Mine has the ususal 1 to 1-1/2" of play which can't be adjusted out. What wears out? Can new parts be purchased so I can rebuild it myself or should I just purchase a rebuilt unit? I can get a good used one for $250 from a local shop but don't want to wind up in the same situation a year or two down the road...

We have resealed hundreds of those boxes. The bearings are available but the only way to fix the play between the reciprocating ball collar and shaft would be to buy a whole new assy. (which would probably cost more than a MB rebuilt box - if they sell them).

The play in the bearings is adjustable so if you have done that properly and still have major play then get a used box. I have seen maybe 3 worn out boxes in near 30 years of MBs and two of them were on 190s.

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Steve Brotherton
Owner 24 bay BSC
Bosch Master, ASE master L1
26 years MB technician

[This message has been edited by stevebfl (edited 04-21-2000).]

99.9% of the time play is adjustable in the steering box. Finding the right person to remove box & reseal & adjust play from both input & output shafts is the key. NOT a DI-er job

I have done many in my time. It is still a really precise job. I take my time and use very specail tools to do it. I have a 300 dollar torque-o-meter for setting them up properly. This is torque wrench that measures rotational friction not applied torque.

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Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
1992 500E (very soon I hope :)
1981 280GE SWB
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM