We have a 280 coupe we have rehabed . After a sharp turn with maximum turn on wheel we now get a loud pop turning wheel right or left. Any ideas as what does this in the steering ,tie rods etc.

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The 114 chassis has both upper and lower ball joints than can pop, the same steering linkage as other cars, and has the additional posibilities of subframe mounts and stabilizer bushing brackets.

The stabilizer mounts to the chassis with two "u" brackets which have a tendency to loosen.

Another nasty occurance is the crumbling of the frame member where the steering box mounts. Check for bolt tightness and look for cracks radiating from the bolt holes. The problem with the frame is that its 3-4 inches thich and the bolts would crush the frame if it weren't for the inner structure. This is a second box made of two plates and the heavy tubes that the bolts go through. Part of the maintenance procedures was to retighten these bolts, but it seldom got done. A little looseness and the leverage of the power steering box flexed this assembly untill it cracks and has no more strength. Proper repair requires cutting a four inch hole in the outer rail and rewelding all the internal pieces back together. I have done at least ten of them over the years. Just rewelding and or reinforcing the outer cracks won't be sufficient. Without the inner structure ridgedly welded the whole thing is just too flexible for a power steering box to be attached.

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Steve Brotherton
Owner 24 bay BSC
Bosch Master, ASE master L1
26 years MB technician

Im bringing this one back from the dead, because Im having a similar pop on the front end of my 83 300D.

Doesnt occur when accelerating or braking, DOesnt happen when turning sharply going backwards, doesnt happen when turning the wheel side to side with the car stationary. But I get 6 pops on a 90 degree turn.

Guide rod mounts are new, and on tight, no cracks in the connections to the subframe. Ball joints look OK, according to an MB tech. Car drives OK, is stable at speed, and steering is fine other than the noise.

Seems to be steering related, so I hav to wonder if the w123 cars have problems with the power steeringbox coming loose as well.

Thanks,

JMH

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Current Diesels:
1981 240D (73K)
1982 300CD (169k)
1985 190D (169k)
1991 350SD (113k)
1991 350SD (206k)
1991 300D (228k)
1993 300SD (291k)
1993 300D 2.5T (338k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (442k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (265k)

Past Diesels:
1983 300D (228K)
1985 300D (233K)