What a feeling it will be! A properly adjusted W123 / W116 / W126 power steering box - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

62bhp · #31 08-11-2011, 04:31 PM

This is excellent. Fantastic Job. Maybe you could do a transmission DIY next............?!

Yak · #32 08-11-2011, 05:47 PM

Having done the reseal, the only items I'd add would be that draining the steering box to a point where it stops making a mess is a chore in itself. There seems to be no end of small amounts of fluid that seem to show up and leak out after you're already sure it's thoroughly drained.

The other observation, at least on mine, was the surprising amount of sludge/worn metal pooled in the case.

Also, the pics in post #17 are great for showing how the adjustment screw/nut work to tighten steering. The thin flat "head" is recessed into the shaft and held in place by the circlip. The nut that is visible on the screw with the red sealing material "pulls" the slightly wedge-shaped teeth in tighter when it is turned and the screw is held in place. As described, turning things willy-nilly in an effort to improve steering feel or eliminate slack can make things worse.

Stretch · #33 08-12-2011, 03:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 62bhp

This is excellent. Fantastic Job. Maybe you could do a transmission DIY next............?!

That one is on the way - a 722.1 one - I've been encouraged by rs899 to try and keep it as short as possible. I tend to ramble a bit I know.

Stretch · #34 08-12-2011, 03:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yak

Having done the reseal, the only items I'd add would be that draining the steering box to a point where it stops making a mess is a chore in itself. There seems to be no end of small amounts of fluid that seem to show up and leak out after you're already sure it's thoroughly drained.

The other observation, at least on mine, was the surprising amount of sludge/worn metal pooled in the case.

Also, the pics in post #17 are great for showing how the adjustment screw/nut work to tighten steering. The thin flat "head" is recessed into the shaft and held in place by the circlip. The nut that is visible on the screw with the red sealing material "pulls" the slightly wedge-shaped teeth in tighter when it is turned and the screw is held in place. As described, turning things willy-nilly in an effort to improve steering feel or eliminate slack can make things worse.

Thanks Yak - are you sure I didn't miss anything else?

Any input from others who have done a reseal before?

Any input from others who have used the Mercedes special tools instead of self made solutions?

EDIT:-

I forgot to say I've found that you can get a really clean steering box by flushing through. When I bought my car the system was full of crud. I found the tip about removing the adjusting screw and turning the front wheel to the left here on a really old thread (I'll try and dig it out) and it works a treat. None of that turkey baster nonsense...

...after several lakes of power steering fluid and a new filter I found my system to be "hydraulically"clean when I took it to bits.

rs899 · #35 08-12-2011, 06:31 AM

Quote:

That one is on the way - a 722.1 one - I've been encouraged by rs899 to try and keep it as short as possible.

I don't recall saying that. Bring it on...hit us with your best shot.

Stretch · #36 08-12-2011, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rs899

I don't recall saying that. Bring it on...hit us with your best shot.

You said to make it inspring rather than long - basically stop waffling and make it snappy!

rs899 · #37 08-12-2011, 09:05 AM

Quote:

You said to make it inspring rather than long - basically stop waffling and make it snappy!

Ok, you are right, I did say that. Just don't leave out any steps like you did with the steering box

. I guess it's going to be long.....

warmblood58 · #38 08-12-2011, 12:35 PM

Amazingly detailed, thanks Army! I think I will take this on this winter -in the meantime, I will make the tools and collect the other needed parts/tools to do a good job, thanks again!

Stretch · #39 08-12-2011, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by warmblood58

Amazingly detailed, thanks Army! I think I will take this on this winter -in the meantime, I will make the tools and collect the other needed parts/tools to do a good job, thanks again!

Oh good a victim! Let us know how you get on.

Seadawg33 · #40 01-03-2012, 12:31 PM

Hello Army:

Truly impressive job on the steering box assembly. I replaced the seals in mine and it doesn't leak now. I was pretty happy just doing that ha ha ha. I am having a strange problem with my 1987 300td. When I turn the car hard right it doesn't "bounce" back to center. It doesn't take much pressure to move it back but it is obviously not right. I have replaced all of the parts on the frond end and have had a very competent indy mercedes mechanic look over my work and he cannot figure out why my car "binds" when hard right. I am having some other problems as well and wonder if they are related to the steering box. I started this thread http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/310703-steering-problems-87-300td.html . If you have time to comment on this I would appreciate it.