126 steering play
 

The steering wheel of my 91 300SE has very little play when pointed straight ahead and what feels like a lot of play when the steering wheel is turned 180-degrees in either direction. It acts the same way whether or not the engine is running. Is this normal?

Thanks,
Sixto
91 300SE
81 300SD

I think it should be alright. I might just check my steering on the way out soon.

I checked the steering wheel while driving home and noticed not much of freeplay while at 180 degrees.

Perhaps other members here would have a different experience?

I haven't noticed anything like that, but I'll try it. Would that have anything to do at all with the adjustment on the steering box?? Just a thought...

Presumably the steering box is adjusted with the wheels pointed straight. In this position, there isn't any adjustement to be made since the steering wheel is tight. Maybe it's too tight and I should loosen it?

Sixto
91 300SE
81 300SD

The condition you describe is normal,don't try to fix it!
MF

It is normal?

Sixto - how much freeplay is there?

Engine on, steering wheel straight ahead, less than 1cm... much less. Steering wheel 180-degrees over, 3-4cm.

It isn't that bad since I'm probably only going 5-10mph with the steering wheel cranked over that much. In fact I only notice it when I back out of a 90-degree parking spot.

Sixto
91 300SE
81 300SD

DDuuuhh ...
 

I tried it last evening with engine on, and car not moving. I noticed too a freeplay of approx 3 cm.

My earlier posting was attemped while driving slow out of the car-park lot. I would be loathe to try the same with the engine off - though I doubt if there would be much freeplay.

So, it is normal.

Good day.
:)

I tried it and experienced the same thing... so we're all on the same page :)

We have sooooo much in common.
:D

I also have play in my steering wheel of my 126!

I have a strange feeling about the steering on my 560SEL. I don't think that there is too much play, but it still wanders more than I would like. The mechanic I go to did some much needed work to undo the sins of previous mechanics, but it still feels funny. I am planning on taking out a 126 he has for sale to see if it handles like mine. When I drive at highway speeds, I can't relax much as the car tends to wander and needs steering corrections often. There is little play; when I move the steering wheel, the tires react immediately.
To date, I have put on 4 new tires, new steering box, tie rods, steering shock, various bushings, front shocks and a good alignment.
I am thinking that the rear suspension links may need to be changed although the mechanic doesn't think so. I just know that something isn't right. My 300E is much easier to drive.

to vrsmith:

I think that the conventional wisdom would indicate typical W126 rear-end disease, causing your wandering and inability to relax at speed.

I've experienced that annoying feeling myself - and when I have a fw extra $$, I will: replace the differential mounts and the rear subframe mounts and bushings. This is supposed to do wonders for the W126.

The available literature says that 90% of all W126's with this fix ride like new again-with relaxed high-speed driving.

The rear suspension links AND the bushings - once changed shall reveal the new car in the 126.

I should know, as I speak from my personal experience.


Ps. my mechanic swears its the bushings that made the difference. I am in no position to argue.