Steering Box Adjustment question W123 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

natasjlp · #1 10-01-2007, 04:18 PM

Hello - I have searched most of the threads concerning this. It is actually quite simple and have adjusted the proper screws however the steering does not seem to be getting much tighter - still very loose.

W123 1983 300D Turbo

Concerning the steering and suspension I have replaced:
front upper control arms and bushings
front lower ball joints
drivers side and passenger side tierods

note: I have not had the alignment done yet (Wednesday is my appointment), will this tighten my steering - am I wasting time adjusting the box - should I wait until aligned?

I was able to turn the 6mm screw all the way ccw until it seemed to be stuck - then loosened it a half turn cw - then tightened the 19mm lock nut while holding 6mm in place.

is there something else I am missing or should or could be doing? another adjustment somewhere else. Do I need to replace my Steering Box and how would I tell. It does not seem to be leaking.

Thanks for your responses - I would like my steering tight and straight!

pawoSD · #2 10-01-2007, 04:46 PM

It very well could be the steering box is worn out. Many are at this point and adjusting won't compensate for it. My dad's '83 has a rebuilt box in it and the difference/tightness is amazing.

dieseldiehard · #3 10-01-2007, 04:48 PM

Its possible there is a lot of slop in one of the tie rods or something that is affecting your steering. One check to perform is to watch the Pittman arm, that comes off the steering box to the actual linkage below, while turning the steering wheel, engine off, back and forth lightly. You have to put yourself in the right place to do both, its better off done without a helper. Watch the arm, turn the steering wheel and note that amount of rotation back and forth on the steering wheel before the arm moves, it should be just a few degrees really, not a lot. 10 degrees is way too much. I've heard someone say something like less then 2 inches rotation but its hard to measure. If you have access to a known good car you will feel the difference (you might want to find someone who will let you "feel their steering wheel, hah!)

This is a fairly common problem on hi-milers as there are lots of old steering boxes that have been worn internally and no amount of adjustment will keep them "tight".
Not adjusting them regularly over the life of the car is one reason for increased wear. Once the internal gear is worn there is no alternative but to replace or repair the box (heavy job uggghh!)
I have had to replace two steering boxes that I didn't like, as rework. I sent one back under warranty because it was rebuilt improperly and had too much internal friction. The car should want to return towards center if you release the wheel after cornering. If the car tends to stay into the turn (even on a flat surface) its got problems and may either be overadjusted (too far CCW) or has internal friction or the front alignment is "off".
The best solution and actually a cheaper one has been to find a donor part, off a hopefully low mileage car (NOT easy these days!)
I'd say have the alignment done first then see how it drives. You shouldn't have to do the alignment over again if you do have to change the steering box.

natasjlp · #4 10-01-2007, 04:56 PM

alright - seems like I will have to wait until it is aligned - will try to check the pitman arm (how would I do this without a helper) while turning the wheel and engine off.

hopefully I will not need a new, used or refirbed one - I heard they weren't inexpensive and from the sound of it not so easy to take out and reinstall.

Thanks - > I will report back after the alignment - >

teezer · #5 10-01-2007, 07:34 PM

it's very simple to see if the box needs adjusting, provided there is no play in the steering linkage ~~~ set the wheels to straight ahead then grab the steering wheel to check if it has any free play in it, wiggle it back and forth till resistance is felt on each side ~~~ you want to end up with about a half inch to an inch of free play

cchkaiban · #6 10-01-2007, 11:53 PM

Did you turn the screw in or out? It should be turned out to tighten up the steering box.

t walgamuth · #7 10-02-2007, 07:08 AM

ccw is the correct direction.

I have found that these boxes will still adjust pretty well with a quarter of a million miles on them.

Tom W

spugeddy · #8 10-02-2007, 10:27 AM

I did mine with trial and error method. Didn't want to adjust it too much, where I read the steering can bind in a turn. But after about 6-7 attempts, I felt a noticeable difference. and now I am very satisfied with the results.

natasjlp · #9 10-09-2007, 06:29 PM

hmmm.. I think I will continue to play with it - definitely turning the right way in order to tighten the steering box. I checked many posts and sites for the info. I got to a point where when I was turning the screw ccw to bring it out and tighten the box, that it seemed to hit a wall - wouldn't turn anymore. perhaps I need to apply more pressure? don't want to bust it...

t walgamuth · #10 10-09-2007, 07:24 PM

if it doesn't want to turn, don't.

it is possible that yours is worn out.

tom W

natasjlp · #11 10-09-2007, 07:28 PM

alright - I figured that might not be a good idea - so I will not force it.

is there a way to tell whether or not it is worn other than what I have been doing - adjusting it and then driving it? hopefully something on the easy side - such as not taking it out.

Roncallo · #12 10-09-2007, 07:32 PM

Just a thought here. Backing the adjustment screw out Counter clockwise is what tightens the stearing box. Oposite to most US cars.

Also adjustment must be made with the stearing wheel in center position and pitman arm disconnected. If your car is 3 turns lock to lock then turn to lock and back off 1 1/2 turn. Adjustmet is correct when rotational torque through center increases by about 60 in-oz as you pass through center. Notice that is inch ounces not inch pounds. 60 in oz = 3.75 in-lb.

John Roncallo

natasjlp · #13 10-09-2007, 07:35 PM

yes, that is correct - turning the screw ccw backs it out and in turn (heh) tightens the steering box gears. that is definately what I have been doing and have done - - >

Roncallo · #14 10-09-2007, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by natasjlp

yes, that is correct - turning the screw ccw backs it out and in turn (heh) tightens the steering box gears. that is definately what I have been doing and have done - - >

If you bottom out with stearing box on center then your worn out and need a new box. This can happen when people abuse this adjustment.

John Roncallo

natasjlp · #15 10-09-2007, 08:11 PM

hmmm... - perhaps that is what I have done - but I adjusted it in incriments and the steering never seemed to really get any tighter. then when I finally did get it to the end (where it seemed it would not turn any further), I still turned it back off just a bit so it wouldn't be all the way - also never stressed it per a few posts ago because I didn't want to break it.

perhaps it was worn before I got to it? is there another way to tell if it is worn or is this tell enough?

thanks for your help - - - >