I was turning my wheel the other day and my friend spotted a point in the steering where there is a dead spot, about 2-3 inch slack back and forth at a certain point both directions where the wheels don't move. not sure where I should start.

Inspect all the tie rods, pitman and idler arm, and the whole steering setup in general. If you don't find the slop there, it'll be the steering gear, or the steering column flex discs.

If somebody drove the car for any length of time with a front end vibration, chances are the steering gear is worn out. Seems to happen pretty quick from what I've seen.

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-tp


1990 300SE "Corinne"- 145k daily driver - street modified differential - PARTING OUT OR SELLING SOON - PORTLAND OR. AREA - PM ME FOR DETAILS
1988 560SEL "Gunther"- 190K passes anything except a gas station
1997 S420 - 265k just bought it with a rebuilt trans. Lovely condition

I'd bet it's the gearbox, but it's easy enough to check the rest of the "stuff" first.

FYI, if you need a steering gearbox, make sure it was a rebuilt from "C&M Hydraulics". Chris completely disassembles the box and his crew puts them back together right.

No affiliation, etc., he's just a good guy.

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There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
FrankenBenz: '87 560SEC with an '02 cammed LS6 and custom 4L60E.
Bling: '87 560SEC, ported/polished, lowered
Lisa: '87 560SEL, lowered

Where is the slack spot, in a turn or going straight?

Could be an alignment issue.

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A.S.E Tech A1,A6,A7,A8 & MVAC 609 + EPA 608

Unless stated otherwise, any question I ask is about my greymarket 1985 380SEL.

while the wheel is turned

Off center there will be more play than at center, 2" to 3" inches seems like too much. Thanks for the "plug" Mike.
If you have got questions, feel free to call. 702.734.8090

Chris

Does this much play require a new box or a rebuild?
mak

If there is that much play off center, I suspect there is too much at center. If the box has not been "rebuilt" by someone else, you might try a pitman shaft adjustment however I don't think it will help much. If the play is that much and in the box it will need to be replaced.

I drove the car today and you can't feel the slack spot when driving as you can while stopped. Steering tighens up a little at slow speed as well

When the car is stopped, engine running or not, it is normal for the steering wheel to move 1 1/2" to 2", if you move the steering wheel and watch for the tires to move. You are moving the reaction valve inside the gearbox, that is normal. To check for play, following how MBZ says to do it reqiures too much feel, when is the valve moving or is it play. I think the best way is to drive the car, if it feels normal when driving I would not worry about it. If you have any questions feel free to call. 702.734.8090

Chris

I see the steering fluid is leaking from some where. I replaced the seal to the ps fluid top but it still seems to be leaking although not as much. I was wondering if the is a way to drain & clean the system before addind new fluid?? Thanks for the input from the masses!!!

No drain - you just suck out the resovoir fluid and change the filter.

Common leak points:

Front seal and o-ring
resovoir at the bottom
return (lower pressure) hose.

Clean everything well and see where your leak is. george said dusting the area with talc powder after cleaning.. helps make the leak show up clearer.

Best of luck..

Michael

Might add on the original note-

With the wheel turned, there will be lots of play. You need to check play with the steering box centered. I think the manual says about 1 inch of slop on center is acceptable.


M

Sucked out the resovoir today that stuff looked 17 years old added fresh fluid did not have the filter. I will do it again when I get the filter