Hello,

I just scored a ponton "toy" project which I am anxious to start delving into the major mechanical problems on. One of the first things is that my steering is doing something a little alarming and strange. When I turn the whele, it reaches a certain point where it "pops" or "clacks" as if it's slipping, then continues to turn. I thinking that there may be a broken tooth in one of the gears in the steering box?

By the look of it, it seems like the steering box is located under my alternator on the right hand side of the engine as you face the front.

Has anybody encountered this problem and delt with it? Could it be this or linkages underneath? How hard would it be to pull out the steering box?

Thanks for all your interest and comments.

Theo

As I was just researching any postings for steerings problems with pontons... I found a posting about steering-shaft lock and push-button ignition on a 190b. I'm wondering if perhaps the resistance/cluck I'm encountering may be that it's forcing past the broken shaft-lock system?

This ponton that I got did not come with keys... and I have not had time to check out the configuration of the keys and ignition system...

Just a possible thought on this so far....

Here's a link for a 219:

http://mb219.swehjo.com/

click on 'Restoration', then 'miscellaneous(29, 30,40, 46, 83)' for steering box info.

The Ponton Group website:

http://www.mbzponton.org/

__________________
Regards

Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.

Warren,

I have seen your site before but only brushed the surface of the first number of pages. You are one determined restorer! That was some great information, but that project of getting into the internals of the steering box may be beyond my ability, tools and time right now. If I find that it is indeed the box that is giving me trouble, I may just work on finding a new/used replacement for the whole unit. They do look very solidly built, so I'll be hoping that mine is actually fine and it's somehow one of the linkages.

I'm hoping somebody else out there might have some tips or techniques on other things to check also?

So I was able to feel and listen around at the steering problem yesterday evening and I think I have narrowed the problem down to to something in the passenger cabin, near or in the dash where this steering clunk is coming from. I'm really thinking now that it is somehow a factor of the start-key mechanism being stuck in one position and somehow binding the steering shaft from full rotation. It may have been forced a number of times now that it doesn't stop the rotation, but let's it past as you force the wheel in either direction.

This leads me to more questions about getting proper keys and what this whole set up around the key-switch is supposed to do and how it works.

I think I will start another thread on this subject in another posting, and include photos.