1984 300D

I might be swapping out my steering box with one that has the Pitman arm already attached. I am trying to get the steps for the swap figured out thoroughly before I begin.

Once I separate the drag link and track rod from the Pitman arm, do I need to remove the Pitman arm from the steering box before I can remove it from the car? Or will the other suspension parts be in the way and prevent me from removing it with the arm attached?

I would be much easier if I did not have to remove the pitman arm since the other box already has it attached.

I searched a number of posts, but do not see the answer.

Also, I can remove the tie rods if that helps me move the suspension parts out of the way so I can remove the box with the Pitman still attached.

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1984 300D 398K-daily driver
1998 Honda Accord 102K -wife's daily driver
1991 Volvo 740 289K
2000 Toyota Corolla 143K

I prefer to leave the Pitman arm on the car, that way you have much more room to mess with removing it.

To remove a steering box.
1. Drain the steering fluid.
2. Loosen the steering coupler and remove the bolt.
3. Remove the drag link and tie rod from Pitman arm.
4. Remove hoses (I do this at this step because I don't like things dripping on me)
5. Remove 3 bolts from driver's wheel well.
6. CATCH THE SUCKER BEFORE IT HITS THE GROUND.

Before all of that I'd also jack the car up on stands and remove the driver's wheel.

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Onus probandi incumbit ei qui dicit, non ei qui negat

I recondition w123/w126/w124/w140/r107/r129/ steering boxes!


1984 300D "Elsa" odo reset 6/2011 147k
1983 300TD "Mitzi" ~268k OM603 powered
1995 E300 "Adelheid" 262k [Sold]

It is obvious what needs to be disconnected once you get into it. Either leave the Pitman arm attached to the steering box or the linkage depending on what is easiest.

The Pitman arm only fits on the shaft 1 way. Be sure to start with wheels straight ahead and the box centered. Count the turns lock to lock then turn back 1/2 the number of turns to center tne box.

Various gear pullers are available from the parts store. Pickle forks tend to tear the rubber boots. Energysuspension makes boots and bushings in case you need some and can't buy them off this site.

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85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do.

If you go the route of removing the Pittman Arm -- good luck on that. I cannot make mine budge no matter what I do.

Thanks for the info. That is exactly what I needed to know.

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1984 300D 398K-daily driver
1998 Honda Accord 102K -wife's daily driver
1991 Volvo 740 289K
2000 Toyota Corolla 143K

I removed one in the Junk Yard off an old 240D. left the arm on, and just removed the drag link/tie rods, coupler etc... I found some old carpet to let it drop down onto after removing the 3 mounting bolts to keep it out of the dirt.

I didn`t know about the pitman only fitting on one way, so left it on.

Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

I'm getting pretty good at removing them now. But it still takes on average three days of soaking them with PB Blaster and a little bit of heat at the end.

The first one I tried to remove I broke several pullers in the process.

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Onus probandi incumbit ei qui dicit, non ei qui negat

I recondition w123/w126/w124/w140/r107/r129/ steering boxes!


1984 300D "Elsa" odo reset 6/2011 147k
1983 300TD "Mitzi" ~268k OM603 powered
1995 E300 "Adelheid" 262k [Sold]

I think all my MB's just about need new steering boxes. The SD's for sure. I've put it off mostly because of the price of a rebuilt box and me not really wanting to mess with removal/installation.

How long does it take on average to remove/replace the box?

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Cruise Control not working? Send me PM or email (jamesdean59@gmail.com). I might be able to help out.
Check here for compatibility, diagnostics, and availability!

(4/11/2020: Hi Everyone! I am still taking orders and replying to emails/PMs/etc, I appreciate your patience in these crazy times. Stay safe and healthy!)


82 300SD 145k
89 420SEL 210k
89 560SEL 118k
90 300SE 262k RIP 5/25/2010
90 560SEL 154k
91 300D 2.5 Turbo. 241k
93 190E 3.0 235k
93 300E 195k

If you have all the tools next to the car... about 20 min to get it out if everything fights you and about the same getting it back in... after the box falls on your arm/head/thigh/hand a few times.

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Onus probandi incumbit ei qui dicit, non ei qui negat

I recondition w123/w126/w124/w140/r107/r129/ steering boxes!


1984 300D "Elsa" odo reset 6/2011 147k
1983 300TD "Mitzi" ~268k OM603 powered
1995 E300 "Adelheid" 262k [Sold]

Just as a heads up - check out chapter 46-510 in the FSM - it has a whole list of what is allowed to fit and what isn't.

Also once the Pitman arm and new steering box is fitted you are meant to check the relative heights of the Pitman arm and the idler arm as part of the front end alignment check.

I don't expect anyone to do it - but if you have trouble later on with front end alignment then remember this bit of information!

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1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver
1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone
1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy!
1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing

I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior



Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits!

Good too Know, thanks

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1985 Euro 240D 5 spd 140K
1979 240D 5 spd, 40K on engine rebuild
1994 Dodge/Cummins, 5 spd, 121K
1964 Allice Chalmers D15 tractor
2014 Kubota L3800 tractor
1964 VW bug

"Lifes too short to drive a boring car"

While the steering box is out...

If you have any type of leak from the oil filter housing mount, now's the time to replace the gasket. With the box out you have easy access to the bolts holding it in. Otherwise you need the cut-down allen key.

And have plenty of rags packed around the box while in transit. You'll think you've got all the fluid out, but you don't, and it'll find its way onto something important.