I've got at least 1" of play in the steering wheel; from under the car, above the steering coupling there is a plastic piece at the end of the steering column (a bushing) that is just outside of the firewall. I can reach up and easily rotate the steering column by hand and see the play in the plastic bush where the rectangle metal rod from the coupling goes up into it. It's a tiny amount of play at the bushing but translates to 1" of play at the steering wheel.
EDIT: I guess it's just a coincidence of play in the gearbox.

What can I do about this?

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1985 300TD 1981 Scirocco 1.6D conv 1986 Golf 1.6D 2003 Golf TDI

basically, nothing.

its pretty common.


Its possible the classic center will have a new steering box for you.... if you are well endowed.

there is member here who reconditions these, they might have insight as to how much play is 'removeable'

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I'm sure the steering gear box could use reconditioning as well but I can see the movement inside the plastic bush

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1985 300TD 1981 Scirocco 1.6D conv 1986 Golf 1.6D 2003 Golf TDI

that plastic disk and its rubber holder are only weather / dirt prevention measures, they do nothing mechanical. you can remove that disk from the rubber with a flat tool.

Are you saying you can hold that square rubber piece and still have play at the steering wheel? -implying that you have play in the shaft alone and not including any play in the box.

If that is the case, it might be a good idea to drop the interior trim panel and take a look. There is another square rubber mounting thing inside. make sure they are both tight.

there should not be any perceivable play in the shaft itself before the box.

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Good way to test without a helper:

put a large vice grip on the rubber square and wedge it against something stable.

then try wiggling the steering wheel.

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Thanks for the replies, you guys are right - there is no play in the column. I could hold large channellocks on the coupler from the top and reach the steering wheel at same time- no play. I guess I was hoping there were an easier solution than going at the gear box.
I've adjusted the gear box as best as I can ,but from what I've read, after it's adjust out so far that's it - .
Can't go any further out without it not returning back to center.

I would like to get this play fixed so I can feel comfortable driving on longer trips. I've fixed so much on this 300td, it's almost ready to go.
Who's the member that rebuilds steering gearbox's?

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1985 300TD 1981 Scirocco 1.6D conv 1986 Golf 1.6D 2003 Golf TDI

Iirc, even with a new steering box, there is some play.

My 240d with 73k has some play even. 1/2" is typical/good I think.

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Current Diesels:
1981 240D (73K)
1982 300CD (169k)
1985 190D (169k)
1991 350SD (113k)
1991 350SD (206k)
1991 300D (228k)
1993 300SD (291k)
1993 300D 2.5T (338k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (442k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (265k)

Past Diesels:
1983 300D (228K)
1985 300D (233K)

I've got the full 25mm of play at the steering wheel.

It's more annoying probably because my alignment isn't perfect. I need new guide rod bushings (I do hear a pop down there drivers side sometimes braking and/or turning) but they don't really look bad. Maybe LCA bushings because I can't seem to get any negative camber. All the other parts are replaced or good. I've had steering wander for EVER since I got the car. Its not too bad now but... Of course I align it myself, because I don't want to pay for an alignment every time I replace a front end part. If I got everything fixed a shop alignment would be in order (especially for the correct caster) but the last time I asked a pro shop they told me they couldn't do it on a W!23. wtf?

Anyway, I'm thinking gearbox might should be my next move then

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1985 300TD 1981 Scirocco 1.6D conv 1986 Golf 1.6D 2003 Golf TDI

Remove the column and you should find nylon bearings top and bottom of the steering tube. The bearing is in the form of a nylon type tube ..The steering box could have play as well.And if it has then it will need replacing or servicing. .

I always figured if one saw a gas car in a pick and pull with apparent low milage. It might be worthwhile to check and buy the steering box if it is identical and it probably will be on the gas version of the same model.

Excellent photo.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

Note if you don't have play due to the Plastic Bushiig there is an adjustment screw on top of the Steering Box.

Loosen the Nut and turning the Screw counter clockwise tightens the clearances inside of the Steering Box.

If you get it too tight when you turn to one side or the other it sticks causing you to jerk the wheel back in the opposite direction. So you need to remove as much play as you can without the sticking.
Or set the Steering Wheel paly for what the Manual tells your.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

The play I saw in the plastic bush was a coincidence. Holding the coupler and moving it by hand all I could see was some play in the bush. My assumption was based on a guess, not knowing how the steering column is designed.

I'm sure the rack and pinion steering of my lightweight scirocco has me a little spoiled , but dang, I've done a lot of work on this w123 front end and it's still not that good. New LBJ's , UCA's, swaybar bushings, tie rods ends that were bad, Idler repair kit, rear trailing arm bushings and subframe mounts, and.... new tires.
It's like making parts payments, hoping one day I'll own a great driving cruiser.

I adjusted the steering box screw a while back and made it better but still have dead play (25mm). I have read that maybe a centering bolt must be inserted for adjustment; I just had the steering wheel centered (column locked). Maybe I should drain the approved PS fluid (that I recently changed ) and use the centering bolt.

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1985 300TD 1981 Scirocco 1.6D conv 1986 Golf 1.6D 2003 Golf TDI

Bump for those who find this thread on google.

1 inch of play at the wheel is within spec per the FSM.

Our steering boxes will always have just a little bit of play.

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-Typos courtesy of my mobile phone.

You need to sort out the play in steering linkage , before you go messing with the steering box, i took my W123 for mot i was told the steering box was worn and needed replacing ,,. Then a friend who new all about the W123 steering he said replace front steering linkages .I replaced all the linkages and car passed its mot after it was lined up the right way .Get under the car and ask someone to turn the steering wheel for you while you look for play in all the steering ball joints. If these are replaced do use a good garage that know all about the W123 if you dont you will have problems with indicators not canceling out as tou centre the steering wheel..