loose steering on high mileage 1991 500E

[195910]

Hi everyone,

Owner of my old 1991 500E (now with about 300,000km) has a slight play in the steering, the links all seem to be fine. This is a very slight play and the steering is responding but I know it was better. Any suggestions? Any one had issues with steering couplers ? or is that an R107 issue.

Thanks in advance

 

[jhodg5ck]

Re: lose steering on high mileage 1991 500E...

I take it you have adjusted the steering box? Also could be a worn out worm gear...

These don't have the coupler issues like 107's do.

jono

 

[samiam44]

Idler arm bushings?

 

[Steve119]

Can the 500e box be adjusted?

 

[Eno]

Check the steering joint/knuckle on top of the steering box.
Part number: A 124-460-00-57


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[195910]

Idler arm bushings?

Already renewed

 

[195910]

Can the 500e box be adjusted?

good question

 

[195910]

Check the steering joint/knuckle on top of the steering box.
Part number: A 124-460-00-57


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got a picture of that?

 

[Eno]

I purchased one a last year. It was small and a heavy part for its size.
Exactly like this below:

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[samiam44]

Yes the box is adjustable... If you are encountering wear internal to the box- used boxes in the usa are dirt cheap from 034's. It's always the shipping that gets you. I think there are 2 bearing preloads. The rack gear play is on the bottom of the pitnam arm. It's an allen.. i've never messed with it. I'm sure there is a FSM proceedure for adjustment.

 

[lowman]

the steering box is adjustable..like samiam44 mentioned...BUT you WILL have to do it proper..or else you will just make it worse.There is a wis document describing it..but i do not have it available.

 

[195910]

the steering box is adjustable..like samiam44 mentioned...BUT you WILL have to do it proper..or else you will just make it worse.There is a wis document describing it..but i do not have it available.

The WIS states 1/8 turn to a maximum of 1/4 turn. Its basically pushing the two gears closer together to eliminate the play in the middle section, if they are brought too close the gears will grind when turning the steering wheel, hence ruining the box further. Its something the mechanics don't want to touch and they are telling him to live with it or have the steering box replaced.

Have you attempted this procedure?

 

[lowman]

I have done it yes ,but not on my car .but I remember also you need to use some kind of torque wrench ,to check for pre load , I can't remember at the top of my head .

 

[jhodg5ck]

you can get a dealer reman for around 2G. All the other "reman" boxes are just re-seals.

I don't know why everyone is so Afraid of making adjustments to the steering box..we've been adjusting recirculating ball steering boxes since i first got into a car!

Small adjustments, followed by test drives. It's time consuming to get it Right/Right but it def nets dividents esp when you have a Large dead spot on center.

Biggest problem IME is over tightening, you get a high spot on center so the wheel kicks through as you power through said high spot...Very, Very annoying to drive around.

Baring that, adjust away I say....