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Author Topic: Steering Play  (Read 1661 times)

Harry

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Steering Play
« on: May 14, 2023, 15:19:28 »
So since I had removed, refurbished and reinstalled the front end on my 1966 230SL, I have been plagued a bit by play in the steering.  I just replaced the nylon bushings that join the steering column and the steering box so that is not the issue.  I'm about to adjust the power steering box itself but I thought before doing so, I'd run the issue by this team of owners/mechanics.

Thoughts?
Harry
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Harry Bailey
Knoxville, TN
1966 230SL
Automatic

teahead

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Re: Steering Play
« Reply #1 on: May 14, 2023, 18:44:19 »
most recirculating ball steering boxes has an adjustment screw on the top.

Haven't looked at my car to know for sure.

Tighten to see if it helps.
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1970 280SL auto, AC - aka "Edelweiss"

dirkbalter

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Re: Steering Play
« Reply #2 on: May 14, 2023, 19:11:47 »
Quote from: teahead on May 14, 2023, 18:44:19
most recirculating ball steering boxes has an adjustment screw on the top.

Haven't looked at my car to know for sure.

Tighten to see if it helps.

I would be careful to "willi nilli" tightening screws on the steering box. There is a bit more to it. The rebuilding and setting up of the steering box is described in the BBB (full version) extensively.   
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Dirk
66 230 SL
70 280 SEL
53 CHEVY 3100
18 C300 COUPE
05 HD FLSTNI

Flim

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Re: Steering Play
« Reply #3 on: May 18, 2023, 13:01:34 »
Have you checked the steering damper?
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mdsalemi

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Re: Steering Play
« Reply #4 on: May 20, 2023, 15:40:22 »
Quote from: Harry on May 14, 2023, 15:19:28
So since I had removed, refurbished and reinstalled the front end on my 1966 230SL, I have been plagued a bit by play in the steering.  I just replaced the nylon bushings that join the steering column and the steering box so that is not the issue.  I'm about to adjust the power steering box itself but I thought before doing so, I'd run the issue by this team of owners/mechanics.

Thoughts?
Harry

Harry--do you know if the play is in the steering box, or elsewhere? I think the steering column has a universal joint on it for earlier cars and sometimes this can wear out and exhibit play. May be something to check.

If there's play in the box itself, C&M Hydraulics is the acknowledged leader in rebuilding. You can find their rebuilt boxes in a number of places, bought on exchange with a suitable core...
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Michael Salemi
Davidson, North Carolina (Charlotte Area) USA
1969 280SL (USA-Spec)
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
2023 Ford Maverick Lariat Hybrid "Area 51"
2023 Ford Escape Hybrid
2024 Ford Mustang Mach Ex PEV

afibbe

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Re: Steering Play
« Reply #5 on: May 22, 2023, 00:53:16 »
I replaced mine with a rebuild by C&M Hydraulics.  I am so happy with that decision. In my opinion, you can adjust and adjust a little more and never have the steering performance you want.

Good luck with your project.   
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Alex Fibbe
1966 230SL
USA, Cincinnati, OH
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