streeing box

[james]

Dose anyone know if I am on the correct forum for discussing tech. topics? I see on the home page a section for tech. items? do i post
my questions there? if so how?
jim

1966 230sl
1935 riley
1960 mga

james p. collins

[jeffc280sl]

Hi Jim,

Fire away.  You can search the site for topics like the steering box or ask questions.

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

[rwmastel]

The "Technical Articles" on the home page

(http://www.sl113.org/articles/default.asp)

is a static compiliation of information.

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[james]

Thanks for your help on where to get the info, now i will ask my questions.
1. resently purchased an older fully restored 230sl and I am having a problem dialing out the free play in the steering col. I have adj the
screw on top of the box as far as I dare and it seems to have little effect. I still have 1-2inches of free play in the steering wheel.
Dose this mean I need to rebuilt the box? P.S all of the normal syst.
parts seem to be tight. I am changing the steering damper just to be
safe. any susgestions?
Jim

james p. collins

[jeffc280sl]

Hi Jim,

Does your car have power or manual steering? I hyave a parts breakout for both.  The power version is attached.  Let me know if you need the manual and I'll scan it.

Can you have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth while you observe the action at the pitman arm.  There is a swivel joint, almost like a universal joint, at the base of the steering shaft.  This could be the source of the problem.  There is a cover at the base which is secured to the firewall with maybe 6 bolts.  If you remove these bolts and loosen the clamp on the steering column you can inspect the u joint.

Download Attachment: steering boxa.jpg
42.62 KB

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

[iceberg]

Hey Jim,
I had a similar problem with play in my steering wheel.  Ok assuming you have the same amount of play, here is what I did.  I took my steering column off by undoing the 6 bolts at the firewall.  Now where the steering shaft attaches to the steering box, it is joined by a prong with 2 male ends.  Now on these male ends there are bushings (still available from MB for about CAD$10.00).  Either these bushing are missing or have wethered away.  Replacing these are an inexpensive and safe place to begin. If this is not it, then you can go from there.  Please see pic attached where I have tried to  expalin pictorially.
Take care and let me know if this helps,
H

Download Attachment: Prong.jpg
22.46 KB

[james]

Thanks for all the help. I will check out the steering shaft bushings and attachment condition this week and let you know if you have foound my problem.
Thanks again for your help jeff and Iceberg
Jim

james p. collins

[rwmastel]

James,

The bushings in the "steering column to steering box" connection were worn on my car.  Actually, one was worn and one was disinigrated.  Replacing these helped a lot with the particular problem you are having.  I would not consider this a "u-joint" as it does not rotate in all directions like a u-joint in a drive shaft.  It is just a connection with a bushing.

I thought I wrote a thread about my work on this, but I can't find one.  Does this help?

http://index.php?topic=1376


Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[graphic66]

Does anyone have a list of reccomended parts to do this job. Possibly the seals needed in the power steering box, the plastic bushings etc. I have also heard you should replace the 3 bolts holding the steering box on as these can stretch and pull out the threaded holes in the frame.

[rwmastel]

quote:Originally posted by graphic66

Does anyone have a list of reccomended parts ...

I would start with simply replacing those two plastic bushings.  They are cheap and it's an easy job for the beginner DIY mechanic.  If you're worried about the three bolts that hold the steering box to the sub-frame (the box must be removed to seperate from the steering column to replace bushings), then you can replace those.  I think mine went back in fine and have not become loose.

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[james]

thanks for all your help. sure enouph I need two bushings and have ordered them. The simplest way to replace these is taking off the steering box correct?
Just unbolt the three bolts and slide it out of the way? I don't want to disconnet the arm......I also found the flex joint to be totally dissinagrated
the steering damper bad and the right montor mount lowered by about 1". I have
replaced all but the flex and bushing for steering colume. The car should be
like new when I get done. Jim

james p. collins

[jeffc280sl]

Glad to hear you are about to solve the steering play issue.  I would remove the steering column versus the box.  You have already loosened the cover on the fire wall to expose the flex joint.  You will need an allen wrench to unbolt it from the steering box spline.  I would take the steering wheel and turn signal indicator off prior to removing the steering column.  If you want to go this way and have any questions let me know.

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

[rwmastel]

I removed the cover plate from around the steering column on the inside of the firewall.  I think this was necessary to remove the part that the bushings are in.  This may be required at all, I'm not sure?

I removed the steering box from the steering column and suspended it by rope from the brake booster & bracket (maybe not the smartest thing, but it worked).

You don't need to remvoe the steering arm from the steering box.
You don't need to remove the steering column from the car.

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420