The steering gear box has more play than it should. How can adjust this?
Thanks to all who contribute to this site. You are so much help to us shadetree mechanics.
Thanks, Paul

Sorry I forgot to state vehicle. 1983 300 d.

On the steering box, get a 5MM allen wrench and hold the hex screw while you loosen the 18MM locknut. Turn the hex screw OUT while holding the locknut about 2 turns. Hold the hex screw while you tighten the locknut.

I was just going to post the same thing. I just bought a 84 300D and drove it home today. It's wonderful, I'm very happy. But the steering is driving me crazy. It is very very loose. I'll have to try your fix.

I would not turn it out two full turns to start. Begin with approximately 1/4 turn, drive it and adjust some more. It took only about 1/4 to 1/2 on my 300D. You can tell you have turned it too much if the wheel does not "center" itself after completing the turn.

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Jim

the adjustment worked. Thanks

OK I have the same problem, but it has been adjusted and there is no more room for adjustment, but my steering is still loose. What could be the problem, what else can I try?

when you get to the end of the bolt it's time to replace the steering box.


One of other thing that could be the problem is the rubber neck thingie that is between the box and the rack. My Mechanic that I goto for advice ("there's a funny noise under the hood that I can't pin point, could y'all take a look" sorta advice, I do the repair work myself) said that that could be a problem, on mine it turned out it was the box it's self. Maybe there'll be a Steering Box under the Tree this year for me

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2005 Audi A4 1.8T CVT -Silver/Black "Siegfried"

1982 300D - Silver/Blue "Ralph" -For Sale:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?p=852260

1989 VW Diesel Jetta Blue/Blue "Bodo" RIP

Will this procedure work for my 1987 560 SL? (See posts left by TurboDiesel and EngAtWork). Thanks, mscotta

mscotta - it should work for yours as well. Make sure everything from the steering box to the tie rod ends are tight and in good condition too.

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Jim

Where some people may be making a mistake, those new to MB ownership, is that only until very recently, did MB start using rack-n-pinon steering. MB has always used a the "recirculating-ball" power steering system. So it won't feel as tight as a common front wheel drive car. I went through this myself when I first bought my SD. My steering wheel in that car goes 1 inch left to right, where it feels disconnected. Per the MB manual 25mm (1 inch)of play is within specs. At least for a W116 chassis. Now my '83 TD does seems to have a tighter feel to it, however it still is "sloppy" compared to my '99 Passat.
I am not saying there isn't any room for improvement in certain situations, but some play is normal. I too started messing around with the adjustment, but then it started leaking at the nut. I took the car to my mechanic and he fixed it and told me to leave it alone and that if I screwed with it I run the risk of ruining an expensive part.

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