steering wheel play - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

bluebenz · #16 09-08-2009, 10:15 AM

After checking the suspension parts, my mechanic tightened the steering box last week and it seems to have done the trick. I have just the right amount of play in the steering wheel now, and the car is more pleasant to drive.

What I find difficult with an old car when you're not the first owner, is that you're never sure what's right and was is not. For instance I have a little bit of vibration at idle when car is in drive, not sure if that's the way it should be, or if new engine mounts would cure that? Seats are not that comfy, is that the way they are or do I need new seat padding? etc..

meltedpanda · #17 09-08-2009, 02:10 PM

minimal vibration is normal, but new engine mounts will make a world of difference if yours are worn. Also IP timing and rack bolt adjustment will help that as well. Seats - well everyone its different but a good MB seat is firm and supportive , not necessarily comfortible

todds · #18 09-08-2009, 02:27 PM

The best way is to experience other similar models in various conditions for yourself. It's the only *real* way to guage exactly what is right and what isn't. Steering seems to be one of the most subjective things for older cars with complaint number one being play in the wheel. It would probably be worth it for you to find someone who has owned and cared for their old benz for a little longer and ask em for a few minutes behind the wheel. I'm sure they'd be just as interested in the way yours drives.

Most of my play was due to the rubber coupler between the column and the box being totally shot, gave me a similar feeling to what you described. I am in the camp that a little bit of play is normal and even required. I still have a tiny bit of play in my steering but nothing like it was before I replaced the bad coupler and it feels spot-on to me. Also the steering is super smooth, centers like it should, doesn't pull, tracks straight, etc. Most people agree that my car has a great steering feel to it although it doesn't feel anything like the 2009 Chevy Cobalt I just rented, which has a totally stiff hard snap-back in your hands kind of typical new-car steering feel and nor would I ever WANT it to feel like that! (incidentally this car also required constant correction and didn't hold it's course well despite being brand-new which made it VERY tiring to drive on a long highway trip)

I find that most of the time in my cars with recirc ball boxes that the play is in the box. You MUST be diligent and check all the steering rods and connections because too much is at stake, however, it's almost always in the box. Additionally, once everything has been put into order and the box is adjusted properly, that little bit of play somehow isn't an issue anymore.