W116 steering wheel play-solutions?

[mrkozzy]

My 1975 w116 has about 2" of free play in the steering wheel.
That means I can swing the steering wheel about 2" left and right (Off center) whilst driving without any discernible change in direction.
The car has lost that "nice tight" feel about it.
Obviously something is worn or wearing, however rather than trial and error, I thought to seek opinions as to what is the most likely cause(s) and remedy?

[Mike D]

The things to check. Tie rod ends, center link, idler arm, steering box mounting bolts and the steering coupler.

The coupler is usually evident by a "clunk" when you are turning the steering wheel.

Tie rod ends usually give you a "wander" or follow ruts in the rod as an indication of wear but extreme wear could give you the play.

The center link can definitely give you the slop feel and it could happen almost overnight.

The idler arm will usually give you more of a wandering than looseness but if the bushings completely fall apart it could give you the "play".

The steering gearbox bolts can snap and almost immediately give you the play. Check the bolts and mounting FIRST!!!!

Gearbox adjustment is always the LAST thing you try!

[rs899]

First (and easiest) place to check is the box to shaft coupling. On the W116 the rubber inserts can rot away and you are left with metal to metal and a lot of slop. I rebuilt mine with a piece of fuel hose- not that hard to do.

[mrkozzy]

Thanx guys.
Nicely spelt out, .... I know where to head.
Stoopid me would've gone for the steering box 1st! Derrrrrr......
Pays to ask.
Appreciate the replies.
Cheers

[whunter]

Here are some links that may help you.

How to reseal a MB steering gear
(Without loosing your balls)
Written by David Petryk
Photos by Gerard Buhlon

Steering wheel play (slop)
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/12299-steering-wheel-play-slop.html#post54385

Pics of Steering Box Swap
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/107869-pics-steering-box-swap.html#post744562

Help! Steering box input shaft clunking
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/87909-help-steering-box-input-shaft-clunking.html#post575725

Photo of steering box adjustment nut?
Photo of steering box adjustment nut?





Have a great day.

[rs899]

...so what exactly was it?

[mrkozzy]

whunter.......Thanks for the additional links.
I read them with interest

rs899......I haven't done the work yet.... may take some time.
I have got a whole book filled with "to do's" for my cars.
Getting the information and understanding the problem, is the easy part.
(This forum is is worth its weight in gold!)
Having the time to actually do the jobs,....now thats more difficult.
Winter is coming here shortly, so I am busy trying to fix the absolutes and I will probably work on the some of the other issues, (like the steering) at a later date.
In the meantime, I keep doing my homework on the problems I know I have.
At least when I finally do get each problem sorted, I have all the homework done and the information at my fingertips.