BAD steering pump?
 

1984 300SD.

Well this was a good ol college car. I recently got a job and got another car. Today i took it out for a spin because its been sitting for a while. I have decided to investigate my suspension problem i have.

This car has always had suspension problems (which is its only problems) so i have replaced a few things. the parts that i know are good are:

1. both side upper and lower ball joints
2. steering shock
3. both side guide rod
4. Idler arm
5. both Tie rods

I know there's not much left in there.

symptoms: well basically the car does not want to return. for example in the parking lot if you steer to the right or left it will hit a point where it would take off and lean into the corner. usually when u let go of the steering wheel the car will try to center the wheels back straight. I am saying mine won't.

I think i still have power steering assist. the alightments look fine (no extreme camber either + or -).

what can be the culprit?

Caster, or someone adjusted the steering gear box one too many times.

Sounds like someone messed with tie rod length or something.

After I changed my tie rods I needed an alignment since the toe had changed... i had horrendous bump steer (steering would get very loose as I went over bumps) and steering wouldn't return to center.

Alignment cured it.