I have an 87 300D and the wheel or steering feels quite heavy. I think this is normal for the car but I am not sure I car for it. I do have a 95 320 for parts and was wondering if the box from it would change the feel of the steering, maybe be a bit easier. I am not totally sure they are the same but assuming they are

Did you check oil level?

They are heavier when correct but not worth commenting on it.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I would check on the condition of the power steering pump and fluid. Old or lack of fluid will have your steering feel a bit stiffer.

Yes, the boxes will be interchangeable and they should be the exact same box (765.904 with a 13.9 ratio), perhaps with a different pitman arm. The Service Manual says that the "cone in the pitman arm and steering idler arm has been enlarged by 2mm."

Since the length of the pitman arm is the same, I'd keep them with the boxes.

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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]

X2, Fluid and filter (if it has a filter) first, alignment and tire age/condition are more likely to solve this than a steering box.

This can also be caused by binding ball joints and or idler arm bushings.

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"Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength" - Eric Hoffer

This is the kit number, but they are expensive, and you get one boot, steel spring and a nut per kit.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-parts-reference-library/185269-1165860533-upper-control-arm-ball-joint-boot-kit-w116-123-126-a.html

EBay has a lot of generic tie rod boots and so on but you need to know the dimensions of the arm and ball joint shaft.

Places in the US that I found had no longer available. In the picture you see a white plastic part.

I can only guess what that is for. I did not change the boots I changed the arms. However, when you change even one arm it alters your alinement.

https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/1165860433.htm?pn=116-586-04-33-M22

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

Concerning buying cheap control arms and using only the boots. That an be done.

I changed my upper control arms long ago to Uro upper control arms many many years back. Now I think the URO company has evolved over time so I can't say the present product is the same.

After 2 years the URO upper control arm boots cracked.

So, my thought is in the long run it is best to take the time to get the dimensions so you can source generic boots.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel