Steering

[jude]

I have a 1989, 300E with almost 100,000 miles. Lucky me also has a friend with a stable of m.b diesels and other vehicles that he keeps healthy. He has also lent his talents and energies to keeping my car rolling along. Unfortunately my car has developed sloppy steering. My friend had repaired this problem on one of his cars, but when he looked at mine he determined it was not so straightforward to fix as his. Any help would sure be appreciated.

Also, while you are helping me, my windshield spritzer stopped spritzing, not even a drop. Any clues? the openings seem to be clean.

Thanks,
jude



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[Steve Gutman]

Steering could be a few things. If you are not real handy, take it to the shop. Steering box adjustment is quite a chore.

For the washers, check for voltage at the pump, mounted to the washer fluid tank. Get someone to turn on the washers and if you get 12 volts and it doesnt move, replace the pump. You might want to replace the lines as well. Mine were clogged and the pump was bad. Only thing left is the nozzles.

[csnow]

Sloppy steering could be many things, but at that age and mileage you may be due for balljoints, and almost certainly idler arm bushings if these things have not already been replaced.
Any of the many bits that comprise the steering linkage could also be worn. Any joint with a torn boot is suspect.

Bet you have 'wandering' at speed, and 'darty' steering on rutted roads.

Best of luck.