I need to replace the power steering gear box in my 300E and was wondering how to remove the stabilizer bar and tie rod (not sure if that’s what they are called) from the pitman arm. I need to remove them without damaging the rubber cover/protector.

I did a search on this and found this write up on the subject, but it doesn’t say how bodyart27 disassembled them.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/107869-pics-steering-box-swap.html#post744562

Once I get these two things disconnected I think I can reach the lines and disconnect them.

Thanks for the advice,
GC

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GC
1987 300E 104K
1984 300CD 112k R.I.P

You take them off with a wrench. You might need a pickle fork to separate them once the nut is off, but basically you take the nut off and bang it out. The one you can't see has the nut on the other side.

It may be easier with the front suspension unloaded, so you might want to jackstand the entire front end.

As far as the boot goes, you just need to try to be careful not to tear it. It might be time to replace the boot anyway if it's been getting power steering fluid on it. PS fluid can do some interesting things to certain rubber types. Not as dramatic as brake fluid, but interesting none the less. From the pic, I'd say your boots look okay, but it's hard to tell 100% from a picture.

If all is good boot wise, make sure they have plenty of grease before reinstallation.

One more thing - If you've never taken apart the steering before, you're better be really careful to put everything back properly and make sure that you obey the torque specs. You really don't want that nut to work loose when you're driving.

-tp

Thanks for the info.

I'll try the pickle fork approach to separate the pitman arm from the tie rod end and the steering stabilizer end after the nuts are removed (ouch!!!).

The only thing I've done before was replace the steering coupler on the 84 300CD. This time, as you suggested, I will mark and try to put everything back the way it came off.

Thanks for the input!!

__________________
GC
1987 300E 104K
1984 300CD 112k R.I.P

If you can get away without the pickle fork, the boots will fare better.

While you've got them apart, feel the joints for tightness. You should be almost unable to move them by hand when new. If they move easily and have play, it's probably time for a replace.

-tp

This is THE TOOL. Cost me $30 at a local musky old parts store. Don't expect to find it at the usual national parts dealers. Well worth the $ considering it only took a few minutes compared to trying to get a pickle fork to work.

Added benefit is having more time to enjoy Sam Adams

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Bob,

I think I found the tool and ordering it, having the right tool for the job is always a good thing!


http://www.amazon.com/Tie-Rod-Ball-Joint-Lifter/dp/B000HTRMJ6


Thank you very much!!!!

__________________
GC
1987 300E 104K
1984 300CD 112k R.I.P

In my experience, the Sam Adams helps even more than the tool.....


-tp

Bob,

The tool worked like a charm!! It took more time to realize how to set it to remove the tie rod end off the pitman arm than it took to seprate them.

Thanks again!!!

The Sam Adams tastes much better now!

__________________
GC
1987 300E 104K
1984 300CD 112k R.I.P

is it possable to remove the steering gear without loosing the alignment?

Why chance it?
I have separated the pitman arm from the joints by hitting the pitman itself with a hammer. I did this with a junkyard car so I can remove the whole steering box for my 560SEL which is a project I will be doing next week. That is I will be again, removing the existing one and install in its place the one I got from the junkyard. I have scheduled an alignment after I do the swap.