Steering Box Installation - checking after the fact - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

dieseldan44 · #1 01-11-2012, 02:17 PM

hey all,

i put a new steering box into the '85. then I had it aligned.

I think I did not center my steering box correctly - as in when the vehicle is going straight, the box is not in the center. steering is loose and when the wheel is stright the car drifts left.

all suspension new within 2 years and checked and re-checked.

How can I check for sure if it is in the center? I know there is a special 'centering' bolt. Can that be made?

thanks,
dd

Stretch · #2 01-11-2012, 03:30 PM

diesel911 made a self made steering bolt if I remember correctly.

I'll see if I can dig out the thread for you.

EDIT:-

Here it is

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/2797543-post4.html

dieseldan44 · #3 01-11-2012, 05:02 PM

thanks Army! now I dont have a lathe of course to make it right. I wonder how much this pin costs.

Im going to have to get it re-aligned...I wonder if I should have the shop do the re-centering too? They probably already have the bolt.

If I turn my wheel all the way to the right, and then all the way to the left, I can see the 'center' of travel is not in the middle, so it must be off.

Dangit! I really though i had it lined up correctly. I did the same thing on the 82 and had great success. Must have gotten lucky.

Stretch · #4 01-12-2012, 03:36 AM

Well sometimes I'm surprised by dealer prices - they're not always too bad.

Part number according to chap 46-412 in FSM is

116589062100

And according to mbspecialist it costs just over 22 euros. So yes this time it is an expensive screw but seeing as we both don't have lathes...

t walgamuth · #5 01-12-2012, 05:45 AM

it is really not too hard to correct. You just loosen the tie rod adjusters and move both sides the same amount but in different directions. For example if your car is drifting left you would need to lengthen the tie rod on the left and shorten the one on the right. I would start with a small amount such as moving them both a quarter of a turn.

The threads on the tie rods are opposing so turning it one direction will lengthen and the other direction will shorten.

If all your threads are clean and will move this should be doable in about fifteen or twenty minutes.

If they are not free, you might have to replace tie rod ends to correct it.

martureo · #6 01-12-2012, 08:18 AM

Just grab an M8 screw from the hardware store. When you get home use a file to chamfer the bottom edge. In my experience it doesn't need to be much.

When I sell a steering box I ship it with an M8 locking the box in center position and tape the old bolt to the side of the box. I'd really hate to be sending such a good bolt with each box just to be thrown away.

Stevo · #7 01-12-2012, 02:24 PM

I just did that job. I made the locking pin by beveling a 20x8mm, fine thread bolt at 45 degrees. I locked the steering wheel, inserted the steering box locking pin, pulled the box, resealed the input shaft and reinstalled the box.

dieseldan44 · #8 01-13-2012, 09:10 AM

Thank you veryone for the replies. I'll get an M8/20mm fine pitch bolt and file it down.

My tie rods are new, so I should be able to fix it. I'll first check if my box is centered.

Someone should do a steering box R&R DIY. I followed the instructions given by the box rebuilder which didnt include using the locking bolt. I should have heeded the FSM in this case.

Question - If I pull the screw where the centering pin goes and my system is full of fluid, will some of it or all of it come out? Is it best to drain it beforehand?

Stevo · #9 01-13-2012, 09:56 AM

I sucked all the fluid out of the pump with a turkey baster, disconnected the lines then pulled the centering pin plug and not much fluid came out. I'm surprised your steering box supplier didn't included or mention the centering pin, its kind of critical. My box was leaking then I tried a fluid that was suppose to STOP leaks and it leaked worse

I replaced the oil filter to block gasket while the steering box was out as it was weeping just a tad.

Stretch · #10 01-13-2012, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stevo

I sucked all the fluid out of the pump with a turkey baster, disconnected the lines then pulled the centering pin plug and not much fluid came out. I'm surprised your steering box supplier didn't included or mention the centering pin, its kind of critical. My box was leaking then I tried a fluid that was suppose to STOP leaks and it leaked worse

I replaced the oil filter to block gasket while the steering box was out as it was weeping just a tad.

Hey Stevo - next time try doing this

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/2768406-post5.html

instead of getting down and dirty with turkey basters...

Stevo · #11 01-13-2012, 10:32 AM

Thanks for the tip. Hopefully there wont be a "next time" real soon although it wasn't that bad. I was surprised that not hardly any fluid came out the lock pin hole.