I realise this might be in the same category as the infamous “how big is a fish”-question, but I would like some input here regardless. I am currently in the process of renewing all the components in the steering of my car, as it had some weird clonking/grinding occasionally. Now, I’ve finally gotten everything off (the final bolt was a final boss as usual), and haven’t really found anything particularly bad - there’s no noticeable play in any of the balls, and the idler arm appears to be as tight as anything. All of the parts I have removed are original MB-parts, which might indicate that they have not been replaced in a long time, and thus I’m continuing with my plan to swap everything in order not to have to do the job again.
With this as a backdrop, let’s get back to the steering gear box; I’m familiar enough with these to know that they are notoriously slack in any position except the centre, and usually also gets more and more playful the further out you turn. I have even replaced a couple of them on my old 190 in pursuit of better steering, but on that one there was enough room to do so just for the fun of it. That’s not the vibe I get from the 036, and neither is parts availability.
What I don’t remember from earlier though, is if the play is enough to give off a very noticeable “clonk” when jiggling the pitman arm with my hand (don’t read this with the wrong mindset). I made a video to showcase what I mean, and this is where I’d like your opinion; is this normal or should I be looking for a replacement steering box?
- First movement; centre position, not apparent play or sound (noises are from me hitting the car with my phone).
- Second movement; slightly off centre, noticeable play and sound.
- Third movement; all the way over; considerable (?) play and sound.
With this as a backdrop, let’s get back to the steering gear box; I’m familiar enough with these to know that they are notoriously slack in any position except the centre, and usually also gets more and more playful the further out you turn. I have even replaced a couple of them on my old 190 in pursuit of better steering, but on that one there was enough room to do so just for the fun of it. That’s not the vibe I get from the 036, and neither is parts availability.
What I don’t remember from earlier though, is if the play is enough to give off a very noticeable “clonk” when jiggling the pitman arm with my hand (don’t read this with the wrong mindset). I made a video to showcase what I mean, and this is where I’d like your opinion; is this normal or should I be looking for a replacement steering box?
- First movement; centre position, not apparent play or sound (noises are from me hitting the car with my phone).
- Second movement; slightly off centre, noticeable play and sound.
- Third movement; all the way over; considerable (?) play and sound.
