I want to adjust the free play in the powersteering box on my W116. I need to adjust so that the free play is LESS. i know you have to losen the locknut holding the hexbolt. what i want to confirm is do i screw it out for LESS play or in.

how sensitive is the adjustment i.e. how much difference will one turn of the adjustment bolt make?

This is a pretty serious place to do the job correctly,You don't need to make any mistakes doing this type of wrenching.First set the wheels straight,then loosen jam nut,tighten(righty-tighty)BUT DO NOT TURN IT TO FAR! make a fist look at your hand the high spot of the gearing is in the center,just like your knuckles are the high spot of you fist,if you try to tighten and you are not centered you will cause the gear box to bind, not good if you are making a turn! You can do this just go slow.JNT

As just n time so wisely advised, proceed cautiously.

Turn the screw as he describes until you feel a very slight drag or tightness and lock it down right there. Drive the car and see if it helps. You first should check tie rods, idler arm and pitman arm to make sure that the steering linkage is TIGHT.

I guess this applies to the 124 as well... my son's steering is a little loose... i have already done the idler arm.... the tie rods look good...

I can't seem to access the nut, however. I am actually thinking about taking this to a tech and see if they have an opinion. or I may spend the 100 dollars for the tie rod ends and center drag link first. LOL.

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1989 300ce 129k
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1997 s320 154k (what a ride). Sold with 179k miles. Replaced with Hyundai Equus

1994 e320 Cabriolet 108k



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i thought to tighten you had to turn anti clockwise.

tom w

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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.

That is correct.
As you turn it left [unscrew] you shorten the spring and that allows more pressure on the centering block inside the box. If you go to far , it will bind and the steering wheel will not return to center after turning a corner.
1/8 of a turn at a time with a test drive after each turn.
Specs are 1' play at SW circumference.
The manual calls for box removal and setting the block pressure with a drag torque spec, but you can do it if you use small increments and test drives..and turn it the correct way.

There is some information in this article.

http://www.davidpetryk.net/Mercedes/Steering.htm

It might give you some insite on what is going on inside the gearbox.

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I got too many cars!! Insurance eats me alive. Dave

78 Corvette Stingray - 3k
82 242 Turbo Volvo - Manual - 270k
86 300e 5 speed manual - 210k
87 420sel - 240k
89 560sl - 78k
91 420sel - 205k
91 560sel - 85k
94 GMC Suburban - 90k
97 Harley Davidson Heritage Softail - 25k
00 GMC Silverado 1 ton 30k

Arthur, that would be 1" play at steering wheel circumference ... so as not to confuse anyone.

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Fred Hoelzle

OK.. 1 inch/25.4mm

I always have trouble with the shift key..along with 2 finger typing and spelling to boot....but I think anyone who read that would know it was a typo and would not confuse 1 foot/1 inch play at the SW circumference.. but then again, maybe you did........so Thanks for the typo correction.