the steering here is recirculating ball if i'm not mistaken. is there any way to improve or switch to rack and pinion easily to reduce the play in the wheel while driving.

have you checked out some other things first... like tie rods.... steering shock...idler arm?

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1989 300ce 129k
( facelifted front,updated tail lights, lowered suspension,bilstein sports, lorinser front spoiler, MOMO steering wheel, remus exhaust,stainless steel brake lines). (Gone)

1997 s320 154k (what a ride). Sold with 179k miles. Replaced with Hyundai Equus

1994 e320 Cabriolet 108k



1972 280se 4.5 153k Owned for 12 yrs, sorry I sold it


[/SIGPIC]

The steering box can usually be adjusted to remove slack too. When you adjust it be sure to turn anticlockwise to tighten.

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

And then there is this to keep in mind too. http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/W108Subframe

Fortunately for me, those were done just before I bought mine.

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It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D

are a common cause of loose steering.
If you use the 'Search' feature, several members have accomplished this task, and they provide "how-to" pics.

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1970 280S M130 engine- good runner
1971 250 M130 engine- #2 rod bearing, gone
1971 280SE (blown engine,parts car)
1977 German 280S W116-only 33 years old

Steering Wheel shaft Coupler bushings are very common wear item on these chassis.
Have someone turn the SW back/forth very slightly while you look at the coupling.. if the SW turns before the coupling turns the steering box input shaft, the bushing inserts in the coupling need to be changed. [ coupling wear Slop ]....Normal SW play spec. is 1" max at the SW circumference.
Here is the coupling, but you can buy just the 2 bushings for $5 ea.
..........part# 111-462-01-65.
The bushings are in the eyelets where the 2 pins connect the 2 sections of the coupling together......click on the pictire box for a better view of bushing location.
Later chassis did not use this system.

http://catalog.worldpac.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&clientid=catalog.mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&cookieid=21H0MN3YU29M0MQ4K8&year=1970&make=MB&model=280-SE-001&category=M&part=Steering+Coupling