steering box 89 420 sel
 

Is this a D.I.Y job? Box is leaking fluid. 250.00 to have it re sealed,600.00 if I replace it.

yes you can R&R the gear box your self with some basic tools but what are you talking about 250.00 to reseal it 600.00 to replace it are these shop prices that are going to do the whole job or are these prices for the gear box alone ? either way if your problem is leaking I'd go with the reseal @$250.00.

I think it is a DIY. I did mine for $25 for the seal kit and an afternoon. Worst part is getting it out of the car. The seals are easy to change. I did not take out the part that has the traveling balls under the advice of an experienced MB tech. Generally all the external seals are the only ones that need replacing. Also there is anadjustment that can take out the "slop" or compensate for wear and tighten up the slack. Well worth the effort.

Shop wanted 250.00 to re seal , the box cost 600.00 at fastlane and i will install.

The car has 165.ooo miles,i think i would rather replace the box.Do i need any special tools to remove it,and how do i make sure i get the new one lined up correctly?

steering box 420
 

dpetryk:

Where exactly is the adjustment screw/bolt for the steering box, and can this be done externally without removing the box?

How to do it?
Thanks

It is an allen type screw opposite end of the output spline ( the spline going to the pittman arm.) Loosten the locking nut and turn it CW to remove the slack. What it does from my understanding is it moves the steering gear teeth / mesh closer together. The teeth are wedge shaped and moving them closer takes out any wear that has accumulated. I would refer you to the MB CD rom. They actually have you jack up the front of the car to remove any load on the steering system. Then adjust the allen CW till there is an increase in friction when turning the steering wheel. The increase is only noticed at the middle of the steering. I dont remember the numbers off the top of my head but the essence of it all is to adjust the allen screw until the slop is removed. It can be adjusted to taste. When I did my wifes car, I had it on the bench and adjusted the increase in torque by hand as per MB specs. Then afterwards it seemed to be too much once I had it on the road. However it did take out the hysteressis or dead zone in the steering wheel. I did not try to adjust it while on the car but I believe it is possible.

Can this repair be done with box on car?What is replaced,the kit is only 12.00 on fastline.

The only thing that could be possibly done on the car is the slop adjustment (not sure what else to call it). Everything else must be done on the bench.