Excessive steering play - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 07-19-2007, 01:04 AM

I recently purchased a 1983 300cd and found it to have damage to the front suspension. Seems that it previously had ran over something, combined with the age and 200+k miles I had to replace ball joints upper control arms one bent tie-rod and bushings. After allot of expensive work ($1000+)

,it hold a nice straight line. However there is an extraordinary amount of loose steering play, so much my wife refuses to drive it, I do however! Before I take it in for another massive expense I would appreciate any thought and/ or wisdom on excessive steeringloose play.

thanks Scott ( new to the diesel Mercedes world, but long time running in the VW diesel world.)

gmercoleza · #2 07-19-2007, 10:06 AM

Jack it up and start wiggling/prying - that's really the only way to find out where the play is. Given the age of your model, the most likely culprit would be the steering gearbox.

david s poole · #3 07-19-2007, 10:09 AM

i agree the preload on the steering g/box needs to be adjusted.[will prob remove 90% of play].

Arthur Dalton · #4 07-19-2007, 11:07 AM

Don't go adjusting the box until you check the steering coupling.
This is the coupling between the steering column shaft and the steering box. Have someone turn SW back/forth while you look at the coupling just above the box. They wear out and you will plainly see that the box shaft is not turning the same as the steering wheel shaft. Common fault . Sometimes they are so bad you can hear them clunk.