'96 C220 - Steering Wheel play

[michakaveli]

The steering wheel on our C220 has some play in the wheel, meaning the wheel can be moved to the left or right before the wheels actually turn, vehicle on or off - Had my girlfriend turn the wheel back and forth, within the range of play and the tie rod ends do not move - while looking under the hood quickly the situation appears to be at the joint before the steering box - anyone experience similar symptoms? Is itthe steering box or the joint from the steering input shaft to the steering box - It's been like this essentially ever since we've acquired the car - Initially I thought it may be the tie-rod ends, but those were replaced within the last few thousand miles