Riveted steering Bushing

[Skippermitch]

Help!  I pulled the driver's side interior cover to expose the steering coupling only to find the pins are riveted.  What next?  do I need to buy a whole new coupling, or should I try to find a salvaged unit and put new bushings in? Is an aftermarket universal type joint available? Any and all suggestions are appreciated in advance.

Mitch

1964 230sl

[mdsalemi]

Mitch,

I believe at one point, in lieu of changing the bushings, someone replaced your steering coupling.  The early cars had a coupling not riveted (as you were expecting?) with interchangeable bushings. Later models, such as mine, came with a riveted coupling. When it wears out, you throw it out.

You need to change the coupling only if there is some undue "play" in it; if there is little to no play, put it all back together as the problem you may be trying to solve lay elsewhere, such as your steering box.

If you need to replace the coupling, it should not be too hard to find.  I think MB still sells it.  Check the Classic Center.

[Skippermitch]

Thanks Micheal,

You verified what I assumed.....replaced at one point.  The Bushings are gone....no evidence of even being there.  I will start shopping for one that is serviceable.

Regards,

Mitch

[mdsalemi]

Mitch,

Have you verified that your problem is this coupling?  I thought so too--because everyone told me when the steering is a little loose, it's the bushings.  Well, it wasn't the bushings and it was not the coupling either.  My coupling was very tight. I do have some play in the steering box but didn't want to fork out $450 or so for a rebuilt.  It isn't that bad on mine.

When you have the coupling in sight (when you have a bright light on it and your head in the foot well!) just move the steering wheel a bit back and forth. If there's play it will be obvious as you stare at the coupling.

There's a reason why they are not serviceable like the old ones.  They are designed to be replaced.  Call the usual vendors…personally I would not put a used, non-rebuildable part in my car when a new one is available at a somewhat reasonable cost…I also think aftermarket ones might be around.