w123 steering box questions
 

My 280te has more steering play than I would like. The steering gear box was just adjusted to the maximum amount but it is still too loose. Can I rebuild mine, does it make sense to buy a used one or should I buy a rebuilt unit? Does anyone know if it is the same part as a 300td box from the same year. And the last question; is how difficult is it to swap out?

I would try and fine a good used one since a rebuilt one is like $400


any W123 box should swap over

It should be the same box. Did the adjusting party turn the adjusting screw anticlockwise?

I have been able to adjust them successfully even with 300K miles on them.

Tom W

I assume he did it correctly it was adjusted by the owner of a very busy shop but then again.....who knows. I will give it another shot myself before I actually change it.

adjustment directions
 

How to reseal a MB steering gear
(Without loosing your balls)
Written by David Petryk
Photos by Gerard Buhlon










Have a great day.

Good idea. Adjusting the box on a 280e is tough down under the intake but a lot easier than changing out the box.

Tom W

Adjusting steering box
 

Hi,

Can you adjust the steering box without taking off the intake manifold?

Thanks

Hmmm
 

Need a little data first.
* YEAR
* MAKE
* Model

Sorry,

The car is 1983 280te.

I cannot see a way around taking off the intake manifold to adjust the steering box.

Thanks,

Keith

Could you reach up in there from underneath?