hi folks, i just R&R'd my steering box by myself. this is gnarly business! i used a floor jack for my helper, and it was definitely a challenge. i could not find a bolt i could shave down for the centering pin, but discovered i could easily center it from beneath. i was all ready to finish up bolting the track arm and drag link back to the pitman arm when i realized the two nuts on there were deforming locknuts (M10x1.0).... and after determining that MB wanted $13 a piece plus two days for them to arrive in town, i ordered 5 grade 8.8 locknuts on eBay for $8.

i understand why locknuts might make sense for a dealership who has a parts bin and expensive labor -- kind of like the supposedly replaced steering box bolts. having to source them to do the job is not so great, though. reading the FSM, looking at the old nuts, and unable to find replacements anywhere in san francisco, i wished the car still had the older style with the castle nut and cotter.

not that the steering is any place to cut corners, but what about using locktite or jamming two nuts together? is there a mechanical reason for using the disposable locknuts over those other solutions?

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'77 240D, 504H, OM617.952, etc.

The only real advantage I know of is that they can be used in any temperature, whereas nylon or thread locker can loosen if it gets too much heat. And I guess they're pretty foolproof.

You can add safety wire or a cotter pin to any nut.

-Rog

I don't see why Loctite would not work as long as the threads are cleaned and degreased before using it.

Double nutting can also work if there is sufficient threads.

I have only done this a few times. If once the Nuts are tightend down there is at least 4 good threads showing you can coat the exosed threads with JB Weld Epoxy. The nuts are not going to back out by themselves like that.

When I needed to remove the Nuts I used a Propane Torch and it quickly burned the Eopxy off and allowed my to back the Nuts off.
But, after that you need to chase the threads with a Die and or wire brush to get the old Epoxy out of the threads.

Whan I had a Truck and or Cars for about 10 years of My life my main transportation was a Motorcycle. Things come loose on them. I already had the JB Weld and no Loctite.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel