,
Jerryb