Steering Box Rebuild on 1971 280sl

[toms]

Determined that there is no further adjustments that can be made to my steering box to eliminate excess play. Evaluated other sources of excess play provided by other members on this board (thanks!) Would like to rebuild the steering box myself (new gears, bushings, etc) and wonder if this is a difficult DIY project. Any thoughts on this before I get myself in trouble would be appreciated. Thanks and happy holidays!

[ctaylor738]

I have never tried this, but my trusty Haynes manual has a 35 step procedure, and doesn't show any special tools. My CD for the 114 has a lot of detail and does call for a special 17 mm wrench and some odd pliers.

I would say go for it. The worst that will happen is that you will have to send it as a core on a rebuild.

Good luck.

[toms]

Chuck, thanks for the reply. I am going to give it a shot and post a response back on the relative difficulty for non-mechanical type like myself.

[ctaylor738]

0h, Tom -

I was thinking that you were a fair mechanic to even attempt this. You definitely need a serious vise, a complete set of standard mechanics' tools, a clean place to work, solvents, grease, etc.

I definitely would not categorize this as a place to start!

But good luck and keep us posted. There are a number of places in Hemmings that sell rebuilts.

[toms]

While I have the space to work and most of the needed tools, I also wonder if messing with the steering is a good place to start my foray into self service. Even the concept of starting with a rebuilt unit and installing same may be too aggressive for an inexperienced (but willing to learn!) home mechanic, even with the manual by my side. Think I will wait for another opportunity that is less mission critical. Thanks for your post!

[Jim Villers]

Tom ... Before tearing down the steering box, be absolutely sure that that is the problem. We talked about your steering play several months ago. I assume that you have done the tests suggested and that this is not power steering. The removal of the box is relatively easy. Remove the front wheel, remove the tie rod end from the pitman arm (requires a pickle fork or strong puller) remove the bolt from the steering column universal joint, remove the two bolts from the fender well that hold the steering box to the frame and it should be out. Now what ... if you are a good mechanic, lots of guts and a good manual, try adjusting the bearings. If not, swap it out for another uniit or take it to a good Mercedes shop. If you need a source for another unit, email me offline.

While the unit is out, be sure to replace the three plastic bushings in the universal joint.

[toms]

Jim, thanks for your post. I tried all of the tips that you and others gave me to determine if I could get by without rebuilt box, including your mention of the three bushings. Everything checked out. I tried adjusting the steering box and the adjustment nut has no additional room for adjustment. At this point, I need to either live with the steering play (ugh!) or go with the rebuild.

On another note, I have completed the work on sound deadening and just waiting for the salt to clear the road before I evaluate the results. Will let you know how this turns out.