The 114 chassis has both upper and lower ball joints than can pop, the same steering linkage as other cars, and has the additional posibilities of subframe mounts and stabilizer bushing brackets.

The stabilizer mounts to the chassis with two "u" brackets which have a tendency to loosen.

Another nasty occurance is the crumbling of the frame member where the steering box mounts. Check for bolt tightness and look for cracks radiating from the bolt holes. The problem with the frame is that its 3-4 inches thich and the bolts would crush the frame if it weren't for the inner structure. This is a second box made of two plates and the heavy tubes that the bolts go through. Part of the maintenance procedures was to retighten these bolts, but it seldom got done. A little looseness and the leverage of the power steering box flexed this assembly untill it cracks and has no more strength. Proper repair requires cutting a four inch hole in the outer rail and rewelding all the internal pieces back together. I have done at least ten of them over the years. Just rewelding and or reinforcing the outer cracks won't be sufficient. Without the inner structure ridgedly welded the whole thing is just too flexible for a power steering box to be attached.

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Steve Brotherton
Owner 24 bay BSC
Bosch Master, ASE master L1
26 years MB technician