I'm very pleased considering how cheap it was, I think the reseal kit is $30 or less. Mine had a wicked leak from the back cover and one of the plugs on the bottom, I also played with the adjustment to take a lot of the slop out. You don't need any special tools to take the box apart, and its not very complicated. I see what wears out and gives you play in the wheel, the shaft has three teeth on it that bite the recirculating ball assembly, those gear teeth wear. Mine were shiny but without any wear that I could feel with my fingers. I'm sure if I had some sort of way to measure them they would have been worn slightly. I don't know what the rebuilders replace, but the guts are like $500 so I don't think its much. A rebuild to me would be a new shaft, ball assembly, and all new bearings. Those parts alone probably cost around $700, I know a new box is around $1,700.

http://www.davidpetryk.net/Mercedes/Steering.htm

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I really don't think you can wear one out. A new box might be needed if you were in a huge accident.

The seals yes, the gears and balls no, at least not at any mileage we are likely to see.

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

No you can wear them out, after 200k miles they get lose.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I can't wait to do this. I have a used box on its way that I'm going to reseal, as mine is to the extent of adjustment, and I still have lots of play. Hopefully, I can get some better control!

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1989 300E 144K

My box has too much play now. I have adjusted it all the way out.

Is there a smart way to select a used box? Other than miles, if the car is in a junkyard, how can I identify one worth taking?

dd

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'85 300D, 'Lance',250k, ... winter beater (100k on franken-Frybrid 3 Valve Kit)
'82 300D, 'Tex', 228k body / 170k engine ... summer car
'83 300TD Cali Wagon 210k, wife's car

Thats the problem with junk yard parts, its the luck of the draw.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I guess thats what I figured, but was hoping there would be some trick to finding a good one.

Anyone think this rebuild has any chance of working well?

http://www.***************/search/product.aspx?sid=uafed245db0i5uqom4lsrn45&makeid=800016@Mercedes&modelid=1193767@300DT&year=1982&cid=steering@steering&gid=7416@Steering%20Gear%20Box

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'85 300D, 'Lance',250k, ... winter beater (100k on franken-Frybrid 3 Valve Kit)
'82 300D, 'Tex', 228k body / 170k engine ... summer car
'83 300TD Cali Wagon 210k, wife's car