I have removed the steering gear box as there was about 2-3" of play in the steering wheel. I wanted to try to adjust the play by adjusting the allen bolt/lock nut combination and, after doing so, I have been able to remove some of the play and, overall, the gear action (as I spin the shaft that connects to the steering gear box with my fingers) seems to be smoother. My problem is that I can still spin that shaft about a 1/16 of a turn before there is a feeling of gear engagement and before I can see the pitman arm start to move. I can't believe that kind of play is normal (imagine how that will translate into play once your hands are further out from the center of the pivot holding the steering wheel).

My questions are, first, am I right that that much play is unreasonable (and unsafe and hard on my tires)? Second, can I rebuild the steering gear box and will a rebuild remove that play? Third, if you say that I can't, can someone else? Fourth, if you say someone else can, who? Fifth, if a rebuild won't solve this then from whom do you reccomend I obtain a replacement? Finally, am I missing something or should I be asking a different question?

Usually if the box has too much play after adjustment , replace it with a rebuilt. It is cheaper and less time consuming than rebuilding yourself. Usually if they leak and dont present a problem with slack we would replace all internal and external seals and re-install the unit. The guys here can probably locate you a quality rebuilt unit. Good luck

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euro 287
Mercedes Technician 7 Years (retired to Hyundai)
2000 Dodge Durango
98 Mazda truck

This one doesn't leak so whatever is wrong (and again, I am assuming that that is to much play) is wrong mechanically inside the box. What is curious is that even if I crank the adjustment bolt so tight that I can't move the pitman arm via turning the input shaft, I can still move the input shaft that 1/16 of a turn and I can still move the pitman arm enough so that the ball joint end of the arm moves about 3/4".

Anybody want to argue that that is normal? Anybody else want to make a reccomendation on having it rebuilt? Anybody else want to indicate what they believe a reasonable price for a rebuilt unit is? I'd appreciate any response you might have.

Sounds like you need a rebuilt unit , we usually pick them up for 3-350 depending on supplier. Have you tried looking on partsshop yet? I would probably start there.

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euro 287
Mercedes Technician 7 Years (retired to Hyundai)
2000 Dodge Durango
98 Mazda truck

The price I was telling you is for most 123,124 cars . What type of Mercedes is this by the way?

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euro 287
Mercedes Technician 7 Years (retired to Hyundai)
2000 Dodge Durango
98 Mazda truck

Sorry, I usually remember to leave that information. '89 300TE. M103 engine. W124 body (wagon).