It seams like some of you may be doing a lot of excees work. On my 1986 560SL with an M117 engine, I was able to do this job without removing anything. I used a crows foot wrench head, In using that I was able to get at it through the exhaust manifold. It was a while ago so I dont remember the exact set up. I was either a crows foot on a woble type extension or on a universal joint. It was still somewhat difficult but only took about 1 hour. Most of the time was jacking the car up and removing the airbag. I dident do it but the pitman arm should really be disconnected. The rotational torque through the stearing column should be checked as the box passes center point. I did the torque check but with the pitman arm connected. I just looked for a few inch pound increase in rotational torque.

Mine took well over a turn. This is probably because one of the bearings supporting the pitman shaft or the shaft itself is worn, which is probably also why the seal is leaking. It made a world of difference in driving.

I now have the box out of the car and will attempt an overhaul of this area. My guess it that I will be out of luck because the internal hard parts are not available.

John Roncallo