steering box
 

Hmmmm... good one... no, I can't say I have... How to check?

As a rough check, how much free play is there in the steering wheel? To be a little more precise, get under the car, put one hand on the steering box input and one hand on the pitman arm and feel for slop between the two.

Sixto
95 S420
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

jacking up car question
 

Hi All,

I'm planning on jacking the car up and resting the whole car with tires 'on' on 4 other wheels on the ground. Will this work while replacing tie rods or do I have to put the front end on jacks.

I'm not sure if the tie rods keep the front wheels in a vertical position.

thanks,

Put the front end on proper stands so that you can remove the wheels. Much easier access.

Re: steering
 

It's not possible to align a car with all of the issues you mention.
The alignment folks probably told you this, though some places will 'align' anything...

Proves that age is a big factor in this stuff, even with low mileage. Interesting...

[QUOTE]Originally posted by sixto
[B]Have you checked for play in the steering box?

Sixto, muy car is getting old but is still fantastic and I am lnterested to know if it is possible to adjust the play in the steering box (260E, 1988) and how to do it?
thanks

other bushings
 

Hi,

Aside from steering box play and the replacement of L/R/C tie rod replacement and idler bushings, what else should I check in terms of bushings.

One of the guys, I think Sixto, mentioned suspension bushings. Are these the ones for the A-arm with the eccentric bolts? If so, how to check for play (specs?).

Are there any others? Does someone have a diagram that shows all the components in the steering/suspension that shows the bushings? I'm in the hunt for a diagram.

thanks...

Try this:
[IMG]http://www.************************/assets/bitmaps/197.gif[/IMG]

Control Arm bushings (#13) are generally longer lived than the balljoints, but for all the trouble of removing the arms, I like to replace them for a clean start.

bushings
 

thanks for the diag...

How many on each side? 2 maybe?

How tricky to R&R? What tools needed? Do I replace just the bushing or will it come in a kit w/ bolts and things...



thanks,

[QUOTE]Originally posted by cc260E

Quote:

Sixto, muy car is getting old but is still fantastic and I am lnterested to know if it is possible to adjust the play in the steering box (260E, 1988) and how to do it? thanks

If the W124 is like the W126, on the top of your steering box there should be a set screw with a lock nut. Loosen the lock nut and give the set screw a small turn CCW. It's CCW to increase internal friction (reduces play). The right way to do this is on a bench and a friction measuring tool that's something of a torque wrench and the appropriate specs. Mortals give the set screw little turns and drive it for a while to get a feel then repeat if necessary. If you go to far, you risk... rather, will wear out the internal components quickly and permanently.

On my W140 the set screw is coaxial with the pitman arm shaft but I think the procedure is the same.

Sixto
95 S420
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

ball joint
 

I've read on a diff post regarding lower and upper ball joints. Where is this on the pic that csnow inserted 2 replies ago?

thanks,

There is no upper ball joint on this model.
Suspension balljoint is #15.
Bushings generally come as one kit (4 bushing 'halves') per side.
Bolts are generally sold seperately, sometimes they do need to be cut to get them out.

Removing the CAs is something of a pain.
Best bet is to do a search. This procedure has been discussed a lot.

thanks
 

will read on....