Re: [MBZ] Steering box replacement
I've already rebuilt the idler arm, and checked for play at drag link and tie rods (none that I could find). I've got new tie rods and drag link ready to install (and I think a new damper as well) but no time for this car while 'Old Blue' is soaking up all my repair time and $. Last year I had my indie try to adjust the steering box, which helped a little, but it still has way too much play in my opinion. When I watch the steering box while my lovely assistant turns the steering wheel, I can see the steering column move with no corresponding movement from the pitman arm. My 123 wagon had less play than this car! -Max -Original Message- From: mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of Peter Frederick Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2010 12:16 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] Steering box replacement I'd plan a replacement, as there are not parts available for repair (they are matched at the factory, no way to provide a "standard" part!). Of couse, they usually last the life of the rest of the vehicle, so it's not really a hardship. Do crawl under and check the condition of the tie rods, drag link, idler arm bushings, and steering coupler before you decided you have play in the steering box, though. All of the above will give "play" at the steering wheel. A bad damper will cause noise and vibration, and eventually allow the vibration to kill the rest the steering. Peter -Original Message- >From: "Dillon, Meade M CIV SPAWARSYSCEN-ATLANTIC, > 53310" >Sent: Feb 16, 2010 6:32 AM >To: Mercedes Discussion List >Subject: Re: [MBZ] Steering box replacement > >Peter, > >Thanks - I've stored a copy of your email away for future use. My >wagon's steering box has play and I suspect a replacement is in my >future... > >-Max > >-Original Message- >From: mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com >[mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of Peter Frederick >Sent: Friday, February 12, 2010 6:30 PM >To: Mercedes Discussion List >Subject: [MBZ] Steering box replacement > >Got the steering box replaced last night. Was easier than I was >fearing, but still a hassle since I'm way out of shape and my left arm >is weak from the accident (and my failure to strengthen it up). > >Took about 3.5 hours, but this includes replacement of drag link and >right tie rod (did the left one earlier) and a new steering damper. >I think the drag link and tie rod may have been OK, but it's too cheap >to risk beating a new one to death by leaving old ones of unknown >condition in place. > >The box is HEAVY for a fat old man lying on a creeper on the floor -- I >suspect it might be easier on a lift. It would be much easier if you >can hold 60 lbs in one hand for an hour or so > >Key points: > >Everything is keyed, so you can't get it in way off center. The >coupler has a square for the column side, with a notch for the bolt. >There is a notch on the other side for the bolt, too, so you can't get >it on wrong. Ditto for Pitman arm. You should measure the distance >from the lower bearing on the pitman arm, as it can be moved up and >down a bit, but it won't go on wrong. > >The bolt for the column side requires a LONG extension (at least 12", >more is better), but it's not bad. The coupling came of very easily, >and the box comes out the bottom easily. We used an impact wrench on >the three frame to box bolts, it's not easy to reach them otherwise >without a long extension, and that's too floppy. > >Going back in, you MUST put the bolt in the upper coupler hole BEFORE >you put the bolts holding the box to the frame, as it's impossible to >push the column into the coupler once the box is bolted on. > >I suppose one person can do this if you have a lift, but it took three >of use (my brother holding the box up with a loop of rope, me >guiding things on the floor, and my nephew putting the bolts in). >One the floor, it's not possible to hold the box up AND reach the >bolts, although on a lilt I think you could. > >It drives like a new car, even though I don't have the alignment done >yet (very close, doesn't pull at all but the wheel is crooked). I had >forgotten how quiet a W124 is supposed to be, no tire or suspension >noise on normal roads unless actually hitting a bump or hole. No >wander, no crosswind sensetivity, it's great. > >I just wish I'd done this a couple years ago! > >Now I need to do all the links and mounts in the back and put an >evaporator in. > > >Peter > >___ >http://www.oki
Re: [MBZ] Steering box replacement
I'd plan a replacement, as there are not parts available for repair (they are matched at the factory, no way to provide a "standard" part!). Of couse, they usually last the life of the rest of the vehicle, so it's not really a hardship. Do crawl under and check the condition of the tie rods, drag link, idler arm bushings, and steering coupler before you decided you have play in the steering box, though. All of the above will give "play" at the steering wheel. A bad damper will cause noise and vibration, and eventually allow the vibration to kill the rest the steering. Peter -Original Message- >From: "Dillon, Meade M CIV SPAWARSYSCEN-ATLANTIC, > 53310" >Sent: Feb 16, 2010 6:32 AM >To: Mercedes Discussion List >Subject: Re: [MBZ] Steering box replacement > >Peter, > >Thanks - I've stored a copy of your email away for future use. My >wagon's steering box has play and I suspect a replacement is in my >future... > >-Max > >-Original Message- >From: mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com >[mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of Peter Frederick >Sent: Friday, February 12, 2010 6:30 PM >To: Mercedes Discussion List >Subject: [MBZ] Steering box replacement > >Got the steering box replaced last night. Was easier than I was >fearing, but still a hassle since I'm way out of shape and my left arm >is weak from the accident (and my failure to strengthen it up). > >Took about 3.5 hours, but this includes replacement of drag link and >right tie rod (did the left one earlier) and a new steering damper. >I think the drag link and tie rod may have been OK, but it's too cheap >to risk beating a new one to death by leaving old ones of unknown >condition in place. > >The box is HEAVY for a fat old man lying on a creeper on the floor -- I >suspect it might be easier on a lift. It would be much easier if you >can hold 60 lbs in one hand for an hour or so > >Key points: > >Everything is keyed, so you can't get it in way off center. The >coupler has a square for the column side, with a notch for the bolt. >There is a notch on the other side for the bolt, too, so you can't get >it on wrong. Ditto for Pitman arm. You should measure the distance >from the lower bearing on the pitman arm, as it can be moved up and down >a bit, but it won't go on wrong. > >The bolt for the column side requires a LONG extension (at least 12", >more is better), but it's not bad. The coupling came of very easily, >and the box comes out the bottom easily. We used an impact wrench on >the three frame to box bolts, it's not easy to reach them otherwise >without a long extension, and that's too floppy. > >Going back in, you MUST put the bolt in the upper coupler hole BEFORE >you put the bolts holding the box to the frame, as it's impossible to >push the column into the coupler once the box is bolted on. > >I suppose one person can do this if you have a lift, but it took three >of use (my brother holding the box up with a loop of rope, me >guiding things on the floor, and my nephew putting the bolts in). >One the floor, it's not possible to hold the box up AND reach the bolts, >although on a lilt I think you could. > >It drives like a new car, even though I don't have the alignment done >yet (very close, doesn't pull at all but the wheel is crooked). I had >forgotten how quiet a W124 is supposed to be, no tire or suspension >noise on normal roads unless actually hitting a bump or hole. No >wander, no crosswind sensetivity, it's great. > >I just wish I'd done this a couple years ago! > >Now I need to do all the links and mounts in the back and put an >evaporator in. > > >Peter > >___ >http://www.okiebenz.com >For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives >http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ > >To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: >http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com > >___ >http://www.okiebenz.com >For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com >To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ > >To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: >http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Steering box replacement
Peter, Thanks - I've stored a copy of your email away for future use. My wagon's steering box has play and I suspect a replacement is in my future... -Max -Original Message- From: mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of Peter Frederick Sent: Friday, February 12, 2010 6:30 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: [MBZ] Steering box replacement Got the steering box replaced last night. Was easier than I was fearing, but still a hassle since I'm way out of shape and my left arm is weak from the accident (and my failure to strengthen it up). Took about 3.5 hours, but this includes replacement of drag link and right tie rod (did the left one earlier) and a new steering damper. I think the drag link and tie rod may have been OK, but it's too cheap to risk beating a new one to death by leaving old ones of unknown condition in place. The box is HEAVY for a fat old man lying on a creeper on the floor -- I suspect it might be easier on a lift. It would be much easier if you can hold 60 lbs in one hand for an hour or so Key points: Everything is keyed, so you can't get it in way off center. The coupler has a square for the column side, with a notch for the bolt. There is a notch on the other side for the bolt, too, so you can't get it on wrong. Ditto for Pitman arm. You should measure the distance from the lower bearing on the pitman arm, as it can be moved up and down a bit, but it won't go on wrong. The bolt for the column side requires a LONG extension (at least 12", more is better), but it's not bad. The coupling came of very easily, and the box comes out the bottom easily. We used an impact wrench on the three frame to box bolts, it's not easy to reach them otherwise without a long extension, and that's too floppy. Going back in, you MUST put the bolt in the upper coupler hole BEFORE you put the bolts holding the box to the frame, as it's impossible to push the column into the coupler once the box is bolted on. I suppose one person can do this if you have a lift, but it took three of use (my brother holding the box up with a loop of rope, me guiding things on the floor, and my nephew putting the bolts in). One the floor, it's not possible to hold the box up AND reach the bolts, although on a lilt I think you could. It drives like a new car, even though I don't have the alignment done yet (very close, doesn't pull at all but the wheel is crooked). I had forgotten how quiet a W124 is supposed to be, no tire or suspension noise on normal roads unless actually hitting a bump or hole. No wander, no crosswind sensetivity, it's great. I just wish I'd done this a couple years ago! Now I need to do all the links and mounts in the back and put an evaporator in. Peter ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Steering box replacement
87 300D. Peter ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Steering box replacement
What car is this? --R Peter Frederick wrote: Got the steering box replaced last night. Was easier than I was fearing, but still a hassle since I'm way out of shape and my left arm is weak from the accident (and my failure to strengthen it up). Took about 3.5 hours, but this includes replacement of drag link and right tie rod (did the left one earlier) and a new steering damper. I think the drag link and tie rod may have been OK, but it's too cheap to risk beating a new one to death by leaving old ones of unknown condition in place. The box is HEAVY for a fat old man lying on a creeper on the floor -- I suspect it might be easier on a lift. It would be much easier if you can hold 60 lbs in one hand for an hour or so Key points: Everything is keyed, so you can't get it in way off center. The coupler has a square for the column side, with a notch for the bolt. There is a notch on the other side for the bolt, too, so you can't get it on wrong. Ditto for Pitman arm. You should measure the distance from the lower bearing on the pitman arm, as it can be moved up and down a bit, but it won't go on wrong. The bolt for the column side requires a LONG extension (at least 12", more is better), but it's not bad. The coupling came of very easily, and the box comes out the bottom easily. We used an impact wrench on the three frame to box bolts, it's not easy to reach them otherwise without a long extension, and that's too floppy. Going back in, you MUST put the bolt in the upper coupler hole BEFORE you put the bolts holding the box to the frame, as it's impossible to push the column into the coupler once the box is bolted on. I suppose one person can do this if you have a lift, but it took three of use (my brother holding the box up with a loop of rope, me guiding things on the floor, and my nephew putting the bolts in). One the floor, it's not possible to hold the box up AND reach the bolts, although on a lilt I think you could. It drives like a new car, even though I don't have the alignment done yet (very close, doesn't pull at all but the wheel is crooked). I had forgotten how quiet a W124 is supposed to be, no tire or suspension noise on normal roads unless actually hitting a bump or hole. No wander, no crosswind sensetivity, it's great. I just wish I'd done this a couple years ago! Now I need to do all the links and mounts in the back and put an evaporator in. Peter ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Steering box replacement
I suppose one person can do this if you have a lift, but it took three of use (my brother holding the box up with a loop of rope, me guiding things on the floor, and my nephew putting the bolts in). One the floor, it's not possible to hold the box up AND reach the bolts, although on a lilt I think you could. I managed alone on the 123 300D, but it was a real ordeal. (I imagine that the cars vary as to the practicality.) I hung it from a string at nearly the right height, then I worked on it (from above) to get it seated. -- Jim ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
