I am the second owner but the PO was not a penny picher on repairs (ie., I have every receipt since new. . .he took it to the dealer for detailing every 3 months, oil changes, battery replacement, etc.).

Anyway, I like your idea of depressing the shaft and sliding a small vice grip to hold the shaft. I'll give it a try. One last question. . .do I need to use MB power steering fluid or is plain old ATF juice just as good?

Thanks again.

I think that your 420 SEL should use ATF in the power steering unit. Check your owners manual to be sure. I don't think you should be using MB power steering fluid. I believe that was for later models. I changed the filter in my 300D and had just a little difficulty removing the thin friction fit fastener that held the filter in place. I just wiggled it off. Keep us posted on your success. My 1993 400SEL does use the MB power steering fluid.

I have heard to use ATF, and I have heard not to use ATF due to the qualities of ATF not being compatable with the seal material.

For piece of mind I use steering fluid instead of ATF (regular fluid from Pep Boy's, not MB fluid). Only costs a little more.