Testing for Bad Steering Gear - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Diseasel300 · #16 07-22-2020, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

I disagree that 1" is the best you can do on free play at the steering wheel. You can pretty much get it to zero without binding if you are careful on the adjustment in my experience. I have done this successfully with boxes with over 300K on them.

I never made the claim that 1" is the best you can do. I said it is normal. Pitman arm steering inherently has lash in the box and the linkage system. It is impossible to get it as tight and with "zero" slop like a rack and pinion system. The box adjustment does not act on the input shaft, slop due to wear of the gears cannot be adjusted out by tightening the box.

You CAN get the steering to "feel" like it has no slop by adjusting the box, but only after replacing the tie rods, drag link, idler arm bushing, and steering damper (if used).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Babybenz91

Just to chime in, came across this in the online manual, apparently the maximum amount of play should be no more than 25mm. Not sure if that is unrealistic but thought I would post the link. https://www.startekinfo.com/StarTek/outside/11832/Resources/201Create/PDF/10011.pdf

25.4mm = 1"

t walgamuth · #17 07-22-2020, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diseasel300

I never made the claim that 1" is the best you can do. I said it is normal. Pitman arm steering inherently has lash in the box and the linkage system. It is impossible to get it as tight and with "zero" slop like a rack and pinion system. The box adjustment does not act on the input shaft, slop due to wear of the gears cannot be adjusted out by tightening the box.

You CAN get the steering to "feel" like it has no slop by adjusting the box, but only after replacing the tie rods, drag link, idler arm bushing, and steering damper (if used).

25.4mm = 1"

Sorry to misquote you Diseasel.

IMHO you can get it pretty much down to were there is near zero free play between moving the steering wheel and the car's wheel moving. It will never feel as tight as a rack though but if all is good it is a very sweet steering feel.

maranelloboy05 · #18 07-23-2020, 08:47 AM

Yeah its not budging, tried getting the engine hot and trying and no dice. I did get a good deal on a Cosworth gear and just sent that off to be refurbed.