Eric,

I would agree with dzldog. I had slop on my steering and was able to remove the play by adjusting the bolt that sits right on top of the steering box. You have to first loosen the locking nut that surrounds the bolt. Once you have loosened the nut then you use an allen head wrench to turn the bolt COUNTERCLOCKWISE to remove the play. This is by trial and error because if you turn counterclockwise too much, the steering will not feel correct. Turn the bolt 1/4 of a turn at at time and mark it before you turn so you know what your starting positon was. I remembered that I had to turn the bolt on the steering box about two full turns before I got it to where I wanted it. I don't have my mercedes CD with me but I believe the tolerance at the steering wheel is about 3/4 at the steering wheel but somebody correct me if I'm wrong.

Also, replace the steering fluid with regular power steering fluid and also make absolutely sure you replace the power steering pump filter. It is located at the bottom of the pump and you won't be able to see it without first removing the fluid and a metal plate that sits right on top of the filter. What was weird, though, was that the old original filter looked nothing like the new filter I replaced. The old filter looked like pressed cork that was circular (3/4 inch thick) but it was very hard. The new filter has a paper element and is about 3/4 inch thick. Be careful, though because there is a spring that is centered in the middle of the reservoir that holds the filter down in its place and there is a metal clip that keeps that spring under tension; remove the clip with pliers. You will see it when you remove the top of the reservoir cover.

I learned a trick on replacing the power steering fluid. Disconnect the return line going to the steering box from the pump (it is the hose that doesn't have the pressed fitted connection) and have a small bucket available. Place the hose into the bucket and start the car for a couple of seconds (you will need an assistant for this). The pump will drain all the fluid within the pump reservoir and the steering box. Then replenish with clean fluid and repeat the procedure until the fluid is nice and clean. IT sure made it difference when I replaced the fluid in my car. Before, it was changed the fluid was black and when I got done it had a nice honey color to it and I was able to see to the bottom of the reservoir.

Maybe it could be that the filter is clogged on your car that is making it difficult to pump fluid to the steering box. Just a thought.

Herb
'82 240D
117,000 miles